I love books and I love scrapbooking so here's a way to combine the two for a fantastic gift idea. A mini book that you can then place memories on, or maybe to create an altered piece of art!
Here is what you need:
2 pcs chipboards 4.5 x 4.5 inches (11.43cm)
2 patterned papers 5.5x 5.5 inches (13.97 cm)
3 plain cardstock or construction paper 8.5 x 8.5 inches (21.59cm)
24 inches (61cm) 1/4 inch (narrow) ribbon
Thick glue
Gluestick
Select your papers for the covers of the book. I used a green paper from ViVa Artistry's Gypsy Caravan kit. Cut the papers sized to 5.5x5.5 inches.
Cut the paper using a paper cutter (for straight even cuts!). I cut a little bit outside the edge for extra allowance (this won't show at all). Taking one of the patterned papers, lay it under one chipboard. Fold the edges over the chipboard and adhere with strong glue or gluestick. I found some lovely thick glue while I was in Japan and use this for heavier materials such as chipboard.
Miter the corners in this way:
Fold all corners of paper over the chipboard diagonally.
Fold each side, tucking in the corner.
Use thick glue to adhere the paper to the chipboard on the sides. Allow the paper to dry. Do the other one. Center and adhere the ribbon to one of the boards on the inside raw edge. This is for closing the book.
Fold each plain 8.5x8.5 paper in half and then in half again. If your cardstock is thick, score first before you fold. Unfold and refold corner to corner once. Do this with all three sheets. The folds should all fall in the same direction.
Taking the 3 folded cardstocks, take one and place it diagonally in front of you.
Assemble and adhere together with gluestick. The diagonal fold should fall straight up and down. The middle sheet should have the folds opposite to the outer two. The back cover with the ribbon will be adhered to the right full square. The second cardstock will be adhered to the first on the other full square. The third cardstock will be adhered to the second on the full square and also to the cover.
When placing the back and front covers, line them up so that they are stacked evenly. When folding the pages, the center will fold down and the two outer pages will fold up.
You can then decorate the front and back covers and place photographs and images on the inside.
Some tips:
I work on a mat for quick cleanups.
I have a damp cloth handy because I tend to use my fingers when gluing (yes I've reverted to kindergarten!).
I use a paper cutter because I can't cut straight.
Always fold first before gluing so your edges are even and clean.
Have fun with the book and the memory keeping!
