Tuesday, September 24, 2013

How to DIY a Paper Covered Book

 
You may have seen these books in boutique stores and wondered how to do it yourself (I know I did).  So I got an old book and decided to jump in and try it out.  I didn't want to just make a book cover that slips over the cover, but one that became part of the book.  By covering a book yourself, this allows you to pick a book sized to your space and covered to coordinate with your decor.

Here is how I did it:

First I gathered my supplies.  You will need a hardcover book, scrapbook paper, Mod Podge (I used Matte finish), a foam brush, and a paper trimmer or craft knife (not shown). 
I chose 2 pieces of scrapbook paper, one for my binding and one for the cover.  You could also use wrapping paper or handmade paper.



Next I lined up the edge of the paper I was using to cover the binding and made a mark on where to cut.  Make sure you wrap the paper around the book while it is closed or you may come up short.  


I then lined up the edge of my black paper that I'm using on the binding with the edge of the lining on the inside of the cover.

I made a mark at the edge of the book so I could copy that measurement to use for the opposite end.  Also mark the top edge of the book too. 

Once I had my mark telling me how much paper I needed to wrap the edge, I could apply that same measurement to the top edge.  Now it's time to cut my patterned paper to the front and back cover.
 

On the patterend paper, I lined up the edge of the paper with the edge of the lining and marked where I needed to cut just like with the black paper. 
On went a layer of Mod podge on the side where my patterned paper will go.  I smoothed it out by going in the same direction with the brush.  It dries pretty quick and doesn't slide easily, so make sure you are putting your paper in the right place.  On the other side of the book, I decided to try a different cutting approach.  I glued first then cut it using a straight edge and craft knife.  The cut was not as smooth, but it is more forgiving if you don't have the paper in quite the right place before the glue dries.
Now that I have the paper adhered, I was ready to wrap the edges.
I folded one edge up, then folded in the point of the corner.  You repeat this process for the opposite edge parallel to the one you just did.
Once both corners are folded in, you can fold up the last edge.
 
After the paper is glued down, I applied 2 coats of Mod Podge over the top.  This also helped to seal all the edges firmly.
 
It only takes a few minutes to dry and you are ready to display your new paper covered book! 
 
 
 
 

 

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