DN PHOTOS JORDAN HUFFER
What you need:
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One of the best parts about crafting is the ability to take seemingly useless items and turn them into something that is one of a kind.
A classic example of this is taking old books and making book safes out of them. They can be used as jewelry boxes or as a convenient way to hide things in plain sight. The process is simple and worth it, but it’s a bit messy and time consuming.
1. I like to check out thrift stores and auctions for interesting looking books. I once came across old textbooks from the 1910s, which worked well. Make sure whichever book you use is hardcover and at least an inch thick. This is needed to ensure that the book will have stability once it is gutted.
2. Using waxed paper and masking tape, cover the front and back covers of the book. Make sure the edges of the pages are clean and pressed together. Using Modge Podge, cover the page edges to seal them in place. Let this dry overnight then peel the covers from the pages. If you covered them with wax paper the right way, they should come right off.
3. Mark your cut lines on both sides of the now brick of paper. Make the margins at least a half-inch thick. For larger books, make the marks larger. You also can make special cut marks for the book to hold a specific object.
4. Start cutting. You might want to try a few different types of knives. Take it slow and steady and don’t cut yourself. Once you’re done, sand the cut edges to make them a bit smoother.
5. Find felt or another fabric that will complement the color and style of your book. I like using felt because it’s forgiving and thick enough that any mistakes you made in the cutting process can be hidden.
6. First, cut strips that will fit the inside of the well you just created. Using hot glue or another heavy duty craft glue, glue these strips to the inside of the well. Then, using a bigger piece of the felt, cover the back of the book — the bottom of the well that you just created. Glue the edge of the pages to the inside back cover. Let sit overnight before you use.
| Jordan Huffer is a junior photojournalism major and writes ‘Born in a Ball Jar’ for The Daily News. Her views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper or The Daily. Write to Jordan at jahuffer@bsu.edu. |
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