Here's a 6x6 mini book which looks complicated but really isn't - I promise. There are lots of fold out pages of different sizes to fill with pictures and journalling, plus a couple of pockets for adding extra notes, tags or messages.
This time I'm showing how to make the "bare bones" of the book as I've struggled with Mr Mojo this week (you know how it is, I'm sure :-( ) and my own book isn't finished yet, so I'll share the next stages another time.
Just in case you've missed the news, this month's kit includes a custom-made, fab chipboard Word Book made up of letters/word of your own choice (up to 7 letters) - a really bespoke idea from Caroline and one not to be missed.
Check the SHOP for more info. As I want to use some different papers for my word book, I'm using some of the card and paper included in the February kit, plus some I had left over from the "Violette Wings" kit to make this week's album
You'll need:
2 identical sheets of 12 x 12 card (card A)
1 sheet of 12 x 12 card in a toning or contrasting colour (card B)
Papers from the kits
Inks for edging
1. From the first sheet of card A cut a 6 x 12" strip.
At each end of the long side mark and fold at 2.75" and 3". This is the first stage of the cover, which "wraps" around the book.
Those 2.75" sections will make the spines, one on either side of the book - it will look like this
2. To finish the cover section you have a choice. You can make the extra pieces the same size, ie 6 x6^ or do as I've done and cut them slightly smaller so that there is a margin of the base colour showing around the contrasting colour of the front sections.
So, Cut from card B either:
4 squares measuring 5.5 x 5.5"
OR
4 squares measuring 6 x6^
3. Use a corner rounder on 2 corners of each square if you wish.
* Ink around the edges of the squares
*Adhere one square to the front of each 2.75" section (obviously they they will overlap)
* Turn the whole thing over and adhere the second two squares as before, checking that the edges match up as accurately as possible.
* When you fold it up the cover will now look like this
Now make the inner section for the book
4. From the second sheet, and the remaining half of card A cut three strips measuring 5.75 x 12"
5. Mark, fold and crease each strip at 3" in from each end of each of the 3 strips
6. Next we need to join the three strips together end to end
* Start by taking what will be the central strip, fold the flaps in to the middle and apply glue as shown in the photo below (the ink pads are just there to hold the flaps down while I took the photo!)
* Now stick one flap of each of the other card strips to match these so that you end up with something like this
Those flaps in the middle make the "secret" pockets, so at this point it's a good idea to make little half circle thumb holes by using a hole punch in the middle of each.
7. To assemble the book into one piece, apply glue to the reverse of the central square of the page insert and taking care to make it nice and straight, adhere it to the inside of the cover section.
8. To fold up the book, starting in the middle:
* fold in the pocket pages
* fold in the flap-page on the right hand side
(note. it's a good idea to make a new crease a couple of mms to the left of the original one on this page, this will help the pages fold in more neatly)
* Fold in the right hand page (the one you've just made the new crease in)
* Fold in the flap of the left side page, then fold over the whole of that page too
* You should now be left with just the two cover sections so fold in the right side cover, then close the left side which will be the actual front cover of your book.
9. Measure and cut your choice of papers for the pages of your book, ink the edges and adhere in place.
Your book is now made and ready for you to decide what to use it's pages for, and of course how to decorate the cover.
Which is as far as I've got, so I'll just leave you today with photos of how it's looking at the moment.
Thanks for visiting today, I hope you'll be itching to have a go at making one of these cute books now but please leave a comment before you get started!
Happy Crafting
Kathyxxx
Find more of my crafting HERE
All text and images ©Kathy Black 2010
