Old Book Clutch Bag

This is my first instructable so be kind!
So, I had this idea to make a book with a secret compartment, then this idea developed into a clutch bag, because I thought I would get more use out of it this way.
So first gather your materials, there are very little.
-An old hardback book, I bought mine at a charity shop for £2
-PVA Glue
-A brush, preferably old, so it doesn't really matter if it is ruined
-A Stanley Knife

Step 1: Cut it out

-First mark a rectangle in the middle of the page to cut, I drew mine 2.5cm (1" approx.) from the edge.
-Then simply start to cut along the edge with the knife.
-As I cut deeper I gradually pulled out the pages.
-I didn't cut tp the very back of the book, I cut to roughly the middle, or a little bit more.

*Be careful to keep cutting directly down, I made this mistake and started cutting at an angle as you may be able to see.

Comments

[NickyLess87]

I love this :) as an avid reader, I'm never too far away from a book anyway :) just need to make sure I take the right "book" out now lol!

[pinkcultleader]

What I would do is peel up the inside cover and glue a magnet then replace the cover, then a few pages down in the book place a corresponding magnet so it has a closure of some sort. also perhaps line the inside with felt. again you can just glue it in. I really do like your bag ^_^ I shall have to do this project

[KennethDaily]

Fabulous

[jessandstavro]

Yay for your first Instructable!!

I've bought several books before to turn into the 'secret compartment' book, but just never got around to it. The old Reader's Digest Condensed, circa 1960-70s have some incredible cover art.

Great idea to turn it into a bag. :)

[Flintlock]

Very nice!

Don't fret about the size of your product though, sometimes a small clutch to hold a few personal items is a ton better than a bag that seems to swallow and dissolve whatever you seem to be looking for.

[mikeasaurus]

awesome reuse for an old book!