I’m not sure about you but I’ve never been a fan of dust jackets. I understand the purpose but honestly, they just get in the way. I have places to explore and my books are coming with me. Then after my adventure (literary and actual) the dust jacket looks all ratty like I don’t care for my books. And I do. I do care for my books. The idea of dog earring a page makes me nauseous and those art displays on Pinterest of people cutting up old books brings me to tears.
Almost all kids’ books seem to have dust jackets. Like a dust jacket will provide the extra armor needed to save it from an enthusiastic toddler. So what do I do with these obnoxious things? I shudder at the thought of throwing them away. So I take them all off and put them in my craft room. I’ve spent a great deal of time organizing it so it’s no longer the black hole of oblivion.
Until recently they just sat there. Mocking me. I googled. I searched through pins. Nothing. Then I was talking to my mother and was reminded of a trip we took to New Orleans a few years ago. We’d been wandering through the streets of the French Quarter and happened upon an art gallery entirely dedicated to Pete the Cat. These paintings of Pete were going for hundreds of dollars. Well, I love Pete but I don’t have that kind of money to spend on a painting of him. But (I swear a light bulb went off at this moment) I do have a spare dust jacket that looks very much like those expensive prints. So, I chose a few favorites and decided to frame them. Then for an extra measure I put my favorite quotes from the book along the outside.
Bug loves them. He points and names them as if wondering how on earth Pete and the bunnies got up on the wall. I love them too. A cheap, easy project that doesn’t destroy a book. Mission accomplished.
To frame a dust jacket:
Match the dust jacket with the frame that will most complement its size. I got my frames from a cheap local art store but you could buy them at a charity shop or a goodwill. If you purchase them new they’ll most likely come with a matting frame which makes this much easier.
Take the jacket and center it within the matting frame. If you don’t have a matting frame in your frame, you’ll need to make your own.
Mark where you need to cut the dust jacket so that it will fit the matting. Then just cut, tape, reassemble, and hang.
If I think of anything else to do with those pesky dust jackets I’ll let you know or if YOU have an idea please comment below.
love love love this idea!