Meet My Painted Book Bricks: The Garden Project Every Book Lover Needs
If you've ever wanted to bring your love of books into your garden, I have the project for you. Painted book bricks are exactly what they sound like, real brick pavers painted to look like miniature books, designed to line garden beds, pathways, and outdoor spaces with a little literary charm. I've been making them for a while now and they are honestly one of my favorite creative outlets.
What Are Painted Book Bricks?
Painted book bricks are regular concrete bricks transformed with acrylic paint into decorative book replicas. They're designed to sit outdoors, lining garden beds, tucked into flower borders, or arranged along a pathway, and they add the most unexpected, whimsical touch to any outdoor space. Each one is hand-painted and completely one of a kind.
Mine range from classic literature titles to botanical designs to colorful abstract patterns — basically, whatever mood I'm in when I sit down to paint. Some of my favorites I've made include nature-inspired covers, bold abstract designs, and tributes to some of my most-loved books. Every single one starts the same way though, with a plain brick, a base coat of paint, and a vision.
Why I Love Making Them
There's something really satisfying about combining two things I love, books and being outdoors, into one creative project. My garden book brick collection has grown into one of my favorite things about my outdoor space. Visitors always do a double-take when they spot them, and they make for the most unique, personal garden decor you'll find anywhere.
They also make incredible gifts. A hand-painted brick featuring someone's favorite book is genuinely one of the most thoughtful, personal presents I can imagine — and they're surprisingly affordable to make once you have your supplies.
What You Need to Get Started
The supply list is short, and most of it you'll use over and over again across dozens of bricks.
For the bricks themselves, I like to pick up two different sizes of bricks (what I refer to as "paperback" size and "hardcover" size from my local Home Depot or Menards.
For the smaller "paperback size": Holland 45 mm 7.87 in. L x 3.94 in. W x 1.77 in. H Rivertown Blend Concrete Paver (~$0.68 each)
They're inexpensive and the perfect size to resemble an actual book. That said, if you have old bricks or pavers already lying around your yard, those work just as well. There's no need to buy anything new if you already have materials on hand!
Here's the basic breakdown of what Art Supplies I use:
- Acrylic paints — I use a full set so I always have the colors I need. A good quality acrylic set rated for Outdoor Use is essential.
- Fine detail brushes — for lettering and any intricate design work. A multi-size brush set gives you flexibility.
- A wide flat brush — for your base coat. Gets the job done fast and smooth.
- Spray Top Coat/Glossy or Matte — this is non-negotiable. It protects your finished brick from rain, sun, and general outdoor wear. Don't skip it.
I've put together a full Painted Book Brick Supplies list on Amazon with everything I personally use and recommend, all affordable, all tried and tested in my own garden. Shop the full list here and you'll have everything you need to make your first brick.
Is This Beginner Friendly?
Absolutely. I genuinely believe that if you can hold a paintbrush, you can make a book brick. The beauty of this project is that imperfections are part of the charm, no two bricks are exactly alike, and that's the whole point. Start simple with a bold base color and basic lettering, and work your way up to more detailed designs as you get comfortable. Your first brick won't be perfect, and that is completely okay.
I'll be sharing more detailed posts on my process, specific designs, and tips for painting different styles right here on the blog — so if you want to follow along, bookmark this page and check back regularly. I'm planning to share a new book brick post every month with recent pieces I've painted and the techniques behind them.
See More of My Book Bricks
I share my book brick collection regularly on Pinterest and Instagram, and you can browse for a full look at what I've made so far. New pieces get added as I finish them!
And if you're ready to grab your supplies and get started, here's the full Amazon list one more time: Shop my Painted Book Brick Supplies on Amazon →
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
#PaintedBookBricks #BookBricks #GardenDecor #BookishHomeDecor #DIYGarden #AcrylicPainting #BookArt #GardenArt #AmazonFinds #BookLovers
Comments
Post a Comment