How to Create a Paper Bag Book Cover

If you and your fellow students have to encase your textbooks with paper bag covers to protect them from wear, stand out from the crowd by designing yours with special touches that will make your books as useful on the outside as they are on the inside.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Large paper bag or butcher paper
• Scissors
• Tape
• Notepad
• Fabric pocket
• Whiteboard material
• Adhesives

1. Create the cover by placing your opened book on a brown paper bag you've cut open to remove the bottom. Trim the bag so it's about 2 to 3 inches wider than the book on all sides.

2. Fold and crease the top and bottom up so the paper is the same height as your book. Fold right side up about 2 inches in. Slip the back cover into the flap that you just created and close your book, wrapping the cover tightly around it. Crease the other side over the book's front cover to determine where to fold it.

3. Remove the book and fold the other flap. Slip your book into the cover and secure all of the edges with tape. Try to contain the tape to the paper bag to prevent it from tearing your textbook. Remove your book again so you can decorate the bag cover.

4. Use double-stick tape to attach a thin notepad to the front of the cover. You can use the sheets to take notes in class, make notes as you study or record your homework assignments.

5. Affix a small fabric pocket to the bottom-right corner with double-stick tape or machine stitching. Not only will it hold notes or a pencil, but it will also lend a decorative touch.

6. Layer a portion of the book cover with self-adhesive white board material to make notes about upcoming projects, test and assignments. Staple or tape a piece of cardstock over the section so the ink won't rub off onto your clothing, other books or backpack.

Resources

• A fabric pocket can hold notes and assignments.
• Jot notes on whiteboard material.