Craft Inspo | Book Duology Sprayed Edges

Hey fellow bookworms and crafters! You know that feeling when you love a book so much, you just want to make it truly *yours*? That's exactly how I felt about the 'Dating & Dragons' and 'Dungeons and Drama' duology. These books, especially 'Dungeons and Drama' by Kristy Boyce, have such vibrant characters and stories that I knew they deserved a special touch on my shelf. For those curious about the 'Dungeons and Drama' book, it's an incredibly fun read! The theatre-loving main character, who moonlights as a lute-carrying Bard, and the crafting MC from 'Dating & Dragons' who makes dice bracelets, provided the perfect inspiration for my sprayed edge designs. It's not just about decorating; it's about extending the story right onto the physical pages. When choosing books for this kind of project, I always pick ones I adore, especially hardcovers, because they hold up best and offer a great canvas. Plus, a series or duology like this one allows for cohesive, yet distinct, designs that tell a visual story together. Now, let's talk about getting started, especially if you've been searching for a "sprayed edges kit." While those kits definitely exist and can be super helpful, I actually went the full DIY route for my 'Dating & Dragons' and 'Dungeons and Drama' books, and you absolutely can too! A typical sprayed edges kit might include stencils, special paints, and perhaps a clamping tool. They're great for beginners who want a quick start with pre-designed stencils. However, don't feel limited if you don't have one! Here's what I used and what I recommend if you're going kit-free, drawing from my experience with this project: First, you'll need your book! Make sure it's tightly clamped together. I use small C-clamps and sandwich the book between two pieces of wood or cardboard to protect the covers. This is crucial for preventing paint from seeping into the pages. Next, gather your paint. I find acrylic paints work wonderfully, watered down slightly until they're a thin, inky consistency. You don't want it too thick, or it will create a messy edge. For applying, I prefer a soft brush or even a makeup sponge. For my 'Dungeons and Drama' book, I freehanded the lutes and dice, but if you're not confident with freehand, you can easily cut your own stencils from cardstock or even use store-bought stencils. Masking tape is your best friend for creating clean lines or protecting areas you don't want painted. The process itself involves applying several very thin coats of your diluted paint. It's tempting to put on a thick layer, but patience is key here! Let each layer dry completely before adding the next. This prevents the pages from sticking together and ensures a smooth, even finish. For the custom lettering on the tops of my 'Dating & Dragons' and 'Dungeons and Drama' books, I used a fine-tipped brush and a steady hand. It was a bit terrifying, but seeing the titles come together was incredibly satisfying! Finally, once everything is dry, you can carefully unclamp your book. If you're worried about smudging or want extra durability, a clear matte or gloss sealant spray can be applied. Just be sure to do it in a well-ventilated area. The beauty of DIY sprayed edges, whether for your favorite 'Dungeons and Drama' book or any other, is the personal touch you add. It truly makes your book collection unique and a reflection of your passion for reading and crafting. Give it a try – you might surprise yourself with what you can create!