Easy DIY Recycled Book Planter | Video Tutorial Included!

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Learn how to DIY this easy book planter from recycled books! Be sure to also watch the step-by-step video tutorial for more helpful tips.

I’ve been wanting to make this project FOREVER. I always felt bad about cutting up books, but don’t worry, no NEW books were used in the making of this planter, only well-worn-out books.

I think this project is a wonderful way to give them a second life! It’s the perfect way to add a quirky touch to your houseplants or to give as a gift to a book lover in your life.

Book Planter Supplies

• Used book – Goodwill, thrift stores, your own collection, etc.!
• Small plant (I used an n’joy pothos)
• Craft knife
• Plastic wrap and/or plastic bags
• Glue (I used Mod Podge)
• Moss (optional, to cover any flaws at the end)
• Rocks (optional, to cover any flaws at the end)

Book Planter Tutorial

1. On the book cover, draw the shape of the planter that you’re going to cut out. I drew a rectangle about an inch in from each side.
2. Carefully use your craft knife to cut that shape out of the cover. Continue cutting that shape into the book, a few pages at a time, using the previous pages to guide your cuts. Continue until you get to around two-thirds to three-fourths into the book.
3. Once you’ve finished making the planter cut out, glue the outside parts of the pages so that the book will stay shut. Make sure to use a glue that dries clear (Mod Podge does!).
4. Line the inside of the planter cut out with plastic wrap and/or plastic bags. Don’t be stingy—I used eight layers of plastic wrap and a plastic sandwich bag. This is your barrier between the soil and the book and will keep the book from getting wet when you water the plant.
5. Now it’s time to pot your plant into the book planter! Remember that you’ll have to use a small plant since the planter is shallow.
   • Note: I think next time I do this project I’ll use two or three books, cutting the same shape into each one and then stacking them to create a deeper planter. The bottom two books in the photo at the top of this post are just for show.
6. After I got the plant all situated in the book planter, I was still able to see some of the plastic lining, so I used small rocks and Spanish moss to decorate around the plant and cover up those parts. This part is up to you!