5 recycled covers for blank books

I love books. I love reading them, collecting them, tearing them apart, putting them back together. (Some day I even hope to write one.) 

I love browsing library and book store shelves. The books don't even have to have words in them. I love leafing through blank journals, day planners, sketchbooks. 

That's probably why I'm always on the lookout for potential book covers. Here are a few I've used.

1) Game boards. They're colorful, strong, and playful.

Not for dieters!

2) Boxes from old video tapes. Thrift shops are full of these. I have to admit, it feels weird to use the box and discard the tape itself.

Pretty in pink, don't you think?

3) Album covers. Great art -- especially albums from the 50s and 60s -- and plentiful.

And this is BEFORE Photoshop!

4) Kids board books. A different kind of art, but just as eye-catching.

Up, up and away!

5) Hardback books. I'm still figuring out the best way to do this. The thick covers can be challenging to work with.

Bigger than an iPhone and a bit slower.

In future posts, I'll describe how I make these different kinds of books.

Book-making links

• 25 ways to make a book by hand
• Book-making tutorial (scroll down for instructions)
• Coptic stitch bookbinding tutorial
• DIY blank books
• Eco Books (Amazon)
• How to make an old book cover journal
• Making Handmade Books (Amazon)
• Playing card notebooks
• Re-Bound: Creating Handmade Books from Recycled and Repurposed Materials (Amazon)
• Recycled record album portfolio (video)
• Recycled record cover journal