I've always loved mini albums. Inspired by handmade books Club Scrap has designed in the past, I created a trio of mini books from a 3-pack of Literature Folders and the Cartography Page Kit.
This quick little project is perfect for those occasions where a card isn't quite enough, but a full-fledged album might be too much. I think it would make a great mini for new parents or grandparents, graduates or as a way to commemorate any special occasion. And if you decide to enhance your gift monetarily, the pocket is a great way to present cash or a gift card.
Interested in making your own? Read on to learn more.
Literature Folder Mini Book Tutorial
Supplies:
(3) 5x5" Literature Folders (Available in White or Kraft)
(3) 12x12 Plains
(3) 12x12 Prints
Waxed Cord
Cutaparts, ribbons, embellishments, etc.
Tools:
Paper Trimmer
ScorPal 1/8s
Grid Ruler
Piercing Cradle
Awl
Bookbinding Needle
Adhesive
Prep:
Cut each Plain at 9.5". Rotate the 9.5x12 and cut at 9.5 and 4.75". Score each 4.75x9.5 inside page horizontally at 4.75"; fold in half.
Trim each Print at 9.5 and 4.75". Rotate and cut each 4.75x12 at 9.5 and 4.75".
Assembly Instructions:
Use a grid ruler and a piercing tool with cradle to create two stitching holes along the inside fold .75" from the top and bottom edges. Transfer the stitching holes to the remaining inside pages using the first pierced page as a template.
Add the stitching holes to the literature folder by centering one inside page vertically, leaving equal distance from top and bottom edges. Use the piercing tool to transfer the holes to the spine area.
Select two prepared inside pages for each mini book, nest them together to create a signature. Thread waxed cord onto a bookbinding needle. Attach the inside pages to the spine of the literature folder using a simple pamphlet stitch.
Attach the 4.75" printed squares to the front and back outside covers.
Add the two remaining print panels to the front and back inside covers.
Tip: For the back inside cover, add adhesive to the plain side then slide the inside back cover into the pocket to adhere. (Create nesting panels for the front each pocket trimmed from one unused 12x12 plain, if desired.)
Embellish each book inside and out with Cutaparts, ribbons, charms, etc. Trim six 4.25x6.25 Photo Mats to 4.25" square; add two to the inside pages of each book.
What do you think? This is just one of many mini book ideas. Explore other projects you can make make with Literature Folders at the links below.
Pacific Northwest Triple Folios
Hopes Literature Folder Mini Book
Literature Folders
$4.25
These sturdy fiberboard CD folders were originally designed for storing and mailing CDs. But they have so much more creative potential! The folders are used in creating projects like the Triple Folio Mini Album. Package includes three folders with one straight and… Read More
Piercing Cradle
$19.95
An indispensable tool used for piercing through signatures during the book binding process. A real time saver, and it makes more accurate holes than piercing on a flat surface. Measures 12" long, with a 6" wide base. Innovated and made… Read More
Awl
$3.30
Pierce holes for stitching handmade books, brads, buttons and more. Pair with our piercing cradle to save time and effort when making handmade books. (Color will vary, let us choose for you.)… Read More
Waxed Cord
$7.72
50 meter roll of 1mm diameter cord. Available in five colors. Perfect for hand-stitched book projects and more.… Read More
