Every Halloween, our inbox fills up with one big question: “How do you make that creepy book with the eye?” The good news is—it’s way easier than it looks. With a thrifted book, some glue, and a realistic glass eye (yes, really), you can create your very own spooky spellbook straight out of a haunted library.
This is a perfect recycled craft for Halloween décor, themed parties, or even as a quirky prop for your bookshelf.
Supplies You’ll Need
- An old hardcover book (thrift stores are perfect hunting grounds)
- Sharp craft knife or box cutter
- Realistic glass or resin eye cabochon (the more lifelike, the better!)
- PVA glue or Mod Podge
- Small paintbrush
- Black or dark brown paint (optional, for aging edges)
- Heavyweight object (like another big book) for pressing
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Prep Your Book
Choose a hardcover book you don’t mind cutting into. Thicker is better—it gives your eye socket more depth.
Step 2: Mark the Eye Socket
Decide where you want the eye to “peek out” from the book. A centered placement feels creepy and intentional, while an off-center eye gives more of a possessed journal vibe. Trace a circle just a little larger than your glass eye.
Step 3: Cut the Circle
Using a sharp craft knife, carefully cut through the cover and into several pages beneath. You don’t need to go too deep—just enough to nestle your glass eye so it sits snugly. Go slowly and keep your fingers well out of the blade’s path.
Step 4: Secure the Pages
Once your socket is cut, brush PVA glue along the outside edges of the book to hold the pages together. Press the book under a heavy weight until the glue sets (a few hours or overnight works best). This keeps the pages from shifting around.
Step 5: Glue in the Eye
Pop your glass eye into the cutout and glue it firmly in place. Let dry completely.
Step 6: Add Spooky Finishing Touches
For extra eerie detail, brush the page edges with diluted black or brown paint for an aged, smoky effect. You can also glue on strips of fabric, faux leather, or hot-glued “wrinkles” to give your book more texture.
Tips for the Best Results
- The quality of the eye makes all the difference! Cheap stickers won’t have the same impact as a glass or resin cabochon. Look for realistic ones with depth and light reflection.
- Don’t skip pressing the book under a heavy object while the glue dries—it keeps the pages crisp and clean.
- Layer in extra details like fake blood drips, cobwebs, or even stitched binding for a more dramatic prop.
