Full Instructions - Bookery Besties

Supplies Needed:

Book: Your main project material
Bookery Edge Design: For the aesthetic finish
Book Press: Full-size or narrow, depending on your book size
Sanding Blocks: A range from 180-2000 grit for smoothing edges
Optional: Orbital sander with sanding discs for quicker sanding
Dry Brush: For applying finishes or cleaning
Scissors or Paper Trimmer: For precise cuts
Heat Resistant Tape: To secure materials when applying heat
Mini Heat Press: A tool like the Cricut Easy Press Mini, set to 400°F for even heat application

Cut a small piece off the top of the design (or a corner of a full sheet)
Layer parchment paper over cardstock, then use heat-resistant tape to secure the sample down
Turn on the heat press to high; once hot, press into the design with medium/high pressure for 45 seconds
When done, lift the press straight up without jiggling or sliding
Let cool, then peel back to check the design test

Mostly tighten the nuts to hold the book in place while still allowing some manipulation
Use a flat surface to push along the spine of the book, ensuring the edge is as flat as possible; this prevents mounds or valleys that could affect even pressing
Once flat, make sure the book is sticking out from the edge by about 1 mm
Tighten the nuts the rest of the way – DO NOT overtighten

Start with 180 grit sandpaper, sanding the book to even out any ridges or grooves
Sand evenly to ensure the center doesn’t dip lower than the top and bottom; rotate the press to maintain evenness
Gradually work your way up to finer grits (2000), applying consistent pressure; smoother pages will help details show up better
Brush away dust between sandpaper grits

Decide on the placement of the design: Do you want a certain aspect centered, slightly angled, etc.? Remember that the colored side faces down toward the book
Mark your cut lines; you can use your nail, a pencil, or a pen
Trim the long sides, but leave the top and bottom uncut; the overhang will help secure the strip in place
Place the excess back into the plastic for future use

Tape down the top and bottom of the Bookery Edge to the top and bottom of the book
Avoid taping across the outside; this can dull the effect of the heat and color
Keep the strip nice and tight to prevent any wiggling

Turn on the heat press to high
With medium to firm pressure, hold the heat press to the edge for 45 seconds
When done, lift the press straight up without jiggling or sliding
Work your way across the book, slightly overlapping each placement of the heat press
As it heats, the design will show through the back, allowing you to see where additional heat may be needed
You can go over any spots that need more heat, taking your time; however, avoid holding the press in the same area for more than 30-45 seconds—while the paper won’t burn, the ink could scorch

Let everything cool for 15 seconds
Untape one side and lift the paper to check for spots that may need more heat; if needed, tape it back down and go over those areas
Once you’re satisfied with the results, peel off the paper, loosen the bolts slightly (so the pages are held but not squeezed) and let it cool completely
If there is any scorching, use your finest sanding block to lightly brush over that area, taking care not to cross colors too much
Finally, take the book out of the press, place it on your shelf, and enjoy!