Book Clutch

Have you seen these? Clutches made out of books. Awesome.

Here's how I made mine.

Step one: Find book

I couldn't stand the idea of chopping up a good book, but found a couple of Reader's Digest books that had great covers and terrible content (abridged versions of stories that were mediocre at best when they were released).

Step Two: Destroy Book

I had to break out the X-ACTO knife. It was easy enough to cut the endpaper right between the cover and the text. I'm sure I'll use the paper for something else later.

Step Three: Make Insert

I wanted lots of slots for cards (there's a membership card for everything), some space for cash, and slots for my dumb phone and IPod (put them together --> ta-da! Smartphone). I found a lacy zipper to keep it closed. Lots of math and one late night later, I had the insert finished.

Step Four: Put it all Together

I did a little research about what kind of glue would work best. I briefly considered hot glue, but didn't like the idea of lumpy, stringy glue all over my book. Don't even get me started about the burnt fingers. 

Clearly, I am not a hot glue master, so I decided to try using Mod Podge. I slathered it all over the endpaper on the cover and then (after quickly snapping a picture), put the insert on top. I did the same for the other side. To hold it together while drying, I borrowed some shims and clamps from my dad. The Mod Podge has held up pretty well so far, very sturdy stuff. 

Step Five: Flaunt

All done!