How to Make a Hollow Book

If you are looking for the perfect hiding place in plain sight, think about making your own hollow book. You will have the satisfaction of creating your own secret spot for valuables, cash or anything you don't want sitting out in the open. As long as the item you want to hide is no larger than a hardcover book, this is a perfect project to take on.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Choose the hardcover book that you want to turn into a hollow book.

2. Take the first few pages of the book and fold them back to the front cover. Place the front cover and these pages in a plastic storage bag and secure tightly with masking tape.

3. Use a pencil along a metal ruler to mark the size of the cavity that you want in your hollow box.

4. Mix together a solution of 50% white glue and 50% water. Brush the outer edges of the pages of the book with glue and water solution and let dry for 30 minutes.

5. Cut along the lines you have drawn inside the book with a box cutter. Use the metal ruler as a cutting guide and cut as straight down through the pages as you can.

6. Brush the glue and water solution along the cut edges of the hollowed out cavity that you have just created. Apply another coat to the outside edges of the pages and then a second coat inside the book.

7. Take the last page of the group of pages that you folded back to the front cover and cut it out of the book. Glue it to the top of the hollowed out area to hide the penciled lines and make it look neater. Place a piece of plastic wrap between this page and the folded back pages so they do not stick together in the drying process.

8. Let dry for 30 to 60 minutes. Open to page that is glued to the top of the hollowed out portion of the book and carefully cut through this page to expose the cavity. Keep the book open and let it dry overnight.

9. Enjoy knowing that you have created a "secret hiding place in plain sight."

Tips & Warnings

• The process of cutting through the pages is tedious, but you will have a smoother hollow book if you take your time.
• Use only a hardcover book.
• You may not be able to find the hollow book on your bookshelf if you don't remember the title of the book!
• Make sure that the book you hollow has no monetary or sentimental value to you.