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Every now and then, one of the books I am saving is brittle, so when I remove the original book pages, the spine rips. Undaunted by this outcome, I have come up with a way to still save the book. And every Nancy Drew mystery deserves to be read. So, this mystery will be solved in this blog with pictures and advice from the BeeZ Bookie herself, me.

Clue One:

Assess the damage. This cover was in halves, but crucial ragged edges help in the restoration.

Clue Two:

Line up the two sides of the cover closely so you can marry the damaged edges. Weight each side so they do not move.

Use your finger to guide pressing down the ragged edges until they match.

Clue Three:

Get the Lineco® Linen Hinging tape and bone folder ready to roll.

Clue Four:

Lay a section of the Lineco® hinging tape over the interior ragged edge, ensuring each side matches up as you place the tape. Press with bone folder.

Clue Five:

Place Lineco® hinging tape on all sides of interior of cover, press firmly with bone folder.

Ensure you have all seams and areas covered with hinge tape.

Clue Six:

Prop up book so it resembles how it will finish as a book purse, ensuring heavy objects on both sides to keep it upright. You now have the exposed ragged edge with hinge tape facing up, on outside of cover.

Clue Seven:

Apply Fabric Tack® adhesive to inside of raggedy edge so that it meets up with the hinge tape, using your finger to guide the nozzle into the cracks. Once the adhesive is applied, press firmly with your fingers for a smooth finish

Wait to dry, reapply until you have sufficient adhesive to fill the ragged gaps.

Press firmly with your fingers between each adhesive application to keep it smooth.

When completely dry, assess if you filled all the gaps of the ragged edge. If you confident they are all filled, its time to paint.

Clue Eight:

Gather up your craft paint and brushes.  I have an assortment of Martha Stewart®, Folk Art® and Americana® to ensure I have enough colors. They also mix well to match the colors on the front of the cover.

Open up book cover and prop so you have a clear and level application area for touch up painting of the glued raggedy edge. Paint the glued edge with art and craft paint. Let completely dry between coats.

Clue Nine:  

Once you feel you have painted the repair to match the cover, apply multiple thin coats of Goldens Gel Medium® over the  glued and painted edge to ensure a flat, secure edge before you transform the book cover into a book purse.

Let dry between coats.

Clue Ten:

Let dry a day thoroughly before final waterproofing with a clear sealer.

Clue Eleven:

You have now solved the Mystery of the Broken spine. Wear her proudly, as all Nancy’s deserve a second chance. And I fulfill my passion for saving all the books I can. Over 6000 at last count.