Making a book cover is fairly simple.
Creating a book cover is easily done with a little time, patience and imagination. If you have created some really good lesson plans that are worth preserving, or you just want something to protect them in the classroom, a sturdy cover should do the trick. You can choose your own colors, design and style that suits your personality. Most of the items you need you will probably be able to find at home, but all the items can be bought at your local craft or stationary store.
Instructions
1. Measure two pieces of poster board or thick cardboard 1/2 an inch larger all the way round than your lesson plans. These will usually be "letter" size, 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches long.
2. Cut out your two pieces of cardboard using scissors or a cutting board, ruler and a cutting knife. You now have the front and back of your cover.
3. Punch two holes in the middle of the left-hand side on both pieces so that they match up. Either punch them together or measure to get them as exact as possible.
4. Measure out your fabric (any fabric from old clothes or in the sewing basket that you like will do) so that it is an inch bigger that your front and back cover. Your front cover should be 9 inches wide by 11.5 inches long, so cut your material 10 inches wide by 12.5 inches long. Cut out two pieces.
5. Place you cardboard in the middle of the material. Spread strong craft glue around all the edges of your cardboard. Fold the sides of the material to adhere to the edges of the cardboard. Do this for both pieces of cardboard.
6. Measure out another two pieces of material that are 1/2-inch smaller than your cover. The size you will need to cut out is 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches long. Cut the edges really smoothly. Spread glue on the edge of the folded over material. Stick the new piece of material onto the back of your book cover. Do this for both covers and leave to dry for 15 minutes.
7. Use the bradawl to make holes through the material where you punched holes in the cardboard. You should be able to find the holes easily by just through feeling the material.
8. Place eyelets in the holes on both sides and on each cover. Eyelets are round pieces of plastic or metal with a hole in the middle, and they fit into holes to cover them up. This should give the covers a professional look and will prevent any frayed edges from the holes from being seen.
9. Thread your treasury tags through the back cover. A treasury tag or India tag is basically a piece of strong string with two metal long ends that are used to thread through paper, the metal ends hold the paper together. You can buy treasury tags at your local stationary store or online. Hole punch and thread your lesson plans through the treasury tag. Finally, thread the treasury tag through the front cover.
