Are you looking for ways to protect your paperback books from damage? This is a great idea if you want to increase the durability of your books. There are several types of paper book covers you can make to keep your favorite paperbacks safe. One of the best things about paper book covers is that they can be incredibly cheap. I’m talking brown paper bags, and you’re set. After all, those probably make the paperback and school book covers in the history of book covers.
Since brown paper bags are really hip if you choose them for your project, you might want to find ways to turn them into nice-looking decorative book cover paper. For instance, you can provide lots of markers and stickers.
Materials You Need For Your Paper Book Covers
For you to make some nice paper book covers, you will need to first gather the necessary materials. That way, you won’t have to stop midway to look for some things that you need to complete the project. Here are some materials to secure before you start:
- A book to cover
- Decorative book cover paper or one large paper grocery sack. You can even use butcher paper or coloring book pages taped together.
- Scissors
- Markers, crayons, paint, or colored pencils. You can also use a permanent marker
- Stickers would be fun, too!
- Packing tape
Making the Paper Book Cover
The first thing you need to do when making a book cover is to trim the paper down and leave it just a bit bigger than the book you want to cover. It may be a good idea to aim for eight to 12 inches wider and taller overall than the book that you are covering.
Once you are done trimming the paper, fold the bottom section of the paper upward. When you are doing this, make sure that the fold is kept nice and straight. Now, you will need to place the book down on top of the cover paper and line it will the folded edge. Move the book up about a quarter of an inch and then fold the top portion of the paper downward. Once the book is nicely lined up, you can take a tool or even use your fingers to press the paper against the edge of the book to create a crease. Once the crease has been created, remove the book and fold the top edge down. Remember to keep the fold nice and straight.
Place the spine of the book at the center of the paper. Ensuring that the spine is in place, let one side of the book’s cover fall onto the paper, and then bring the covering paper up and over the cover. You will now need to crease the paper where it meets the book cover. At this point, all that will be left to do is to gently pull the paper flap up and over the cover. Once both the flaps of paper are in place, you can secure the paper with packing tape so it stays on the covers.
Covering books with paper is a great way to preserve their condition and prevent damage. Once you figure out how to make a book cover, you can set some time aside and cover all the important books in your home, so they don’t end up damaged. While brown paper bags might not be the best paper for book covers when it comes to decorations and aesthetics, they are great for protecting your books. If you are looking for the best aesthetic outcome, you may need to go shopping for some paper book covers.
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