How to Make Books by Hand
Making books by hand does not need to be a complicated project requiring hard-to-find materials and equipment. You can make a simple book or one as elaborate as you like. This is an especially nice bonding project for parents and children. Writing in the book can also be a project that a parent and child can complete together. A book made by hand makes an excellent journal. It could be a private journal, travel journal, event journal or even a gift journal.
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Instructions
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1
Cut two sheets of card stock 7 inches wide by 9 inches tall for your front and back cover. This type of paper can be found at scrapbooking, rubberstamp or paper stores and print shops.
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2
Score one card stock sheet 1 inch along one side. This makes the width of the book measure 1 inch before the scoring line and 6 inches after. The 1 inch forms the binding area, which makes it easier to turn the front cover.
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3
Cut filler paper. You can use plain, white copy paper or you can choose papers with different textures or colors from the same store you purchased the card stock. Cut as many sheets as you'd like to fill the inside of your book. The filler paper should measure slightly less than the cover.
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4
Place the filler paper between the two pieces of card stock. Punch four holes, evenly down the 1-inch binding area. If the book is too thick, punch the card stock only. Use this for a pattern as you put several filler sheets under it and punch through the prepunched holes. Continue until all of the filler paper is punched and put it between the two card stock pieces.
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5
Thread a ribbon, starting on the top side, in and out through the punched holes. Even out the ribbon and tie a bow at the center front of the book.
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Decorate your book as desired. Glue on photos, patterned paper, buttons, charms, stickers, stick-on letters or tissue paper.
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Tips & Warnings
Instead of a plain ribbon, try using a polka-dot or patterned one. Raffia, shoe strings or string are other good binding materials.
