How to Make a Box With Faux Book Spines to Hide Stuff Inside

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Decide on box size(s) and how many you'll want to make.

   Let's say you want to make a single box for each of the 12 cubbies in a cube-shelf.
   
   Determine the height, width and depth measurements for the space(s).
   
   Another thing you'll want to consider is what colors the book spines will be.
   
   Consider going with all browns and black or gray shades that coordinate with just about anything and would also look like antique books.
   
   But don't be afraid to go more colorful
   - this could result in a really modern or fun look!
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   Step 2: Taking the shelf space measurements you wrote down in the step above

   This will allow wiggle room for the boxes to easily slide in and out of the shelves.
   
   The depth measurement can also be adjusted so your 'books' sit further back on the shelf and not right up to its edge, especially if you plan to make the 'book' spines more three dimensional.
   
   Reduce the depth by about 1/2 inch (1.27cm) if you want a bit of a ledge and know you will make some spines more three dimensional than others. , The dimensions used in this example are shown here. (Keep in mind the depth of the foam core as well
   - two panels equal about 1/4 inch (6.35mm) in this case.) , Be as precise as possible so that all the edges will line up and result in square corners.  , Be sure to have a cutting mat placed below the board and use the edge of the ruler as a cutting edge guide if you're not good at free-hand cutting. , Use the X-Acto knife to get clean corners and cuts on the tape. , This will become the base for attaching the book spines to. , Pick out which titles you want to be displayed together on each box front.
   
   They can be themed or completely random.
   
   For authenticity, try finding out the page count of each of your titles so the book thickness will be realistic
   - otherwise you could end up with a very "abridged" version of War & Peace! See the "Tips" section for more ideas on selecting book titles. , Don't make any books skinnier than 3/4" (2cm) though as smaller sizes become increasingly difficult to work with the later steps.
   
   Try to plan out how the actual spine should look so you have a nice variety of styles and fonts across the books. (Search online for images of "antique books spines" for design ideas.) , This allows you to have a finger hole to pull the box out of the shelf.
   
   This is essential if you're making them fit snug and won't have a way to grasp the sides of the box. , Try to pick colors that go with the title (a black cover for Dracula makes a lot more sense than a pink one!). , Cut out this shape. , Repeat this step for the other fold.
   
   Now use your fingers to crush the fold as flat as possible. , Then go over it with pen or marker to finalize it.
   
   Be careful not to smudge the ink and give it a minute to dry before touching again. , At this point you may want to place a weight or two on top to keep the paper from lifting up (you can use the duct tape rolls for this). ,, For these you may may want to cut your paper a bit wider than the space left so they curve out a little and give you a more three dimensional effect on the spines.
   
   Keep gluing them until all the books are done. , Don't get stingy with your glue here, you want this to stay put! , Be very careful with this step so you don't ruin all your work on the book spines. ,
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   Step 3: subtract about 1/4 or 1/8 inch (6.35mm or 3.17mm) from the height and width dimensions.

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   Step 4: Plan out the dimensions for your boxes and determine how to minimize waste when cutting the foam core boards.

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   Step 5: Using a yard-stick or other long ruler

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   Step 6: measure out and mark the foam core boards with a pencil.

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   Step 7: Use the X-Acto knife to cut the foam core boards.

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   Step 8: Once you have all five sides of the box cut out

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   Step 9: use the duct tape to connect the four sides to each other and then add the bottom on last.

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    Step 10: Use the dimensions of the front-side of your box and cut the thinner poster board to this size.

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    Step 11: Now comes the fun part!

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    Step 12: Measure and draw out a template for each book spine on the poster board fronts so you can plan everything out.

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    Step 13: Plan on one book in the center of the box to be 1" (2.5cm) wide and make it about 1/2" (1.27cm) shorter than the others.

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    Step 14: Once you have your plan in place

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    Step 15: select which papers you want to use for each book spine.

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    Step 16: Measure out the width of the first book on the scrap-book paper adding about 1/4" (6.35mm) on both sides that will get folded under to glue to the poster board.

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    Step 17: Using a ruler held against the back of the piece of paper lined up with the fold line

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    Step 18: press down on table to get a straight crease across the strip.

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    Step 19: Draw out your title design on the folded paper.

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    Step 20: Apply glue to the backs of the folds and apply to the poster board front panel aligning the outer edges as best possible.

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    Step 21: Begin working on the third book by skipping every other book and glue them down as you finish them.

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    Step 22: Go back and do the remaining middle books.

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    Step 23: Once all the glue is dry

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    Step 24: attach the faux book to the box you made earlier by gluing it on.

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    Step 25: Cut out the finger hole in the foam core board above the short center "book."

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    Step 26: Your finished box should fit perfectly into your shelf space and easily pull out using the finger hole/notch.

Detailed Guide

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