With guest appearances in numerous movies and mystery stories, decoy books are the quintessential criminal craft and are a prerequisite accessory for a well-stocked den of thieves. Of course, I have several of the sly stashes and like to cut my pages into silhouettes of the objects hidden inside. Thank goodness encyclopedia sets are cheap these days, or I’d never know where to keep my flask collection.

Award yourself extra style points for finding books with ironic titles for your treasures—and for goodness sake, don’t hide anything in your grandma’s Bible, or Crime and Punishment; it’s the first place the feds are going to look. This is experience talking . . .

SUPPLIES

Hardcover book

Large paper clip or clothespin

Small bowl

2 tablespoons craft glue

6 tablespoons water

Small paintbrush

X-Acto knife

HOW TO

1. Open the book, turn the first few pages toward the front cover, and fasten them temporarily in place with a large paper clip or clothespin. Leave the book propped open in this position while completing this craft. Leaving a few pages in the front of the book to move freely acts as a further decoy for your deception when the project is complete.

2. In a small bowl, mix the glue and water.

3. Paint the glue mix onto the outside edges of the book pages. You’ll want the mix to lightly saturate the edges. Brush out any drips. Prop the book open to dry with the clipped pages at the front.

4. If you’ve got glue left over, cover your bowl with plastic wrap until you’re ready for Step 7.

5. Reduce or enlarge the keyhole-shaped template so it fits onto the page of your book with a ½-inch margin on all sides.

6. After the exterior pages are dry, trace the keyhole-shaped template onto the open book, again leaving a few loose pages in the front. Make sure the template is centered at least ½ inch from the edge of the page before cutting.

7. With an X-Acto knife, cut the template shape into the book pages. If you press hard, you can usually cut two or three pages at a time. Take out the scraps and continue cutting until you’ve a nice, deep cavity for your treasures.

8. Paint the glue mixture onto the inside of the cavity. Keep the book propped open while it dries overnight.

9. Fill the compartment with your treasure and hide the book in plain sight. Don’t worry, your secret is safe!