A scalpel and the straight edge of a ruler are used to cut the spine away from the front and back covers. A straight line is cut as close as possible to the hinge (or edge) of the boards or about 1/8'' away from the hinge, on both the front and the back covers.

                                        

The spine cover is removed, using the scalpel to lift the cover material off of the boards.

                                        

Spine and joint material are removed.

                                        

Any stray material on the book spine is cut away.

                                        

If the text on the original spine is legible it can then be trimmed and later reattached to the new spine. In this case the scalpel and ruler are used to trim the edges of the original spine so that it will be narrower and shorter.

                                        

                                        

Any excess paper or cardboard from the back of the original spine is removed.

                                       

A color of buckram material is selected that either closely matches the color of the book casing or is an appealing contrast. Creativity is encouraged! The buckram is measured to equal the height of the cover plus 1 inch at the top and bottom. The buckram should be wide enough that it overlaps onto both the front and back boards. It is also important to make sure that the buckram is not so wide that it covers any text that might be on the covers.

                                       

A strip of bristol paper is selected and measured to be the same width as the spine and the height of the book.

                                        

                                       

The board shears are used to cut the bristol paper down to size.

                                       

To locate the center of the buckram, the two corners are held loosely together (lengthwise) and a small notch is cut at the top of the fold. This step is repeated on the other end of the buckram.

                                       

Like the notches cut above, the bristol paper is centered on the piece of buckram and glued down.

                                       

                                        

The ends of the buckram are folded over the piece of bristol to create a crease, then unfolded.

                                       

"V" shaped notes are cut in the buckram on the top and bottom of the spine.

                                       

Tabs are folded over and glued.

                                       

Tabs are rubbed down with a bone folder.

                                       

Sides are folded...

                                       

...and tested for accuracy.

                                       

                                       

Buckram is glued.

                                       

Buckram spine is positioned onto book spine. Make sure it is centered.

                                       

Buckram spine is smoothed onto book boards.

                                       

Extending tabs are folded and glued to inside of boards.

                                       

A strip of linen is measured to the length of the board.

                                       

Linen strips are glued.

                                       

Linen strips are glued to the inside of the board and over the tabs. Silicon release paper is used to prevent sticking to end sheet.

                                       

Original spine is glued to the outside of the book. Make sure it is centered.

                                       

Finished product.