Things You'll Need
Lightweight cardboard
Ruler
Scissors
Heavy cardboard or mat board
Box cutter and cutting mat (optional)
Strong tape
A book stand is useful for keeping a reference book--like a recipe or craft book--open when your hands are full. You can make one yourself from cardboard so that your book can remain open while you perform other tasks, like cooking.
Step 1
Use the ruler to draw a rectangle on the lightweight cardboard. The height of the rectangle should be taller than the largest book you plan to place in your book stand, or the book stand may tip over.
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Step 2
Draw a diagonal line through the rectangle, leaving a notch, or a dipper shape, toward the bottom of the cardboard. The notch will hold your book's pages open.
Step 3
Cut out the shape. This is your pattern.
Step 4
Trace the pattern twice onto heavy cardboard or mat board. If you are using cardboard or mat board that is not the same color on both sides, make sure to turn the pattern over so it mirrors the first shape before tracing the second one.
Step 5
Use scissors to cut out the two sides of your book stand, or place the cardboard on a cutting mat and use a box cutter.
Step 6
Lay the two pieces of cutout cardboard flat with the long edges next to each other so the shapes mirror each other.
Step 7
Join the two pieces of your book stand with strong tape, like duct tape or packing tape. Leave a slight gutter between the two pieces so they have the flexibility to bend inward.
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