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Here's how to create a personalized scrapbook for friends, family – or for your own favorite memories A handmade memory book is fun to create and use – and even more fun to give. Use it to protect mementos of family trips and visits, or decorate one for the kids using items that reflect their interests. The size of the book depends on the size and thickness of the paper you choose. TIME: About three hours, plus drying time COST: About $20 MATERIALS
1. MAKE THE COVER Measure the dimensions of the writing paper you have chosen. To calculate the size of the book's cardboard front cover, add 1/2 inch to the vertical dimension of the paper and 1/4 inch to the horizontal dimension. Trim the cardboard to this size with the craft knife against the metal ruler. To make the hinge, draw a line 1 1/4 inches to the right of (and parallel to) the left side. Score line heavily with blunt pointed object, such as the palette knife or large needle. With the craft knife, cut halfway through the thickness of the cardboard, following the score line. Repeat to make the back cover. You can cut a window in the front cover if you wish (see cork-covered book above). Working on the back of the front cover, draw the window box and cut it out with the craft knife. 2. CREATE THE LINING For the lining boards, cut two pieces of illustration board equal to the paper in height and 1 1/4 inches narrower. Cut two sheets of decorative paper or fabric 2 inches larger in each dimension than the cardboard covers. Use the palette knife or Popsicle stick to spread glue on the unscored sides of both covers. Center the glued sides on the back sides of the decorative paper or fabric. Press with your hands to adhere. Trim corners. Fold over and glue the borders to the backs of the covers. Using the same technique, cover the two pieces of illustration board with contrasting colored paper to make the lining boards. If the front cover has a window, carefully cut the decorative paper or fabric diagonally from window corner to corner. Pull fabric through window and fold the triangular flaps to the back of the cover and glue in place. Cut a piece of the contrasting paper a bit larger than the window and glue behind it. Glue the two lining boards to the insides of the covers, centering the lining boards vertically and aligning to the score line. 3. ADD THE PAGES If desired, glue a decorative strip on one vertical edge of the block of paper. This will be the spine. Let all parts dry, then sandwich the block of paper between the covers. Clamp to hold everything together; protect surface with scrap cardboard. Drill a line of holes, no closer than 1 inch apart, between the spine and hinge. To stitch the spine, use the needle to thread twine or ribbon through holes as shown in the top photo, or using your own design. Use your imagination to decorate cover with items such as postcards, leaves, beads – anything you like. You can glue on a cardboard frame or mat or even a jacket pocket. Weight the book with something heavy and let dry. Designs: Francoise Kirkman • Photos: Thomas J. Story |
