How to Make a Homemade Book

There are numerous ways to make homemade books, but with a computer, word processing program, glue and card stock, the job is simple and easy; here's what to do.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Printer
• Word processing program
• Paper cutter
• Glue
• Card stock or poster board
• Heavy rubber bands

Instructions

1. Make sure you word processing program can print 2 pages of text per page (columns) in landscape mode. Microsoft Word can do this, as can Open Office (see Resources below).

2. Print out your book in two-column format. If your printer doesn’t support duplex printing, set up the print job to do odd numbered pages first. Turn the paper over in the printer tray after the first side is done printing to do the even numbered pages.

3. Use a paper cutter to separate the pages of your book, making sure to keep all pages in order.

4. Use card stock or cut a piece of poster board that will wrap around the pages of your book, like a paperback. Crease the edges of where the pages fit into the card stock.

5. Line the binding edge of the card stock with glue. Simple school glue is fine for this process, provided it dries clear.

6. Press the edges of your printed paper into the glued card stock. Secure with tight rubber bands to hold everything together until the glue dries thoroughly

Tips & Warnings

• Use your printer to do graphics, title and author's name on the card stock before binding.

• Make sure the rubber bands hold the pages to the glued card stock securely. Make sure all pages are even against the card stock.

• Thin poster board can be used for the cover if your book has too many pages for regular card stock. Use a paper cutter to make the perfect size for your book.

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Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Open Office Software