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Time: 2h00

A Mini Journal/Scrapbook
Before throwing away a box that once contained food in my case Instant Cappuccino, consider making a book out of it. This book is made up of eight signatures, each containing 8 sheets of paper folded in half. I have been learning about bookbinding in the book Eco Books by Terry Taylor. The method I used for sewing the signatures together is called the long stitch binding technique. I used a cardboard box which measures 3" by 6-1/2" (the cover). The side which will become the spine of the book measures 2-1/2" by 6-1/2". I used a variety of papers, recycled and scrapbooking paper.

I recommend reading a book, such as Eco Books by Terry Taylor about bookbinding and the different methods of sewing as extra help. I failed to take pictures of the sewing process on this book but if you refer to my other tutorial for making the cereal box books you will find it helpful.

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Key West Witch favorited Remember When Book 08 Aug 04:53
Marie R. added Remember When Book to Journals 12 Feb 18:36
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Krys R. added Remember When Book to stuff I wanna try 15 Sep 20:15

Step 1
Using the graph paper make a template to use for puncturing the spine (side of the cardboard box). Each dot represents the mark to be used for puncturing the eight signatures. This template should measure the same size as the side of the box. You will be sewing the signatures to the spine using the waxed linen thread. The signatures consist of 8 sheets of paper folded in half and nestled together. Number the signatures was helpful. Signatures 1 and 8 are the same. Signatures 2 and 7 are the same and signatures 3 to 5 are the same. You can also use embroidery floss or some other kind of thick thread.
Step 2
Before puncturing the spine with the box flat cut a piece of scrapbooking paper the exact dimensions of the box and glue this piece to the wrong side of the box. This adds a nice finishing touch. See picture #4

Place the template made out of graph paper on the side of the box and using the awl puncture a hole where indicated by the template. You may use clips to hold the template to the box. You can see my tutorial on making the book out of a mini cereal box to see an illustration of this step.
Step 3
The pieces of paper which will be used to make the signatures should be cut twice the width of the cover minus minus 1/4". Cut the height of the signatures the height of the box minus 1/4". Use the same template you used to puncture the spine to mark the position of the puncture holes for the signatures. You will only need to mark one to place on top of all the folded signatures.
Step 4
Once you have determined the placement of the puncture holes for each signature I use the Yellow Pages book to puncture the holes. Hold the eight sheets of paper together and punch the holes using the awl.
Step 5
Cut a length of thread which is 6 times the height of the book. Sew the signatures to the spine using the darning needle and the long stitch binding technique. Begin the sewing process by inserting the needle first on the first hole going from the outside of the box to the inside and bring the thread through the first hole in the signature. Make sure you leave a tail of at least 3 inches on the outside. Go in and out the holes with the needles connecting all signatures together. You should finish at the top. Bring both beginning and ending tail to the middle and tie a double not. Cut thread.
Step 6
Once all the pages of the book are sewn you will now have fun placing pictures and journaling in your little book. Take this book with you when you visit family (grand kids) and write on it all about your special experiences.
Step 7
I gave my book the title: Remember When.
Step 8
This is how the mini journal/book looks when finished.

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Comments

DulceKnits · Charlotte, North Carolina, US · 13 projects 15th March 2010

It gave me great joy to make this. So far is the easiest method I have found to bind signatures. It's much easier and less time consuming than the coptic stitch. I am now thinking of experimenting with leather. I will be making more of this and keeping the little boxes from the trash.