using vintage paper as bookcloth

step one: water down some PVA (archival) glue and get a sweet brush. (i was taught to use hake brushes)

step two: brush a healthy layer of glue on to one side of your chip board and smash it down in the center of the paper. give some allowance for folding over the edges. use a bone folder to smooth out wrinkles and bumps. also use the bone folder to VERY gently press down the sides of the paper. if it feels stiff, stick some extra glue on it to keep it wet.

step three: one side at a time, wet the extra paper edges of your book with glue as well as a tiny bit of the chip board. fold over gently and use the bone fold to make sure all the edges are glued down well (including the side of the book) don’t be afraid to be liberal with the glue.

optional: add more papers on top for a collagey look and a more solid-feeling covering. if you had any rips or tears around the edges, cover with more paper or spread extra gluewater around the area and smush it down.