Maybe you have a slightly spicy paperback book that you don't want anyone to know you're reading, or maybe you want to protect the cover from damage, or maybe you just don't like what the cover looks like? Here is a way to turn the paperback book into a "hardcover" one using materials you most likely have around the house.
Steps
Step 1. Choose the book you want to make hardcover
Step 2. Get enough pressed cardboard to cover the book twice
Cereal boxes, stiff manila carpets and pressed cardboard envelopes will do just fine.
Step 3. Take the outline of the cover size on one of the cardboard pieces
Step 4. Add 2mm to each narrow edge
Step 5. Cut out the rectangle and use it to trace the others (four in total) that are the same
Step 6. Place two pieces, one on top of the other
If you are using a cereal box or similar box, it is best to put the printed parts together, and leave the blank sides facing out.
Step 7. Cut a strip of sticky paper that is twice the size of the book cover with an extra 2.5cm all around
Step 8. Put the cardboard rectangles side by side on the back of the sticky paper
Step 9. Draw the rectangles
Step 10. Cut 45 ° corners of the adhesive paper
Step 11. Peel off the back of the sticky paper
Step 12. Place the cardboard rectangles on the sticky side of the sticky paper and fold the flaps over the top and bottom
Step 13. Fold the flaps over one edge of the cardboard
Step 14. Fold the "covered" part over the "uncovered" part
Step 15. Fold the other two flaps over the resulting cardboard "sandwich"
Step 16. Repeat to make a second cover
Step 17. For the connecting strip or "back" of your book, cut a strip of sticky paper that is as wide as the height of your book, and that is at least twice the width of your book plus 5 or 7 long. cm
Step 18. Peel off the back of the sticky paper
Step 19. Fold the sticky paper back on itself, leaving 5cm uncovered at the end
Step 20. Cut off the (sticky) sides but leave the final flap attached
Step 21. Slide the adhesive flap inside one of the covers and adhere it to the inside
Step 22. Slip the top flap into the second "cover"
Step 23. Put one cover of your book inside one side of the finished cover and the other cover inside the other finished cover
Step 24. Slip the "back" flap into the remaining side cover and you are done
Step 25. Enjoy your book with a new hard cover
Advice
- The flexible central spine allows you to reuse the cover for another book of the same size, even if the book is a little thicker (or thinner) than your original.
- You can also customize the cover and then put clear adhesive paper over it to cover your original design. Try some flowers.
Warnings
- Sticky paper can stick to things. Be careful.
- Scissors are a sharp tool. Handle with due caution.