I love this project for two reasons: You only need one sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock for the basic book, and it goes together REALLY fast! The embellishing part is what takes the time (as usual). For the purpose of this tutorial, I just used plain white cardstock, and scored lines are indicated with a pen. When you make yours, use any color you like, and just score the lines - don't draw them. Anyway, here goes:
Cut the 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock into strips: One 2 3/4" wide, and two 2 1/2" wide, all 11" long. Cut the 2 3/4" strip to 8 1/2" long, and the 2 1/2" strips into 3 1/2" lengths. You will end up with six of these.
Score the 8 1/2" strip at 1/2", 1 1/8", 1 1/4", 5", and 5 1/8". Score each 3 1/2" strip at 3/8". Fold the long strip along all score lines and unfold.
Stack the "pages" (3 1/2" strips) with the scored ends aligned, and align the stack with the scored end of the 8 1/2" strip , with the "mountain" side of the fold toward the pages (if the book was done, the pages would be on the outside of the cover for this step). Staple twice, from the page side. Refold the cover along all fold lines. This "wraps" around the pages and covers the staples, as shown above.
Tuck the flap in, and you're ready to embellish! Again, here's mine:
Originally published May 20, 2008