Project #184
Time: 2-3 Class Periods
Difficulty: Advanced
Cleanup: Soap & Water
Materials:
Difficulty: Advanced
Cleanup: Soap & Water
Materials:
Muslin
Corrugated Cardboard
12x18" Mixed Media Paper
String or Thread
Extra Strength Glue Sticks
Bone Folder
Scissors
Needle Tool
Needle
Cover Decorating Materials (optional)
Decorative Paper (optional)
Create a unique journal with Multi-Media Paper, muslin and corrugated board. This project also has an instructional video available!
Steps
- Step 1Fold 25 sheets of 12x18" Mixed Media art paper in half to 9x12". A bone folder makes a nice, crisp edge. This example makes a 96-page journal.
- Step 2Insert five sheets together to make a 10-page "signature". Do this four more times to make five 10-page signatures.
- Step 3Make a hole template. Use a needle tool to punch holes in the center fold for all five signatures. The template keeps all the holes in the same place. The holes in this example are at 1/2", 2-1/2", 5", 7", 9-1/2" and 11-1/2".
- Step 4String the five signatures together. See our YouTube video for a full description of this process.
- Step 5Optional: Attach decorative "end paper" to the front and back pages. Wrap the spine with an additional sheet of Multi-Media Paper to reinforce the binding. The signature book will be attached directly to the cover.
- Step 6Cut an 18x26" sheet of muslin. The muslin will make a good, durable cover that takes decoration well. This example is painted with acrylic washes so the texture of the muslin can still be seen.
- Step 7Cut a front and back cover out of corrugated cardboard that is 1/4" wider than the book. Cut out a spine as well. Glue the cardboard to the muslin leaving a 1/4" gap between the spine and the covers. Trim the muslin to 2" around the edge. Cut notches in the corners and glue the flaps down on the inside covers.
- Step 8To finish, glue the end papers (or the first and last pages, if there are no end papers) to the corrugated cardboard inside the jacket.