For a recent project at University, I had to create something that I felt could represent myself. I chose to make this box, in which I could put things that are personal to me – and at the end of it, i’d have a beautiful box for my new bedroom.
It was rather simple to make, but quite time consuming – so you’ve been warned!
To make this box yourself, you’ll need to find some stackable books that you don’t mind destroying! I chose 3 that were lying around at home. You’ll need to decide which will be the top, middle and bottom book, and then get cutting and sticking!
To learn how to hollow books, simply read this tutorial. I’d tell you how myself but they’ve already done it so much better!
For the book that will act as the lid, remember to leave the cover un-stuck. Also bear in mind that you need to cut all the way through the top book (excluding the cover but including the back), through the whole of the middle book, and through the front cover and pages of the last book, leaving the back cover (and a few pages if you wish) as the base.
Once all your pages have been cut (hopefully neater than mine were), glue again from the inside, and glue together any bits that have come apart whilst cutting. Put something heavy on top of the books whilst the glue dries.
When it’s dry, you’re ready to stick the books together to form the box, I used a strong PVA glue to seal them together. Once again, put something heavy on top until it is ready – and voila – you have a box. Albeit a rather messy one.
To finish the box, I used the leftover pages as a lining, which I ripped up and glued over the bumpy inside of the box to give it a seamless, neat look. For this, you can use anything you like – you can even create a beautiful collage on the inside of the lid.
And there we have it, your Book treasure box – a welcome addition to any bookshelf. Use it to keep your memories, or your photographs, or your buttons or your jewellery!
Have fun x
i must try this! thanks for sharing.
[...] Carrie of Wishwishwish shows us How to Make a Hollow Book Treasure Box. [...]
That is sooo cool !
Love your blog, it has a vintage look.
that’s so lovely!
I had one when I was a little girl!
I think I should try and do a new one (:
I love your blog, thank’s for posting such great posts, they always make me smile (:
Angela.
[...] hidden treasure box, [...]
This is amazing!
Was the man in the picture Jim Bowie?
I love this tutorial, I may have to try it out!
Daisy Dayz Home
i do!
(L)
This is absolutely lovely! I know how I’ll be wrapping my Christmas gifts this year….
Thanks for sharing! I used a few tips, here’s my edition:
http://irmaperedne.blogspot.com/2011/05/hollow-book-assemblagea-new-home-for.html
[...] How to Make a Hollow Book Treasure Box – This vintage inspired treasure box was made by connecting 3 hollowed out Reader’s Digest books together to create a deeper cavity within the books. She also adds a collage and smooths out the inside by gluing bits of the waste paper over the rough cut interior surfaces. There’s a warning on how time consuming this project is early in the article, but her secret treasure chest looks like it was worth it when it’s blending in with other books on her shelf. Homemade Hollow Book Safe [...]
[...] Or, if you’re the crafty type, you could even make your own. [...]
I love this. I love how people make crafts out of old books. It’s amazing what you can do with them.