How to Make Autograph Book Covers

Autograph books were very popular in the early 1900's. Owners of the books did not necessarily collect the autographs of celebrities, but of family and friends. Silly rhymes or year book type greetings were penned on the pages. Today, autograph books might be used to collect signatures from famous people. Create a cover for your autograph book that is as creative as the words inside.

Things You'll Need

• Suede leather
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Wood burner
• Leather cord
• Ice pick

Instructions

1. 

   Measure the pages of the autograph book, to determine the size of your cover.

2. 

   Cut two pieces of soft suede leather as the front and back cover of the autograph book. Use the measurements from step 1, with an 1/8-inch added to the width and height. For example, if the pages measured 5" x 4", each leather cover would measure 5 1/8" x 4 1/8".

3. 

   Burn a design into the front cover, using a craft wood burner. Preheat the wood burner as per the manufacturer's instructions.

4. 

   Punch holes in the end of the leather. These holes must line up with the holes in the paper. Use the tip of an ice pick, or leather puncher.

5. 

   String a thin leather cord through the covers and pages to bind the book.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide adult supervision to a child using a wood burner.

Resources

• Leather Etching
• Leather Supplies