How to Make a Fake Book Cover

A paper book cover will keep your book in pristine condition.

If clean, unmarked book covers are important to you, one way to keep them in pristine condition is to create a fake book cover out of paper. A paper book cover can be used on either hardcover or softcover books, and is a good way to ensure that your book will withstand everyday wear and tear.

Things You'll Need

• Paper grocery bag
• Scissors
• Ruler

Instructions

1. Locate a paper grocery bag. Cut out the rectangular base and dispose of it. Cut along one of the creases of the bag so you can lie out the entire piece of paper flat on a table.

2. Open your book and place it on the paper bag. Trace the open book's entire edge on the paper. Using your ruler, mark one inch above your book's top, one inch below its bottom and three inches out on either side of the book's open jacket. Connect these marks so they create a larger rectangle around the smaller, penciled-in perimeter of your book.

3. Remove the book from the paper. You should be able to see the two rectangles you have drawn on the paper, one inside of the other. Cut around the largest rectangle only.

4. Fold along the top and bottom lines of the inner, smaller rectangle. This will be the height of your book jacket, and if measured correctly should be the same height as your book. On the right and left sides of the rectangle, fold along the remaining inside lines. These will create the flap pockets that will keep your jacket attached to your book.

5. Open your book and lie it jacket side down on your folded rectangle. Slide the left side of the book jacket into the folded flap pocket you have created on the corresponding left side of your book cover. Do the same with the right, sliding the right side of the book jacket into the right folded flap pocket. The jacket should be securely fastened on its own, and can be decorated with art or stickers.

References

• The Daring Book for Girls; Make a Paper Bag Book Cover