The Viral Book Bedazzling Trend You Need to Try
Sparkly covers are the new dust jackets…
Book bedazzling isn’t just a DIY trend, it’s a full-on sparkle renaissance for your bookshelf. From TikTok feeds to Etsy shops, rhinestone-studded reads are turning personal libraries into aesthetic statements. Think of it as the literary lovechild of your middle school sticker collection and your current interior design obsession. Whether you're looking to glam up a worn paperback, gift a personalized novel to a friend, or just bring your bookshelf to life with a little razzle-dazzle, bedazzling is the cozy craft hobby we didn’t know we needed. The best part? It’s low-stakes, low-cost, and wildly satisfying. All it takes is a little sparkle and a lot of personality to turn your most-loved titles into glittering works of art.
How to Bedazzle Your Books: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose Your Book Wisely
Start with a book that has a solid cover, preferably a hardcover or a paperback with a matte or soft-touch finish. Avoid glossy covers (they don’t hold glue well) or rare first editions. This is all about fun, not stress.
Step 2: Plan Your Sparkle Layout
Sketch out your design or place rhinestones loosely on the cover to test different layouts, think borders, corner flourishes, titles outlined in bling, or starry scatterings across the whole surface.
Step 3: Use the Right Tools
You’ll need:
Flat-back rhinestones or mini gems
A strong craft glue (B7000 is a go-to)
Tweezers or a wax pencil for precision
Optional: A sealant spray for extra durability
Step 4: One Gem at a Time
Apply a tiny dot of glue to the back of each rhinestone and press it into place. Start at the center of your design and work outward. Less is often more, leave breathing room between gems so the cover design still shines through.
Step 5: Let It Dry
Give your masterpiece at least 24 hours to dry fully before handling or stacking it with other books. You want sparkle, not sticky.
Step 6: Show It Off
Place it cover-out on your shelf, snap a pic for social, or use it as a decor piece on your nightstand. If you really want to commit, match your bookmark to your rhinestone palette.
Book bedazzling is proof that even the quietest parts of your home can still have a little main character energy. Whether you go full glam with glittering stones or keep it subtle with soft pearls or metallic accents, there’s no wrong way to personalize your bookshelf. It's a low-effort, high-reward project that transforms your reading corner into something uniquely yours.
What To Wear While Dazzling Your Books
