magic as craft
Fantasy novels where magic systems involve some sort of practiced craft (painting, baking, bookbinding, and beyond)
created by moss-mylk
last updated February, 2026
Comments
I love this concept! If recs are welcome, I suggest The Scandalous Letters of V and J by Felicia Davin. There are varied methods to wield magic in this world that arise uniquely out of a person and most are tied to a craft or activity. Being a bit vague bc I donāt want to give anything away! Also, maybe someone could confirm if they think Babel by RF Kuang would count, with language learning/wielding as a practiced skill? Totally understand if the vibe for this list is only focused on tangible handicrafts/trades.
Ohh beautiful list! ā¤ļø I think I have some books on my shelves that would fit well here, i'll report back once I find them!
Love love love this concept for a list!
The Circle of Magic series by Tamora Pierce, first book: Sandry's Book. Stitch witchery and blacksmith magic.
The Forge and Fracture Saga by Brittany N Williams, first book: That Self-Same Metal. Blacksmith magic in Shakespearean England.
The Shadowshaper series by Daniel Jose Older, first book: Shadowshaper. Magic that infuses ancestral spirits into art/painting.
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim. More stitch witchery, but I'm not sure it counts because I can't remember if the magic is in the actual act of sewing or if she's just sewing with magical items.
Seconding Sandryās Book and adding Dajaās Book, but really the whole series includes magic as craft elements.
Haha I ran to recommend paper magician and you've already got it. Following so I can see as more get added, I love this fantasy subgenre. Will try to think of others
this is such a good subgenre in fantasy!! definitely need more of these in my life, great list!
ā the binding mention ā such a fun subgenre, excited to see how this list expands!
Ou Lillie from A Drizzle of Magic does baking magic!
Ooo, this sounds like such a lovely subcategory of magic systems
oh i love this list
How did I miss this banger of a list mossy !! Saving right now. I am always looking for more crafty magic : music , arts etc
This seems so fun! Excited to see more books on here!
I just started The Keeper of Magical Things and I think it fits so far.
Oh I love this!!! Def adding a few to my TBR
This is such an amazing list! š I love creative magic systems like this!
Not ignoring your lovely comments and recs, i will get round to them when i can. Appreciate them !!!!
Love this! An Embroidery of Souls by Ruby Martinez would fit this perfectly :)
What a good idea for a list. I think Arcana Academy by Elise Kova would fit too!
