Book Safe
Materials Needed:
Books, donated or discarded (1 or 2 per)
Exacto knives or box cutters (1 per)
Non-corrugated cardboard (optional)
Hot glue guns (2-4 for the group)
Felt or other fabric
Large trash bag
Description:
1. Some participants complain that they would never have a Reader’s Digest Condensed on their shelf, making it a dead give away which book is the safe. For this reason, I advertise that all supplies are provided, though you may choose to bring your own book.
2. Have first-aid on hand. Twice I have had participants slightly cut their finger. Also make an announcement that any improper behavior with the knife, especially if it is just a joke, will get them “cut” from the program.
3. At the start of the program, offer a few tips. a) Leave at least 1 ½ in. border between the edge of the page and your secret compartment. This helps prevent tearing while cutting. b) Consider leaving several uncut pages above and below your compartment. This will allow you to flip through some pages without revealing the hidden secret. c) While cutting, hold the book open at a 90 degree angle. If it is open all the way, you will most likely end up with slanted walls to your compartment. d) Though I usually don’t use this myself, you may cut a piece of cardboard to the desired size and use this as a pattern when cutting. I prefer to simply start cutting and use the cut pages as my pattern.
4. Every so often, I ask each table to stop what they are doing and point to any word on the page. Everyone then reads their words. This creates interesting poetry and is often what teens talk about when they are remembering the program.
5. When clearing scraps from the table, be sure there are no knives hidden among them.
6. When finished cutting the compartment, bring the book to a gluing table. Have 2-4 glue guns heated and ready to go. When gluing, focus on the corners.
7. Cut a piece of fabric to fit the bottom of the compartment, and glue it in place. This can be done with either hot glue or white glue. Next, cut and glue pieces for the sides of the compartment. The fabric will cover up many mistakes and rough edges resulting from not making perfect cuts.
Comments
Also consider stacking the hollowed out books to make a tissue box, or try making a purse.
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