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Creativity Prompt #27 – How To Make A Colorful Mini-Book

November 28th, 2008 by Avital

Colorful Mini-Book

For this weeks creativity prompt I have got a cute project with a unique “measurement method“. If you want to learn how to create this whimsical & colorful mini-book – read on:

Supply

  • Patterned paper
  • 2 chipboard scraps. [use the chipboard that comes with your craft supply or with your writing pads or even cut 2 pieces from a cardboard box]
  • Ribbon (optional)
  • A scrap of fabric for the spine (optional).
  • Glue stick
  • Double sided tape
  • Tape runner

Tools

  • Paper trimmer
  • Bone folder
  • Ruler
  • Craft knife + Self healing mat
  • Regular office stapler

Step By Step Instructions –

  1. To determine the size of the pages – measure the width of your stapler’s “arm”. [I did promise a unique measurement technique…]
    Unique measurement technique
  2. Next, determine the desired height of your mini-book [everything goes] and cut an even number of patterned papers at your desired height and double the width of your stapler’s “arm”.
    Cutting your patterned paper to measure - preparing the inserts
    My stapler’s “arm” width was 2¼” and I wanted the height of the mini-book to be 5″, so I cut my patterned papers at 5″ by 4½”
  3. Adhere every two pieces of patterned paper together – back to back – to create your inserts. [or use double sided cardstock…]
    Adhering patterned paper together - back-to-back
  4. Score each insert at the midpoint, lengthwise. [It should measure the same as your stapler’s “arm”. Mine is 2¼”.]
    Scoring the inserts
  5. Stack all your inserts together and staple them twice in the middle crease to create your signature. This is when all your measurements are going to make sense…
    Stapling the signature
  6. Next cut your chipboard scraps ¼” taller and wider then each page of your signature. [mine are: 5¼” by 2½”.]
    Cutting the chipboard to size
  7. Now you need to cover your chipboard pieces:

    First cut 2 pieces of patterned paper (or fabric) which are at least 1″ taller and wider than your chipboard pieces. Then, using a glue stick, adhere the chipboard pieces in the middle of the patterned paper pieces.
    Adhering the chipboard to patterned paper

    Next, cut all the corners of your patterned paper and create a triangle whose base is about an 1/8″ away from the chipboard’s corners.
    Cutting the patterned paper's corners for the cover

    First adhere two flaps which are opposite to each other.
    Folding the opposite flaps of the cover

    Next, tuck the corners of the remaining flaps with the tip of your bone folder. This is going to give your cover a more professional look.
    Tucking the corners of the remaining flaps

    Adhere the remaining flaps to the chipboard, and your covers are ready.
    Finishing the cover

  8. Adhere a scrap of fabric [the same height as your book – mine is 2″ by 5″] to the inner side of your covers with a strong double sided tape. This is going to become the spine of your mini-book. This step is optional.
    Attaching a fabric strip to create the spine of the book
  9. Adhere the ribbon to the spine – the thinner the ribbon is, the better. This step is also optional and is going to provide your mini book a built-in bookmark.
    Attaching the ribbon to the spine as a bookmark
  10. Finally, attach the signatures to the cover with a strong double-sided tape and enjoy your colorful mini-book.
    Adhering the signatures to the cover

Enjoy!!!

If you have any question, suggestion or remark – don’t hesitate to contact me – either leave a comment, use the contact form or start a new thread on the Creativity Prompt Flickr Group!!!

I would also be very happy to see your own mini-book creations, so don’t be shy and share 🙂

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