Covering a book with a brown paper bag is a simple, practical project that helps protect books from scuffs, bent corners, and everyday wear. It also eliminates people from seeing the title of the book we are reading if we so desire. It can also make it easy to label the ownership of a book in a non-damaging way. It is inexpensive, easy to do, and can be customized with labels, drawings, or decorative touches to make the book feel more personal. This method has been used for generations because it works well and only requires a few basic materials. Whether we are preparing schoolbooks, protecting a favorite cookbook, or covering a journal, a brown paper bag cover gives our book a neat, durable layer of protection.

What you need

• 1 brown paper bag
• 1 book
• Scissors
• Tape, optional
• Ruler, optional
• Pencil, optional

Directions

1. Cut open the paper bag Cut along one seam of the brown paper bag and remove the bottom so you have one large flat sheet of paper.
2. Lay the book on the paper Place the book closed in the center of the flattened paper. Make sure there is enough paper around all sides to fold over the front and back covers.
3. Trim the paper if needed Leave about 2 to 3 inches above and below the book. Leave enough extra paper on the left and right sides to fold inside each cover.
4. Fold the top and bottom edges With the book still closed, fold the top edge of the paper down over the top of the book. Fold the bottom edge up over the bottom of the book. Crease both folds firmly.
5. Create the cover flaps Open the front cover of the book. Slide the front edge of the book cover into the paper flap on that side. Then open the back cover and slide it into the other side.
6. Adjust the fit Center the book so the paper is snug but not too tight. The book should open and close easily.
7. Crease everything neatly Press along all folded edges to sharpen the creases. This helps the cover stay in place.
8. Tape only if necessary If the flaps slip out, use a small piece of tape on the paper flap. Avoid taping directly to the book unless you are sure it is okay.

Simple measuring tip

• The height of your paper should be the height of the book plus about 4 to 6 inches
• The width should be wide enough to wrap around the book with extra paper to tuck inside both covers

Optional finishing touches

• Write the book title on the front
• Decorate with markers or stickers
• Cover the outside with clear contact paper for extra durability
• Add a label for your name and class

Quick version

1. Flatten bag
2. Put book in center
3. Fold top and bottom
4. Slide front cover into one side
5. Slide back cover into other side
6. Crease and adjust

Once the cover is in place, our book will be better protected and ready for everyday use. A neatly fitted brown paper bag cover can make an old book look tidy and give a new one an extra layer of care. It is a small project, but a satisfying one, because it is useful, quick, and easy to personalize. With just a little folding and creasing, we can create a simple cover that keeps our book looking nice for much longer.

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