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Creating Altered Board Books

by Maegan Hall (Jun 3, 2004)

Want to try a new technique? Try altering a board book. Board books are cardboard children's books and come in all different sizes and shapes. Altered board books are easy to make, and require little time or money. The results can be as simple or elaborate as you want them to be. They make excellent gifts and can be used to add a personal touch to a nightstand or coffee table.

Since board books are made of sturdy cardboard, you can decorate the cover with several coats of paint and embellishments or you can cover it with your favorite scrapbook papers. Below are some simple instructions for covering and painting board books.

Cover the board book with papers

Supplies:
- A board book
- Paper
- Strong adhesive (I recommend Thermoweb's double-sided Supertape)
- Sandpaper


1. Sand every inch of the board book, including the inside pages. This will rough up the surface, and help the glue adhere the paper to the board.

2. Put your board book down on the paper you chose, and trace around the edges with a pencil. This way you know what size to cut your paper. If you are covering your board book with pattern paper, be sure to write on the back of the pattern you wish to use.

3. Cut down your paper. Go around the entire edge of the books with the double-sided tape. With an old paintbrush, or your finger, "paint" the sanded board page with a thin layer of glue inside the taped off area. The paintbrush helps even out the glue, which keeps the paper from warping.

4. Smooth your paper, pushing down on the book firmly.

5. Decorate as desired. Keep in mind that if you want your book to lie flat when closed, save your bulky embellishments for the outside cover only.

Paint the board book

Supplies:
- A board book
- A thick water-based paint (I recommend GESO)
- Paint brush or sponge
- Sandpaper

1. Lightly sand every inch of the board book, including the inside pages. This will rough up the surface, and help the paint adhere to the board better.

2. Apply several thin coats of paint on one page at a time. Let each coat dry completely before re-applying. Do not coat the page with a lot of paint at one time; your paint brush will leave brush strokes.

3. Decorate as desired. Keep in mind that if you want your book to lie flat when closed, save your bulky embellishments for the outside cover only.