Upcycle, recycle, and cycle your school books into something fashionable.

^{Photo by Lori Hutchinson} 

It's back to school and that mean books, piles of them.  Books go through lots of handling and wear, so how do you keep them clean, in shape and something you really want to look at? It's as simple as a no sew book cover. 

Making book covers from paper bags is an age old craft, but what if you want to take it a step further? 

Here are some simple ideas to help you personalize your books using a myriad of items you probably already have at home. 

Things you can recycle to make book covers:  

• Artwork
• Gift Wrap
• Shopping Bags
• Fabric
• Maps
• Magazine Pages
• Posters
• Newspaper
• Denim Jeans
• Plastic 
• Vinyl or Fabric Tablecloth

Why not make a bookmark at the same time!

^{Fun Scrap idea from Scrap Girls - A great way to show off your personality using almost anything from concert tickets, birthday cards, magazine headlines, buttons to ribbon. The main ingredient is your imagination!}

^{Broadway Paper suggests using Gift Wrap to wrap up your books.  Why not use some scraps or recycle wrap from a special gift?}

^{Like to travel?  Did you take a road trip or do some overseas travel last summer? Use your road maps!  From Martha Stewart} 

^{Surely you have some painting, drawing, doodle or calligraphy practice sheets.  Artwork is a great way to recover and personalize your books.}

^{Hand Fold (or sew) a piece of fabric to make a unique cover from Craftically.com.  Use old clothing, jeans, tablecloths, napkins, etc and turn it into an upcycle craft.}

^{From Classroom Scissors the Brown Bag Book Cover} 

Now that you are inspired, get out your scissors and see what you can create to make a a memorable school year!

How do you fold your fabric or paper items to make a book cover? Watch this  How to make a paper bag cover video. 

 Article © Judith Gorgone Planetpals.com all rights reserved.