How to Make a Book Cover Out of Notebook Paper

Book covers help protect your books from damage.

College textbooks can be very expensive, sometimes over $100. If you hope to sell your textbooks after completing your classes, it is important to keep them clean and unmarked to get the most for them. Book covers are a cheap and easy way to keep college textbooks free of marks and damage, such as scratches, stains and pen marks, and can be created from basic college-ruled notebook paper.

Things You'll Need

• College-ruled notebook paper
• Masking tape
• Clear tape
• Pencil
• Colored pencils
• Stickers
• Textbook

Instructions

1. 

   Notebook paper is cheap and makes an effective book cover.

   Lay out six loose pieces of college-ruled, letter-sized notebook paper on a flat surface, such as a table or counter top. Each page should measure around 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches. Line up the papers so that the pages overlap slightly, and tape down the seams with masking tape. Flip over the papers, and tape down the outside seams with clear tape. Flip the paper over again so that the masking tape side is facing up.

2. 

   You can fit notebook paper to cover any size book.

   Lay the textbook on top of the papers, and open it up horizontally. Line up the book so that it is centered inside the notebook papers. If your textbook is especially large, you may need to attach more layers of notebook paper to your book cover for it to fit. Likewise, if your book is smaller, less paper may be needed. Draw an outline around the book, being careful not to mark on the textbook. Remove the textbook and set it aside.

3. 

   Folding the edges of the paper makes the book cover look clean.

   Fold down the top and fold up the bottom of the notebook paper, allowing the outlined marks to be the center of the folds. Press down the seams. Place the book back on top of the notebook paper. Fold the edges of the notebook paper over the cover of the book, and secure the inside and outside of the flap with tape.

4. 

   You can decorate your book cover however you like.

   Decorate the outside of the book cover using colored pencils and stickers. You can decorate your book cover to show off your own personality and spirit. After you are finished, your book cover will keep your textbook protected until you are ready to resell it.

References

• Chest of Books: How to Make a Paper Book Cover
• Family Fun: Paper Book Covers