How to Make a DIY Book Cover

Whether you're renting or borrowing a book from school, you don't want to damage it in any way or else you'll be stuck paying what could be hundreds of dollars to replace it.

To protect the hard cover of your book and avoid fees for damage, you could purchase a book cover from the store. Or you can recycle a paper bag and make a DIY book cover for free. All you'll need is your book, a brown paper bag, tape and a pair of scissors.

Step 1: Start with a bag

Lay your paper bag on a flat surface with the bottom end closest to you, the top end facing away from you. Set your book on top of it and make sure there are at least two inches of paper extending beyond both the top edge and the bottom edge of the book and that the book doesn't extend beyond the width of the paper bag. Keep in mind that you'll be cutting an inch or two of paper off of the bottom where it's closed, so exclude that from your measurements.

Step 2: Make your cuts

Cut off the bottom (closed) end of the paper bag, then cut along one of the sides seams.

Step 3: Unfold the paper so it lays flat

Spread out the paper so it's open. Make sure you have a large enough workspace.

Step 4: Set your book down on the paper

Line the spine of the book up with the center of the paper. Fold the paper over the entire book to make sure it will completely cover it with plenty of room along the edges.

Step 5: Cut off the extra paper

You shouldn't have any folded pieces here, but you're about to make some creases.

Step 6: Crease the top and bottom edges

With the book centered, crease lightly along the top and bottom edges of where the book lies. Remove the book and fold the paper bag along the creases you made. Place the book on top of the paper again to make sure the folds line up correctly with your book.

Step 7: Center the book's spine with the middle of the paper

Wrap the paper around the book and make a crease in the paper along the edges of both the front and back covers. Remove the book again and fold along the creases. This will create a pocket on either end of the paper.

Step 8: Insert the book's cover into the pockets

If the cover is too loose or too tight, just remove the book and re-fold the paper until you get it right.

Step 9: Tape the edges so the cover stays on

Once you're finished, feel free to decorate your cover so your personality shows through.

Let your creativity show

What started as a boring, brown paper bag can become a form of artistic expression that will tell everyone a little bit about you. You can draw on it, use stickers or glue gems and photos on it. It's up to you to make it your own — while protecting your very expensive book!

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