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This project has been one of my most popular DIY’s so far! I have so many people ask me, “WHERE did you get that?!”
Well, I didn’t get it anywhere, I MADE it! After looking up a Hocus Pocus Spellbook online and realizing they are soo expensive, I decided NOPE! I’m going to make it myself!
So, here’s how you can create one for yourself that you can enjoy for years to come!
1. Find the Book!
In Winifred’s words, “Boooooooooooooook?”
I found mine in a local thrift store for $4.99!!! I felt like I had found lost treasure or something, lol.
I did forget to get an original picture of the book but I believe it was an old English Literature textbook.
Here’s a picture of it on my entryway table, for size reference!
2. Making the Wrinkles
First step after finding the book? Make the cover look veryyy old.
For this step, you’ll be using Mod Podge Matte found here, a sponge applicator like this one, and a large paper towel sheet!
Wet the paper towel and lay it over the book, including the bind. You can do that back(if you want) once the front dries completely.
Start manipulating the paper towel into wrinkles that you like, somewhat like the picture below! You want it to look similar to leather.
Put a thick coating of Matte Mod Podge on top of your creased wet paper towel, continuing to pinch and perfect the wrinkles.
For visual reasons, I wish I had thought to lay the book on something other than a white towel….but you get the idea!
Be sure the flat areas are laying directly on the book so it dries to the book cover.
Allow to dry completely! Then do the same process to the back if you’d like too!
3. Create the Eyeball
This eyeball came in a pack from Dollar Tree, or you can get them here!
You want one the size of a ping pong ball. You’re going to use a razor knife to cut it in half with the eyeball on the front of course!
The eyelids are actually made out of a toilet paper roll!! (yes, really lol) I used the end of the roll as the straight line and cut out the eyelid shape. (2 separate pieces)
Now, you’re going to hot glue the flat side of the eyeball directly to the book.
Be sure to leave plenty of room for the eyelids to go on top without hanging off the side!
Now, hot glue your eyelids directly to your eyeball, as well as to the book. Use as much hot glue as needed!(see picture above) It creates more character!
Also using hot glue, create a thicker ring around your entire eyeball(like the picture above).
4. Details, Details, Details
First, I used scissors to cut up toothpicks into small, somewhat even pieces. Put those to the side. Have some tweezers on hand to place the toothpicks with.
Next, I cut a piece of cardboard from an old box and hot glued it to the left edge of the book!
Now, we Hot Glue GALOR! Start at the top and create your first line of hot glue. Before it dries, use tweezers to place the pieces of toothpicks into the first line of hot glue.
Then, run the second line of hot glue over the exposed edge of the pieces of toothpicks, making your first STITCH!
I got a picture of my first stitch after I started painting (oops) but this is what it should resemble!
I would suggest starting at the top and working your way down. No one likes accidentally setting your hand in hot glue, lol.
Also using hot glue, create your snakes on the bottom right corner and top right corner. If I did this again, I would consider trying molding clay for a cleaner look.
But it does look great in the final product!
Finally, create your last snake on the piece of cardboard(also hot glue!).
Let dry completely.
5. And WE PAINT
I used a Nutmeg brown Matte acrylic paint like this one. I wanted a brown with a little more orange-y hue to resemble the color of the BOOK in Hocus Pocus.
You’ll have some places on the hot glue where the paint doesn’t stick with the first coat, but DONT FRET!
Once it dries, it may look like this. You’re going in the right direction!
Apply a second coat of brown paint to your whole book. Excluding the snakes and the ring around the eyeball(they will be painted a different color in the next step), dab paint onto the hot glue until you have full coverage.
Don’t forget to paint your eyelids!
6. Let’s Add Some Gray
I used this Matte grey acrylic paint and a small paint brush like these to apply the paint to the cardboard edge, snakes, and define the circle around the eyeball.
Allow the grey to dry completely!
Apply a second coat, if needed!
BTW, if you want a DIY HAUNTED DOLLHOUSE to go with your Hocus Pocus Book of Spells, I can show you how HERE =)
7. Black Paint Details
I started with adding a thin line of this matte black acrylic paint around my snake on the cardboard piece.
While the paint is still wet, clean your brush in water and use the wet brush to stretch the paint to the outer edges, creating a shadow effect!
Apply small thin lines of black paint to your wrinkles, stitches, and details and again using water to spread/thin the paint lines!
Use a paper towel to blot wet spots, and create smudges.
It will look a little messy at first but trust the process! You want it to look OLD.
We’re almost DONE!
PS-Hosting a Halloween Party this year? If so, I can show you how to make it unforgettable! Click here to see my Haunted Forest Halloween Party
NOW let’s finish our book!
8. Final Details
Use black paint to detail the circular clasp around the eyeball. I used a little tool like this one to create my dots!
Let your book dry completely and touch up any spots you think may need it!!
And there you have it friends….your very own Hocus Pocus BOOK OF SPELLS!
Enjoy your MASTERPIECE!
