How to Add Page Fold Pockets in Altered Books

Adding page fold pockets to altered book (and art journals, as well) adds an extra element of interest to art projects. Not only does it create another area for tucking, it’s a quick alteration that requires few materials.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• White glue or gel medium
• Straight edge ruler
• Bone folder
• Eyelets or brads
• Eyelet setter (if eyelets are chosen)

1. 
   Choose a flat page spread.

   Choose a page spread in the altered book or art journal that hasn’t been manipulated with heavy media, such as paper collage or weighty embellishments. If the page is painted, chalked or drawn on it’ll still work for this project.

2. 
   Any kind of ruler is fine.

   Fold the page over toward the center of the book so there’s a two-inch section of the page still showing. Place the ruler between the folded areas and make a sharp crease using the bone folder.

3. 
   Clip the pages, if that helps!

   Open the fold and add gel medium to the top half-inch and the bottom half inch of the page, on the folded side. Fold the page back over and burnish the edges down with the bone folder. Allow the page to dry.

4. 
   Be sure to measure.

   Add eyelets or brads, evenly spaced, on the top and the bottom of the folder area of the pocket. This will add some extra sturdiness to the pocket, as well as an extra decorative element.

Tips & Warnings

• A glue stick will work fine if that’s all that’s available.
• Thread charms, coiled wire, thread or fibers through the eyelets for extra pop.
• Cold the corners of the page, rather than making a straight edge fold, for added interest.
• It may be necessary to place waxed paper under the page being glued so it doesn’t leak on to the clean pages beneath.
• If the pocket isn’t completely dry before adding the brads or eyelets, the paper will tear and slip when an attempt to set these elements is made.

Resources

• Mixed Media Arts

[elyria]

on 4/1/2009 great article on How to Add Page Fold Pockets in Altered Books. 5* and recommended