Learn how to create a DIY Recycled Book Apple just in time for Teacher Appreciation Day or Back to School. A Dollar Tree paperback book and some craft paint transform into an elegant three-dimensional book apple. The perfect farmhouse-style accent for your home decor.
Looking for more projects like this? Check out our full list of Dollar Tree Crafts using traditional materials in unique and unconventional ways to create upscale home decor. Free printable patterns are included at the bottom of this post to make this a quick and easy craft.
3D Paperback Book Apple
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Here's what you need to make a Book Apple for Teacher
- Paperback Book, One – Dollar Tree
- Americana by DecoArt Acrylic Craft Paint – Santa Red
- Assorted Ribbon Scraps – Green
- Twig – from the yard
- MONO Twin Permanent Marker
- Glue Gun and Glue Sticks – Dollar Tree
- Craft Knife
- Self-Healing Mat
- Basecoat Paintbrush Set – DecoArt
- Scissors – I love my Fiskars!
- Wire Cutters or Branch Cutter
- Binder Clips – Dollar Tree
- BOOK APPLE PATTERNS download from the bottom of this post ⇓
Here's how to create an Apple from a Recycled Paperback Book
STEP ONE
To begin the Recycled Book Apple, gather all supplies. Remove the front and back covers of paperback book. Download and print the BOOK APPLE PATTERNS download from the bottom of this post ⇓ or draw your own shape on the inside of the book covers with a pencil or marker.
STEP TWO
Trace the apple patterns onto the cover of the book with the MONO Twin Permanent Marker. Cut out the apple patterns with scissors.
Open the book flat at the halfway point, and trace the apple pattern on the right half of the open book with the MONO Twin marker. Repeat by tracing the apple pattern on the right half of the open book.
STEP THREE
Using binder clips, secure both sides of the book. Insert a self-healing mat under the book and with a new, sharp blade on a craft knife, carefully cut through the pages a few at a time.
Continue cutting the book pages until half of the pages are completely cut out. Repeat on the other side of the book. Take your time cutting the pages a few at a time so they don't rip and tear. Use the cutout portion of the book as your guide to keep the apple shape consistent.
STEP FOUR
Flip the cutout book apple on your work surface and attach the exposed spine together with a line of hot glue from a glue gun.
Fluff out the apple by crinkling and crumpling each book page individually. Bend and score the spine of the book as you fluff out the apple shape. This will allow the apple to retain its three-dimensional shape.
STEP FIVE
Dry brush Santa Red acrylic craft paint around the edges of the book pages. Carefully separate any pages that might stick together, then set aside to dry. The paint application does not have to be accurate or precise.
STEP SIX
Gather a stick from the yard and cut it to size with wire cutters or branch cutters. Attach to the top center of the book apple with a glue gun and glue sticks.
Tie assorted lengths of green ribbon, lace, and trim scraps around the stem of the book apple. Finish with a double knot and trim any long ends with scissors.
Download the DIY Book Apple Patterns HERE
Dollar Tree Paperback Book Apple for Teacher
Change things up by creating book apples of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Your family and friends will never know how quick and easy this trendy DIY Recycled Dollar Tree Book Apple was to create! Tie on a gift card and gift to that special Teacher for a fabulous gift!
More Teacher Crafts and Printables
Create an Easy Clay Pot Apple for Teacher a 30 Minute Craft that is the perfect container to hold some sweets and a gift card. Teachers give so much of themselves to our children, so thank them with this quick and easy craft.
A Back to School Teacher Gift with FREE Printable Tags filled with school supplies is a perfect and thoughtful present. Download, print, and color the fun pencil and crayon tags to top your teacher's gift and let them know how much you are looking forward to this school year.
Back-to-School time is the perfect time to create an Upcycled DIY Wine Cork Apple for Teacher. These were actually so quick and easy that I made three in different sizes. Add a gift card and it makes the perfect welcome back-to-school gift for your new teacher.
Sharing is Caring! If you LOVE it, Please PIN it!
Are you too busy to make this DIY Recycled Dollar Tree Book Apple for Teacher right now? Pin it for later! I'd love for you to pin this project to your favorite craft board on Pinterest and then it’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.
I'd love to hear what you think about this project, or if you want to know more about Dollar Tree Crafts. If you've made your own recycled book projects, I would love to see your creations! Share them on Instagram, and Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest! #CreativelyBeth
Thanks for stopping by!
This is such a great gift idea!
YES, Joanne! Perfect for a teacher gift, especially when made out of their favorite book!
I L-O-V-E this idea for a teacher!! So unique and special. Pinning to share and save. Thanks for sharing this post at the Will Blog for Comments #36 linkup!
YES! It’s my go-to gift for the kids teachers! Just add a gift card!
Super cute and clever!
THANKS! So quick and easy with the free patterns!
What a lovely idea and craft to do with the kids during summer vacation.
Thanks so much for participating and sharing at SSPS 308. See you again next week
Such a great idea. Love this.
This is such a creative and fun gift for teachers!
Thank you Joanne – I love making homemade gifts!
Just adorable, Beth! Love the idea of upcycling, and such a clever gift! Pinned, and happy to be featuring your post at TTA this week!
YAY for upcycled crafts, Julie! Thank you for the feature 🙂
How lovely for a teacher’s gift Beth.
Thank you for sharing this DIY at Create, Bake, Grow and Gather this week.
I’m delighted to be featuring your recycled book apple at tonight’s party and pinning also.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
This is so adorable Beth! I have always wanted to make something with book pages and you have inspired me! Such a great gift or fabulous home decor! Pinning now!
Thanks, Donna! The perfect decor piece as well, not just for teachers!
This is so cute! I’ve done a book pumpkin but this is the first book apple I’ve seen. Stopping over from Talking About IT Tuesday.
Thanks, Heather! Free template available, too!
I absolutely love this creative idea! What a unique gift. Thanks so much for sharing this post with us at the Will Blog for Comments #43 linkup. We hope you’ll share more at #44 which opens on Monday morning. 🙂
Thanks for the invite Jennifer!
Beth, I have always want to learn book folding and recycling into craft and art pieces, thank you. This post is one of my features at this week’s WTJR, thank you for joining us!
THANK YOU Melynda! It is a little time consuming but quite easy!