Decorative Book Covers

Make Your Own Unique Book Covers

Just about every kid has an array of schoolbooks that have to be toted around - to and from school, back and forth between lockers and classrooms, and sometimes even hauled off to a friend's house for a study session.

There are even kids who possess books for the sheer joy of reading. Imagine that!

[When I taught grade school, I decorated a slip cover for the classroom's special comfy reading chair with the phrase, "Reading is Fun-da-mental!" My students kept taping pieces of paper over the "Fun-da". Ha-ha.]

Covers serve to protect the books, guarding them from weather, roughhousing, and anything else that threatens their pristine condition - like foods and drinks which are often found wherever kids hang out.

Book covers make great craft projects for kids. And once a book is safely tucked inside a one-of-a-kind cover, it becomes uniquely theirs.

Form and Function

Homemade book covers can be extremely versatile, made out of anything from paper to canvas. While the prime function of a book cover is to protect a book, there are plenty of creative ways to expand on that functionality. Some book covers may be designed purely for decorative purposes.

Extra features can make any book cover even more useful:

• Handles can be added for easy toting,
• One can add pockets for stashing notes, or
• Attach loops for conveniently storing a writing instrument.

For Favorite Books

Avid readers, especially those who peruse their favorite books over and over again, will appreciate the protection value that a book cover provides.

Paperbacks are especially susceptible to damage from spills, weather, and rough handling, but a formidable book cover can keep pages quite intact.

Thick, durable papers or flexible plastic-coated papers work best for covering up special, oft-read, or favorite books.

Since most books come in a few standard sizes, one or two decent book covers can ensure that whatever's being read at any given time will be safely covered.

Book Cover Materials

There are endless materials that can be used in making book covers.

Fabrics, such as canvas and felt, offer durability; while faux fur and soft velvet are funky and fashionable. Sturdy paper is a traditional book covering. Brown paper grocery bags make the classic book covering, and one which kids can later doodle over or make notes on.

Book covers can be decorated with embellishments found in the scrapbooking section of any craft store.

Felt tip markers, crayons, and paints are also fantastic for cover decorating.

For really elaborate covers, use feathers, beads, and ribbons. Or, simply cut out pictures and text blocks from magazines and create a fun collage. Be sure to use a clear coat to protect the glue work on collages.