How to Create a Mini Book

Mini books can be used in many ways: as story books, for stamp or trading sticker collections, or as sketchbooks. They can be sized to fit into a pocket or can be used as a more personal form of a gift card. You can add photos, ribbons and other touches to make your mini book unique.

Things You'll Need

• 1 sheet of 8 ½" x 11" paper for every 11 mini-pages 1 sheet cover paper or decorative paper (at least 4 ½" x 6 ½") (100# paper) 1 stapler w/staples 1 hole punch 1 foot of ribbon or string Scissors Optional: Decorator scissors Paper cutter (straight-edge type) Image printed on card stock

Instructions

Make A Mini Book

1. 

   Fold one piece of 8 ½" x 11" printer paper in half, then unfold it. Cut along the crease.

2. 

   Cut as many sheets of paper as you like. Each sheet will make 4 smaller sheets and most standard staplers will only staple 15-18 pieces of paper. Use decorator scissors for a nice edge. (If you fold and slightly moisten the folded, you can carefully tear along the edge for a similar look.)

3. 

   Loosen your trimmed paper by fanning the small sheets (decorator scissors will make the edges catch).

4. 

   Collect the pages and staple them together using two staples in line with the center.

5. 

   Trim your cover (inside out) to 4-3/16" x 6-½".

6. 

   Fit your cover over the other pages so that you have a small edge that goes beyond the pages. You may notice that the inside pages are longer than the outer ones. This is because of the thickness of paper at the staple end. You can trim this if you like. Mark where the cover will fold (on the inside). Fold your cover. Fold your stapled inner book.

7. 

   Staple your cover to your mini book along the line of the fold, fitting the mini book inside.

8. 

   Punch one hole in your flap. (Your flap wraps from the back around to the front so the hole is in your back cover, centered and near the edge.) Trim the flap to the shape you like.

9. 

   Fold your ribbon in half and thread the folded end through the hole of the flap. Tuck the other end through the loop.

10. Pull the ribbon through. Crimp your flap with your fingers so that it fits around the book. You've made a mini book.

Tips & Warnings

• You can personalize your mini book with a photo. Print out a larger photo on 100# card stock (larger than your finished book) and use the image for cover art. Everything available to scrapbookers will work to decorate this project. You can also use expensive papers for dressy effects. If you print an image on smooth surface card stock you can make the image more water-resistant with a coat of Artist Fixative Spray.

• Punched holes can be torn easily. You can make a punched hole stronger by applying tape to the underside before you punch the hole.