How to Make a Cover for a Book With a Personal Picture

Protect books from wear and tear with homemade covers.

Making homemade book covers protect books from spills, dust or damage. A range of covers exist on the market from self-adhesive plastic covers to hard plastic cases. However, making a homemade book cover out of a grocery bag or wrapping paper will cost less and allow you to personalize the cover. Personal pictures make for great accessories on plain homemade book covers.

Things You'll Need

• Textbook
• Paper bag or heavy wrapping paper
• Ruler
• Tape
• Scissors
• Picture(s)
• Glue
• Colored markers

Instructions

1. Cut the bottom off the paper bag. If using wrapping paper, cut a piece that is 4 inches larger than the book on all sides.

2. Place the book in the center of the paper rectangle. Fold the paper up from the bottom and over top of the book. Crease the fold.

3. Fold the paper down from the top and over the book. Crease the fold. Lift the book off the paper.

4. Fold the paper along the fresh creases. The paper rectangle should now be as tall as the book.

5. Open the book and place it on the center of the paper rectangle. Fold the left side of the paper in over the front cover of the book. Crease the fold.

6. Repeat Step 5 on the right side.

7. Tape the bottom layer of the left and right folds to the paper rectangle. This will create a pocket. Slip the front and back covers into these pockets and close the book.

8. Glue the picture or pictures to the front and back covers of the book. If using multiple pictures, trim the edges and design a collage.

9. Embellish the design and to print the name of the book using the markers.

Tips & Warnings

• Complement your picture by gluing other design elements, such as buttons, sequins or stickers, around the personal photo on the cover.

References

• The Book Cover Company: Which Covering Do I Need?
• Nickelodeon Parents Connect: Homemade Schoolbook Covers