How to Strengthen Pages in Altered Books

This project works well for both altered books and art journals. Sometimes, when working with well-worn books, it’s necessary to strengthen the pages.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Altered book or art journal
• Glue stick or gel medium
• Bone folder
• Waxed paper

1. 
    
   Choosing the right adhesive is important.

   Decide how many pages will be attached together. If it’s just a few, a glue stick is all that’s needed. If it’s a larger grouping, gel medium is necessary.

2. 
    
   The book will bulk out when the pages are attached together.

   Place waxed paper under the page being glued. Add the adhesive evenly over the page. Be sure it runs right off the edge of the page.

3. 
    
   Prevent this from happening!

   Place the facing page on to the adhesive, then smooth all the bubbles and wrinkles out with the bone folder. Be sure the burnish the edges down very well. Repeat this step until the grouping is all attached.

4. 
    
   Yes, this step is necessary.

   Close the book and press it firmly. Pages are less likely to wrinkle or wave if the book is dried under a heavy stack of books.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the waxed paper in between the clean sheets when drying to keep them from sticking to the grouping.
• White glue will also work well in place of the glue stick and gel medium.
• Don’t try to glue a large grouping with a glue stick because it won’t be strong enough.
• Dry completely before working with the pages.

Resources

• Mixed Media Arts