How to Make a Book Purse Without Sewing

Women like new purses, especially ones that are different from what every other woman carries. Sewing doesn’t need to enter the picture for the woman who decides to use her creativity and imagination to turn that book no one else wants into something no one else has. A book purse not only provides a one-of-a-kind creation, it also remakes an old, unused book, keeping that book out of the landfill through repurposing.

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hardback book
• Knife
• Scissors
• Measure tape or ruler
• Ribbon
• Glue
• Paper
• Cardboard
• Markers
• Paint
• Fabric
• Stapler
• Stelf-stick strips

1. • 1
     Select a hardback book with a cover in a color you want for a purse. Pick a book you no longer want and will never read again. The book should be in good shape and intact, with the covers solidly attached to the spine.
   • 2
     Open the book flat on a hard table, counter or surface where it is comfortable to work. Carefully cut the pages from the spine of the book, taking care not to cut into the covers or spine. Discard the pages, or keep for use in other craft projects.
   • 3
     Mark, on both sides, 3 inches from the top and bottom of the open book; draw a line horizontal from one side to the other through the spine. Starting at the spine on the upper line, lay out the ribbon chosen for the handles toward the left edge of the book. Leave 8 inches for a handle and continue to lay out ribbon along the bottom line. At the opposite edge, the right side, leave another 8 inches and lay out the ribbon on the upper line until it meets the ribbon at the spine.
   • 4
     Glue ribbon to the purse on the marked lines. Once the glue dies, add clear packing tape to further secure the ribbon to the inside book covers. When you close the book, you have purse handles.
   • 5
     Cover the entire open book with sticky-back paper, a wall paper design or other paper of your choice. This covers up the ribbon and gives the inside of the purse a finished appearance.
   • 6
     Measure the width of the spine and the width of the book covers, from spine to edges. On cardstock, draw a line the width of the spine. Measure from this line, upward on both sides, the width of the book covers and draw a parallel line, but add an extra inch on either side of the second line. Draw lines to connect this second line to the first line. You have an upside down pyramid without a top.
   • 7
     Add a 2-inch flap on either side of this shape. Duplicate this shape and cut out. Paint the two shapes to match or contrast with the color of the book covers. You can also add black lines to mimic pages of a book. Fold the flaps, both in the same direction. Fit the shapes into the ends of the books. Glue the flaps to the inside of the book on both ends. The result is a book, open wider at the top than at the bottom.
   • 8
     Pick a fabric that matches or contrasts with the color of the book. Use measurements from the open cover, minus 1/2 inch on all sides. Mark and cut the fabric. Fold the fabric piece right-sides in. Hem the sides opposite the fold. Staple along both sides from the fold upward and turn right-side out. Add self-stick strips to secure the opening. You now have a purse pouch.
   • 9
     Add glue to the fold and carefully lower into the book purse. Using a spoon handle or book bone, force it to lay flat along the inside of the spine. Let the glue dry for a no-sew, three-compartment book purse.