Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California

Although I believe this would certainly not violate copyright laws, based on prior case law, you should bear in mind that this might not prevent some copyright owner from suing or threaten to sue. And, although this should be fine under copyright law, care should be taken not to suggest or imply that the book publisher or author is in any way involved, as that might raise trademark concerns.

Please don't consider this legal advice. I am not your lawyer, and I don't necessarily have all of the relevant facts. (My only legal advice is to consult with your lawyer.) But I can say that others have done similar things, and have won in court. Your lawyer should have no difficulty finding those cases (e.g., cutting out a copyrighted image and placing it on a tile, for sale; taking books that had been partially burned and were destined to be destroyed, cutting off the burned edges, re-binding them, and selling them).