DIY Book Covers: Transform Your Textbooks with JAM Kraft Wrapping Paper “90s” Style

When it comes to school supplies, textbooks are an essential item that often lacks a personal touch. Those same patterned fabric book covers you buy year after year, ugh! And worse of all, you're spending $7 for each book cover, again and again, year after year. Feels a bit dull and lacking style. However, with this DIY project, we’re going to replace those ordinary book covers with eye-catching masterpieces!

In this step-by-step photo guide, you’ll be able to follow along to create an inexpensive and simple book cover just in time for Back to School. All you need is wrapping paper and some office supplies which you probably already have at home. Best part about this project, you will be able to get multiple books covered from just one roll of wrapping paper!

We’re giving our DIY Book Covers a 90s vibe. Why? Because everything 90s style rules! Why wouldn’t it? Retro patterns, vibrant colors, bold lettering….enough said! So, gather your materials, let your imagination run wild, and embark on the journey of revamping your textbooks with our step-by-step guide for DIY Kraft Wrapping Paper Book Covers: “90s” Style!

Kraft wrapping paper 

Scissors

Tape

Pens & Markers (Le Pens & Acrylic Markers used in this Step-By-Step guide linked below)

Decorative Elements optional (stickers, glitter, sticky notes etc.)

All JAM BNC items used in this Step-By-Step guide are linked at the bottom.

Lay your textbook closed, centered on top of the kraft wrapping paper, with about 1-inch slack on top and bottom of your book. Cut straight across wrapping paper. 

Fold about 1-Inch up from the top of the wrap to create a nice crisp, folded crease. Doesn’t have to be perfect, trust your eye it will work out. Repeat on bottom. 

Place your textbook centered on top of your creases. If your books top & bottom edge are in line with your folds, you are good to go. If not adjust one of the folds a bit to match your books height.

Lie your book on top of both folded edges and pull your wrapping paper over the front cover of the book to completely cover it. Have a good amount of paper slack on both ends, cut ends evenly and discard the rest.  

Fold the paper over the front cover, close, and crease nicely. Repeat on the bottom side. 

Move the textbook to the side and secure all four sides of the cover to the wrap. Use a small piece of tape to adhere the inside corner down to the paper. Repeat to all corners.

Personalize your book covers!  We went with a 90s aesthetic using vibrant patterns, bold colors, and popular symbols. Adding a 90s vibe to your DIY book covers will not only ooze nostalgia but also give them a trendy look that holds a special place in our hearts!

Side Note: You could do Step 6 before 5 if you want to get the cover on your textbook first before decorating. We choose to decorate first because we didn’t want to take any chances with marking or damaging our textbooks.

Slid the front cover of your textbook into the left side pocket, close. And now, the slightly tricky part, sliding the back cover into the right-side pocket. You got this!

Once you've done one, why not cover them all!
Repeat the 6 steps above to the remaining of your textbooks. And the best part, in a month or two, when you’re feeling an urge for something new, simply rip off and create another one with this easy-to-follow Step by Step guide! 

 Let your creativity soar with this simple DIY Book Cover project. Get ready to make a statement with your one-of-a-kind 90s Style Back to School book covers! Happy crafting and happy studying!

All JAM BNC items used in this Step-By-Step guide linked below:

Kraft Wrapping Paper

Le Pens

Acrylic Paint Markers

Ruler

Scissors

Transparent Sticky Notes

Tape Dispenser
(Not needed for project, just tape, but we do have awesome colors of these at JAMBNC and we’re obsessed!)