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How to Store a Leather Bible

Bibles often are not only books that we use for prayer and study; they may also be family heirlooms that we want to protect and store. Many Bibles have leather covers which, over time, can become damaged if they're not properly protected. The leather can dry out and begin to crumble, and if the leather was vegetable-tanned, it's susceptible to red rot, which will cause it to deteriorate into red dust. Take time to preserve the leather on your precious Bible by boxing it in a custom-made acid-free cardboard box.

Things You'll Need

  • Cardboard box
  • Acid-free piece of 10 pt. corrugated cardboard
  • Utility knife
  • Yardstick or ruler
  • Pencil
  • Bone tool
  • Acid-free tissue paper, preferably colorless
  • Paper punch
  • Cotton twill tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Disassemble a cardboard box that's about 2 inches larger around and 2 inches taller than your Bible.

    • 2

      Spread the box out flat, laying it on top of the acid-free corrugated cardboard. Using the box as a template, trace around it onto the cardboard with a pencil. Lift each flap and outline it.

    • 3

      Lay a yardstick or ruler along the outline you just drew onto the cardboard and cut through the cardboard using a utility knife. Cut your lines as straight as possible, so that the box flaps will fit together properly.

    • 4

      Using a bone tool, score the sections that you'll need to fold to create the box's base and lid. Fold over each section to make sure that they connect well.

    • 5

      Make holes in the flaps of the box with a paper punch. Add holes on the ends, or make several for a weave effect.

    • 6

      Wrap your Bible loosely with acid-free tissue paper and place it in the box.

    • 7

      Slide cotton twill tape -- which is a type of heavy ribbon -- through the holes and tie in a bow. This will allow you to have easy access to your Bible, since it won't have to be lifted out of the box. Store in a cool, dark, dry place.

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