Mending Toddler Books – yet another use for Aleene’s Tacky Glue

All of my kids have had this phase where they rip books, then realize that the books are messed up, as if some one else has done it – consequences are an abstract idea for the LONGEST TIME.  Sometimes when I’m cross with them, I feel like throwing out the ripped up books, but I want them to learn about grace – and frugality, and general crunchy reduce, repair, recycle…and books are not cheap – even old copies of Babybug magazine.  So, Aleene’s Tacky Glue to the rescue.

I first read about this when  B was  a toddler, in a book about computer crafts, you could either make a pad of paper with tear off sheets, or a ‘paper back’ book.  I use the idea to mend K’s books when she gets overly kinetic.  I wouldn’t use this method for something valuble – ask your librarian where they get their books mended – but for good enough books, this works great.

First, line the edges of your paper stack.  If they are badly wrinkled, you can iron them with a low dry setting on your iron.  If they are rebellious, use a bull dog clip on top and bottom about an inch in from the spine.

Second, apply a thick bead of Aleene’s Tacky Glue over the pages to be reconnected.  I usually leave it to dry over night hanging off the edge of my desk so it doesn’t stick to anything.

If you want it to be prettier, or if the cover was compromised, you can fold some card stock over the spine, this makes things nice and sturdy, and then you can bull dog clip right over the spine itself, and not worry about drips.

K likes that texture better anyhow.

Oh, if your interior pages are ripped, scrapbooker’s one sided tape does not turn yellow like regular Christmas wrapping tape does.  Ask me how I know this.