Kraft Book Tutorial with Graphic 45

I was inspired to make this small handmade book for my dad for Father’s Day.  He is an antique dealer and he always keeps a small notebook to record what he pays for his treasures.  I thought it would be nice to make him a something with a writing utensil attached, along with pockets inside to add price tags or receipts.  

As I completed the base of the project, I was so tempted to embellish it like crazy in my usual style, but since this was for my dad, I held back on the ribbons and charms for once. 

Supplies:

Kraft Reflections 12x12

Chip board

Score Tape

May Arts Black Twine

Metal Staples: Keyhole

Vintage Photo Distress Ink

Cinch Binding Machine and Coil

Tim Holtz Glassine Envelopes, ATC sized

Recycled Paper for inside of book (think:  old notebooks, scrap papers, graph paper, ledger paper)

I started with two pieces of chip board, 4” by 5”.  They were covered with the Kraft Reflections paper and adhered with Scor Tape.

Hint: Trim corners on a diagonal for clean edges when folding your paper over.

Once the front is covered in paper, line the inside with a paper that compliments the book. 

And the covers are complete, simple really!

Ink up the edges, this simple trick adds age and dimension.

Line up your paper for the inside of the book.  Here I chose to use an old notebook from a garage sale, along with one package of Tim Holtz Glassine Envelopes. 

Punch holes for your binding method.  I chose to use my Cinch.  I love this thing.  I do a test run before punching into my covers; this was learned the hard way.

Add your covers, envelopes and paper to the coil. 

Cinch the book to create closure. 

Plan your embellishment.  I like to get out a small array of options and audition each piece.  Often I use gilders paste to add texture and age to metals; it is a stand by in my artsy arsenal.

The pencil was added with a bit of twine.  This relic makes me think of my dad because it is a vintage pencil from my very first auction.  The lead advances when you turn the clear acrylic top and it writes really smooth. 

The binder clips helped the project to be level as the glue dried on the key hole that I added. 

I think this will be handy book for my dad to keep in his van, which is always packed with lovely treasures and ready for a thrifty adventure.  

Cheers, 

Rhea