DIY: Make Your Own Book Safe

Traditional book safe

Whether you’ve got some special personal items or you just have noisy-ass roommates, everyone likes to have a secret hiding spot. There’s something terribly delicious about having a secret anyhow, but a secret hiding spot? Well, that’s just aces. The Book Safe appeals to everyone from hard-core Nancy Drew fans to those who just need a stash for their stash. (I found these instructions in a book I’m holding hostage from the library called 'œDon’t Throw It Out.') It’s relatively simple, and how much fun will it be knowing Grandma’s earring and your whiskey funds are safe in your former Trig textbook?
Here’s what you need:

– A book (duh), at least 2 inches deep
– A ruler
– A pencil
– A craft knife
– A glue gun and sticks
– Cardboard and some felt.

While the book is shut, mark the pages about an inch up from the back cover. Open the book at the inch point, then trace out the size and shape you want your hiding place to be. If you’re going with a traditional square/rectangle, you’ll need about 2 inches inside the perimeter.

Gun Safe – Looks cool, but it’ll be tough to cut out.

Now start cutting out those pages '“ but only 10 or 12 at a time or it’s gonna get all mucked up. Peel out the centers, trace the outline underneath, and cut and continue. You can use the cardboard to slide underneath if it helps, and it’s going to be handy when you get to the last thirty pages or so. Next measure and cut something to line your compartment '“ either cardboard or felt (but felt feels nicer). Use the glue gun to keep the felt '“ and the pages '“ in place.

Flask safe? Now we’re talkin’!

Glue the last page to the back cover so everything stays stable and let it dry. If you’re feeling ambitious, use a ribbon or glue a clasp to keep the book shut '“ although that might give away it’s secret purpose.