How to Make a DIY Book Safe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a book safe is an innovative way to conceal valuables and keepsakes within the pages of an ordinary book. This DIY project transforms a hardcover book into a covert storage space, ideal for stashing away anything from cash to small heirloom pieces. By selecting a book that blends into your personal library, your secret compartment will go unnoticed, providing an added layer of security for cherished items.

The construction of a book safe requires minimal tools and materials, making it an accessible endeavour for novices and experienced crafters alike. Precision and patience are pivotal in carving out a neat compartment within the book. The process involves measuring, cutting and adhering the pages to create a sturdy hollow area. Once completed, the book safe can sit unassumingly on a shelf, offering both practicality and a touch of intrigue to your book collection.

Key Takeaways

  • Conceal valuables in a unique storage space.
  • Requires minimal tools and patience to craft.
  • The finished book safe blends seamlessly with other books.

What You'll Need

To create your own book safe, you'll need a selection of tools and materials. Below is a list of the essentials:

Materials:

  • A hardcover book, preferably with a thick spine
  • White glue, PVA or any craft glue
  • Cling film or wax paper

Tools:

  • Sharp craft knife or box cutter
  • Metal ruler
  • Pencil or pen
  • Paintbrush (for the glue)
  • Optional: a small brush to dust off paper edges

Firstly, select a book that is least suspecting to be a diversion safe. It should fit naturally among other books on your shelf. A thick or dense book is preferred because it provides more space for concealment.

Next, prepare your work area by laying down a sheet of cling film or wax paper to protect surfaces from glue spillage. Open the book to the first page where the cutting will begin; this is typically after the first few pages to maintain the book's natural appearance.

Using the pencil or pen, outline the area you will cut out from the pages, leaving a border of at least 1.5 cm from the book edges. This will help to retain the book's structural integrity. The craft knife should be used alongside the metal ruler to ensure straight and clean cuts through the paper.

Once the compartment has been cut through a substantial number of pages, brush on glue to the outside edges of the pages, ensuring they are securely bonded together. To avoid the pages from sticking to the cover, separate them with cling film or wax paper during the drying process.

Remember to keep your cuts neat and be patient as it can take a few hours for the glue to fully set. Once dry, your book safe will be ready for use.

Instructions

To create your very own DIY book safe, follow these straightforward steps:

  1. Select a Book: Choose a thick hardcover book, preferably one you no longer read.

  2. Prepare Your Tools:

    • Craft knife or box cutter
    • Ruler
    • Pencil
    • White glue
    • Small paintbrush
    • Wax paper or plastic wrap
  3. Mark the Area:

    • Open the book to the first page of the first chapter.
    • Use the ruler and pencil to draw a rectangle on the page, leaving at least a 2cm border around the edges.
  4. Cut the Compartment:

    • Carefully cut along the rectangle's outline with your craft knife.
    • Remove several pages at a time to gradually create a compartment.
  5. Seal the Edges:

    • Mix some white glue with a little water.
    • Use the paintbrush to apply glue along the book's cut edges.
    • Let it dry slightly before closing the book.
  6. Weight and Dry:

    • Place wax paper or plastic wrap around the first few uncut pages and the book cover to prevent sticking.
    • Close the book and place weights on top.
    • Allow it to dry completely, usually overnight.
  7. Final Touches:

    • Once dry, open your book safe and remove any stuck pages.
    • Your DIY book safe is now ready to use.

By following these instructions, the process should be simple and successful. Remember to measure twice and cut once to maintain a neat finish inside your book safe.