Custom Covers for your Harry Potter Novels

I am a big fan of the Potter series. I really wanted a nice set of collector's styled editions for my shelves, but I'm not too keen on the deluxe editions that have been released. They are also pretty pricy, and considering that I already own copies of all the books, it seemed a little indulgent to spend so much on another set.

So I decided to re-cover my hardback copies of the standard editions with my own "deluxe" design, to add a bit more style to my bookshelves.

I am also using this project as an excuse to have a play with laser transfer foil, which I've never used before. I've got to say, it's pretty amazing stuff, and opens up a world of possibilities. I sourced my foil at a great site called Crafty Computer Paper ( They have LOTS of exciting products!)

The laser transfer foil only works with Laser printers, or photocopies. It does not work with inkjet printouts. I managed to buy an old black and white laser printer on ebay for £17 delivered (a steal!)


This technique can be applied to any hardback book, and I'm tempted to make some similar styled covers for some other series I have. The His Dark Materials series, or maybe some of Feist's novels too.

Step 1 Preparing the cover art and choosing the paper

I used some imaging software to create the new cover design digitally. I measured the books covers, then transfered them to into the software, and added the titles, and graphics.

It took a while to get everything perfect, but a few test prints later, I was confident enough to put my good quality paper through the laser printer to get a final front cover.

The paper I went for has a marble style pattern on it, I liked the colour, and I though it had a bit of a Hogwarts feel to it. I actually got it in A3 size, then cut it in half to get some A4 sheets, as this was a much cheaper way to buy it.

Below is a pic of the first run of the new cover on the marble paper.

Comments

[Yetihahn]

Simply beautiful!
I'll have to make a set

[cbolton4]

Your editions look really wonderful. I didn't realize that it was possible to gold leaf in this way. I am going to have to give this process a try. Also the beeswax idea was ingenious and from the images you show it really makes a difference. I have a few well worn editions of Stephen King books that I have picked up at garage sales. Your instructable might be just the thing to make these worn editions look a bit nicer.

[action pig]

Such a great idea and nice execution! Thanks!

[Crucio]

Wow, they look absolutely gorgeous! I'm very envious!

[Niongi]

What font did you use? :)

[gingerpete50]

I used Imperator Small Caps as the basic font, then spaced out the letters to 325 and squashed them vertically down to 75%

It's the same font "recipie" I used in my Spellbooks instructable

http://www.instructables.com/id/Harry-Potter-style-Hogwarts-Library-Spellbooks/

[jdege]

Have you thought about adding new endpapers, to cover the fold-over from the outside and the spine?

[gingerpete50]

Yes, that will be the final touch, I just don't have any suitable paper at the moment. I'd like to get some nice marbled sheets for that.

[Serenity X]

These look amazing! Wonderful job. Which editions of the books did you use?

[gingerpete50]

Hey, thanks! I used the standard UK hardback editions, you can see it in step 4.

[newimagesru]

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[Penolopy Bulnick]

Awesome! Love the new cover!