How to Give Books a Makeover

Books can really make a house feel like a home, and they also make great decorative accessories. But not all books are equally attractive--it seems that for every gorgeous glossy coffee table book you own, there are 10 worn old paperbacks taking up space on your bookshelf. That doesn't mean you should toss out your favorite novels, but it could mean that it's time for a little makeover of your reading materials. All you need are a few craft supplies and a little time. Here are some ideas.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Books
• Wrapping paper or craft papers
• Glue or double-sided tape
• Scissors or a paper cutter
• Rubber alphabet stamps and ink or letter transfers

1. Choose coordinating papers (wrapping paper or craft paper--any paper large enough to wrap around the spine and both the front and back covers of your books will work). You can use one paper for the most streamlined look or mix it up with several. Gather double-sided tape or glue, stamps and ink or letter transfers.

2. Collect worn or unsightly books to recover.

3. Lay a piece of paper flat, face down and place the book, spine down, on top. Outline the book, and allow enough extra paper on the ends to wrap around the covers of the book (how much paper you want to wrap around is up to you, just be sure to allow at least a few inches). You could fit the paper to cover the edges of your book exactly or you could choose not to take your cover all the way to the top or bottom of the book (see image).

4. Use a paper cutter or scissors to cut the paper along the lines you marked.

5. Wrap paper around the book making light folds around the spine to mark the section of paper where you'll be adding the title, but don't affix it yet because it's easier to add the lettering before the paper is attached to the book.

6. Label the book with its title and/or author. Lay paper flat and apply lettering (either with stamps or transfer letters) to the section that will cover the spine.

7. Wrap the paper around the book again, this time securing the paper with either glue or double-sided tape, depending on the level of permanence you want your covers to have. Start by securing the spine, then add glue or tape to the outside covers, then finish by wrapping the paper around the edges of the covers and securing on the inside.

Tips & Warnings

• Glue or double-sided tape could potentially damage a book, so it's not advisable to cover precious books in this way.

[PattiG]

on 12/24/2008 Awesome tips. Thanks!