I found these old books at a thrift store for $1 each and knew they'd be perfect for my next little project. Before I did anything to them, I looked them up to make sure I wasn't about to desecrate a rare, first edition or something. Although one of them was in fact a first edition from 1840, it is not a rare find by any means of the word, so I went ahead with my projects.
Step 1: Choose Your Book
I chose this book because of its size, weight, and the look of it.
I really like the distressed look of the binding.
Loved the old pages.
Step 2: Trace the area for your secret storage
I usually leave the first 20 pages of the book alone and begin my compartment after that. You can do a simple rectangle, a square, two squares, a rounded top... really anything. Just remember that the more intricate the shape, the more time it will take. Also, make sure you leave a big enough margin to keep the compartment stable.
Step 3: Begin Cutting
Using a razor knife, an x-acto knife, or a heated ribbon cutter in my case, begin cutting out your design. You will need to slice the same area several times, paying close attention to the corners.
Wow! What a neat find!
Once my book was hollowed to my desired depth, I used my heated razor to make burn marks around the edges. This helps to soften the razored edges.
Step 4: Glue the pages
Dab glue in between random chunks of pages and then on the outsides of the pages as well. Press the pages together tightly and using a brush, spread the remaining glue on the pages. Make sure you don't glue the first chunk of uncut pages in with the secret compartment.
Step 5: Fancy it up (optional)
You can paint your pages a bold color and decorate the cover to make it more of a conversation piece and less of a secret stash for your "sacred gum wrappers."
VARIATION: Make a Book with a Secret Drawer
You will need a small box (a jewelry box works perfectly)
Step 1: Choose your book
"How to Write Letters" circa 1940
Step 2: Measure the opening for your drawer and trace the box
Since this is a drawer, you will be cutting the book all the way to the edge of the pages.
Check the depth often. You need just enough clearance to close the book tightly. If the space it too deep the drawer will slip out too easily.
This depth is perfect.
Step 3: Paint The Drawer
You can try to match the drawer to the pages or you can just paint the pages and the drawer.
I painted both the drawer and the pages in a nice, "dirty-green." It seems fitting for this book
Step 4: Add a Drawer Pull
I used a piece of ribbon as a drawer pull. I glued it into the drawer and then down under the drawer leaving just enough space for my finger to slide in.
Step 5: The Details
I used a ribbon and a page from the book to line the drawer. You can line it with fabric, paper, use Mod Podge to decoupage pictures and such, anything really. And again this can be a discreet place to stash things or you can fancy it up and use it on your coffee table.
Here they are together on a shelf in my living room. Just looking at them you would think they were just plain old books... and now that you know they aren't I'm going to booby trap them when you come over for coffee!