Introduction: Novel Display

Watch out world, we have this fabulous display-in-a-book! Go on down to your local library, ask them for the old donated books they were going to throw out anyway, and join us as we desecrate them into something new!

Step 1: Materials and Important Note

Materials Needed:
Large book

Gorilla wood glue

Boxcutter

Balsa wood craft kit containing:

1 piece 8.5 X 5 inch
3 pieces 4 X 5

1 piece .5 X 5

1 piece 6 X 9

Gluestick
Strips of book pages no more than ½ inch wide

6 X 9 inch piece plastic

LCD reflective glass

Phone (we used an iPhone 6 but any is fine)

Important Note:

There are two options for cutting the book; the first method is faster but not as aesthetically pleasing, the second is longer but produces a neater finished project. Choose what is best for you before starting.

Option 1: Use the markings as a guide for the boxcutter, cutting an inch deep into the book. Cut as far down as you can to the boxcutter guard, then flip over and do the same on the opposite side.

Option 2: Skip Step 3. Use the markings as a guide for the boxcutter. Place cardboard under 20 pages, cut, and repeat until done.

Step 2:

Cut entire cover off of book, careful not to cut the binding (or yourself!).

Safety Note:

Retract blade when not in use and always point away from body. Do not put your thumb over the boxcutter.

Step 3:

Skip this step if doing Option 2

Use Gorilla Wood Glue around the book’s edges to glue the pages before cutting.

Step 4:

Draw a rectangle on the first page of the book, leaving a half-inch margin on all sides.

Step 5:

Cut book using one of two previously mentioned options:

Option 1: Using the markings as a guide for the boxcutter, cutting an inch deep into the book. Cut as far down as you can to the boxcutter guard, then flip over and do the same on the opposite side.
Option 2: Skip Step 3. Use the markings as a guide for the boxcutter. Place cardboard under 20 pages, cut, and repeat until done.

Step 6:

Glue two 4 X 5 inch pieces of balsa wood on the top and bottom of the book’s base (takes about two hours to dry).

Step 7:

Glue one 4 X 4.5 inch piece of balsa wood on right side, let it dry for a half hour, then glue flat .5 X 5 piece on the base where the two connect.

Step 8:

Glue 6 X 9 piece of cardboard to inside of cover.

Step 9:

Use gluestick around edges of plastic piece (same size as cardboard) to attach it to the cardboard.

Step 10:

Use gluestick to attach the LCD reflective glass (cut to size) on top of the plastic.

Step 11:

Use gluestick to glue pieces of pages around edges of LCD for decorative effect, using ½ inch margins.