Melissa gave me the neatest book for Christmas this year, all about making books by Esther K. Smith (you should go get this book!). Inside there is a very simple way of making a little book from one piece of paper that I have been experimenting with obsessively. They are infinitely handy, these books - you can quickly whip one out for your kids to draw or write in, use them for little birthday cards, or as invitations. Yes, the possibilities are endless! The best part, as the author points out, is that the books are very easily reproduce-able. When unfolded, all the text/design is on one side of the page. So you can photocopy as many copies as you like and then fold them right up.
In case the pictures are not clear enough on their own, the way you make one is by folding a piece of normal notebook-size or copier paper in half the short way, and then in half lengthwise. Then you take it and fold it again, so that you have 8 little folded rectangles. Unfold it all, then fold it again the short way, and cut the middle fold (see the photo). Pull it back open. You should be able to see at this point how it folds together into a book. It's magical, and very easy once you start playing around. Have fun folding!
16 comments:
we love to make books too! the "magic book" from a single sheet of paper is my specialty-- particularly during church to keep kids busy :)
You MUST show the adorable invitation that you made from this! An idea that I shall keep tucked away for the right occasion!
very cool idea! I love all your sewing projects--amazing!
I loved the little books!!! It was such a cute idea for an invite. I already have the perfect reason to use it. Now I jsut have tow ait for it to happen!!!!
Yes indeed Lynne, these little books are addicting! Just as I read your post this morning, we were in the middle of making A's valentines. (Luckily it's a snow day, so we have time to finish them up!) We tried your book idea, and boy is it fun. Yes I think there are all sorts of creative possibilities with this. Thanks for sharing!
This I'm going to try. Thanks.
We were so excited about our little book that came with our doll clothes. I took it apart to figure it out! So cute.
Laura
What a fabulous idea!! Thanks so much. You guys have transformed our afternoons with all your wonderful crafts.
very cool. sounds fun to play around with. i need to start getting craftier:)
That is a small world! Keep all your fun ideas coming. I really enjoy your blog.
This is great!! I wish I had seen this before I made my Valentine's Day cards... but it does give me more ideas! :) thanks!
Interesting. I've got all kinds of visions dancing in my head now. Very cool little project.
Found you via Wee Wonderfuls.
I'm loving my copy of that book too! I already have next year's holiday card planned using the "magic book".
Your children's clothing is wonderfully inspiring. I'll be checking in frequently as I get going on my girls' spring and sumemr wardrobes.
I love this! Thank you for sharing. My 4 year old very recently asked if I could help her make a book and I pulled out a stapler. This is a MUCH better idea.
New to your blog and loving it!
That book is cool, I just made one, great idea. Thank you for that
That is a fun book! I just discovered pocketmod.com where you can make your own little planners and whatnot with that pattern.
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