Guest Blog: Mini Book Made From Scratch

Hi, Sheila here-the "other" crafting sister from Two Crafting Sisters and before we get
started I'd just like to say thank you for asking Maura and I to do a guest post. We are
both honored.

I like to do two things when crafting---1. Make mini books and 2. Use items already in
my stash. This little expanding folder mini book does just that. It is easy to make from
scratch and you most likely already have everything that you need. I started with little #1
coin envelopes that measure 3 1/2" x 2 1/4". A simple search on Google or Amazon will
give you lots of choices-you can also find these at your local office supply type store or
in a pinch, simply cut down an envelope to size and seal the cut side to form the pocket.

 You will also need heavy chipboard or cardboard pieces to make the box. Cut two
pieces that measure 3 3/4" x 2 1/2", two pieces that measure 3/4" x 2 1/2" and one piece
that measures 1 3/4" x 2 1/2".  Also cut your pieces of patterned papers in these
same sizes as well as one long piece that measures 2 1/2" x 12" (you will trim off the
excess once your pieces are adhered down.)

Adhere the patterned paper to the chipboard pieces. If you want to distress the edges or
ink them, now is the time to do that. Then adhere these pieces to the long patterned piece
as shown in the photo leaving about a 1/16" gap between pieces. You'll see why next.

Now, gently bend the box into shape.

You can also distress the front side of your box now if desired. I used a red Distress Ink
to cover the chipboard sides and also used a bit of sandpaper around the box edges.

Gather your coin envelopes. Cut inserts out of cardstock that measure 3 5/8" x 2".

Apply adhesive down the center of the back of the envelopes and adhere them one to
another to form a stack.

By only adhering down the center, you will get this accordion effect. Now with the last
envelope, apply adhesive on the entire back of the envelope and adhere the stack to the
back panel of the book (and in this photo you can also see the magnets I used to close my
book. Now is the time to add those if you so choose so that the one will be hidden from
view. However, you could also close these with Velcro dots or a ribbon. Your choice.)

Also apply adhesive to the entire back of the front envelope. When you stick it down to
the cover, run your finger along the envelope edges to make sure it is adhered.

Here is the inside of the mini book. I punched out circles, folded them in half and stapled
them on the inserts for pull tabs.

Once I got started on these, I couldn't stop! This little mini book used envelopes that were
even smaller at 2 3/4" x 1 3/4". I covered them with dictionary papers before adhering
them together and I made tiny little library cards for the insides.

And on this one I cut the flap to make a tag and had it oriented differently.

 The possibilities are endless. Enjoy!

Patterned papers-Tim Holtz and Cosmo
Cricket

Blog-http://www.twocraftingsisters.blogspot.com/