Perhaps you have a juicy paperback that you don't want others to know that you are reading,or you want to protect your paperback's covers from damage, or you just don't like the look of the cover artwork? Here's a way to turn that paperback into a "hardcover" using materials that you probably already have around the house.
Steps
- Choose the softcover book that you want to change to a hardback.
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- Add 1/8th of an inch (2mm) to each of the narrow ends.
- Cut out the rectangle and use it to trace three others (four total) just like it.
- Lay two pieces on each other. If using a cereal box or similar packaging, it is best to lay the printed sides together and leave the plain sides to the outside.
- Cut a strip of contact paper that is twice the size of the book cover with an extra inch all around.
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- Trace the rectangles.
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- Peel off the backing from the contact paper.
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- Trim the (sticky) sides away but leave the end flap attached.
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Tips
- You may also customize the cover and then apply clear contact paper over your original design(s). Try flowers.
- The flexible center spine allows you to re-use the cover for another book of the same size, even if the book is slightly thicker (or thinner) than your original.
Warnings
- The sticky contact paper can stick to things and get stuck. Handle carefully.
- Scissors are edged tools. Handle with appropriate care.