How to Make Children's Books With Recycled Materials

Make a children's pop-up book.

You can make a simple child's book with a paper sack and some old Christmas cards. This book is designed for younger children but just making the book can be fun for kids and adults alike. Similar to a pop-up book, this book is not meant for reading, but for entertaining with a carousel of bright colors and movable parts. Most people have the basic supplies already at home -- recycled paper bags and Christmas cards are easy to obtain.

Things You'll Need

• Paper bag
• Christmas cards
• Scissors
• Glue

Instructions

1. Lay a brown paper bag flat horizontally in front of you on a table. Fold the paper bag horizontally eight times. Make each fold equal in width. Press down hard so the folds are well established.

2. Pull the bag apart gently so it resembles an accordion. There will be three peaks in the center of the bag.

3. Cut 10 Christmas cards in half with scissors. Cut them along the fold into two sections. Cut each section into four equal parts horizontally across the section. Most of the strips will be close in size, but if they're not, that's OK.

4. Spread some glue on the back side of one of the strips, halfway up the strip. Place the glued side of the strip at the top of the first peak. The bottom of the strip should be in the crease with the other half extended up past the peak reflecting the same angle as the peak.

5. Place glue on the back of another strip halfway up. Place it on the opposite side of the peak just below the first strip so the angles of the two strips intersect each other. Continue placing strips below each other on the peak, alternating the angles by placing them on either side of the strip until you come to the bottom of the peak.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 on the other two peaks. Let the glue dry for 15 minutes. Fold the sack up with the creases. The strips will all fold up flat. When you open the book the strips will all stand up, similar to a pop-up book.

Tips & Warnings

• Make two or three paper bag books. Glue them together for a larger book. For a more organized book, try gluing strips in a color sequence.

• Use child-proof scissors and glue. Be careful of Christmas cards with glitter or parts that may come off.

References

• Susan Gaylord: Christmas Card Flag Book