Create Your Own Miniature Bookshelf with A Free Printable Book Template!

A fun and creative way to track your reads or decorate your space!

Looking for a new, whimsical way to keep track of the books you’ve read—or just want to create something tiny and adorable? Let’s build a miniature bookshelf together, complete with free printable mini books!

This project is fun, easy, and perfect for book lovers, crafters, or anyone who enjoys tiny things. 🥰(Heads up: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—thank you for supporting my art so I can keep creating tutorials like this!)

Supplies You’ll Need

Essential Supplies:

• Free printable tiny books template (linked below!)

• Miniature bookshelf (or make your own from cardboard!)

• Foam board (or folded paper to fill your book spines)

• Glue

• Paint

• Paintbrush

• Scissors

Optional (But Fun!) Extras:

• Watercolor paint & watercolor paper

• Micron pen for illustrations or mini doodles

• Mod Podge (for sealing your books or bookshelf)

• Canva.com (free version – great for designing custom covers!)

Let’s Get Started!

Step 1: Decorate Your Bookshelf

Start by painting your mini bookshelf. I used watercolor to give mine a cozy, weathered look—light blue with darker blue in the creases for a vintage touch. Let it dry while we work on the books!

Book Template

Step 2: Download & Customize Your Books

🎁 Click here to download the FREE tiny book template! Once downloaded, you can print it as-is, or edit it in Canva to add custom covers and titles.

If your bookshelf is a different size:

• Measure the height between shelves.

• Create a book cover slightly smaller than that height (e.g., if your shelf is 1 inch tall, make your book no more than 1 inch).

• Don’t forget to add space for a spine (about 1 cm) between the front and back cover rectangles.

  
  

  

  
  

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re using a real book cover image, flip it upside down before printing so that when folded, it appears right-side up!

Step 3: Cut Out the Books

Carefully cut around the cover designs.

Step 4: Create the Spine

Cut a piece of foam board to fit between the front and back covers—same size as the cover itself. For thicker books, use two stacked foam pieces or gently press the foam to fit the spine.

Step 5: Assemble Your Mini Books

Glue the front and back covers to either side of the foam board. Press gently to make sure it holds. Repeat to create a full row of mini titles!

Tip: Add favorite book titles or even make tiny “journals” with blank paper inside!

Step 6: Place Books on the Shelf

Line them up neatly—or make it messy for that real reader’s vibe. You're halfway to a tiny library!

Step 7: Create Mini Paintings

Use watercolor paper and paints to make tiny artwork for your shelf. Let dry completely before moving on.

Step 8: Make Mini Easel Stands

Print your art on cardstock (for sturdiness), cut it out, and glue a small folded rectangle to the back to help it stand. Instant mini masterpiece!

You Did It!

Congrats—your tiny bookshelf is done! It’s the perfect blend of art and story, and I hope it fills your space with a little extra joy.

💌 Stay Connected

Our creative community loves supporting each other and would love seeing what you create, so be sure to tag us @HannahRenaeArt on social media! Your creativity might inspire someone else to start their own mini library.

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