Last Updated on August 25, 2022 by Ellen Christian
This post showing you how to make a handmade book was inspired by a book provided for review. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are mine and mine alone.
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For as long as I can remember, books have played a huge part of my life. I have always had a huge book case full of books and that is a passion that I’ve tried to pass onto my children. As much as I love books, I have never thought about how to make a handmade book until I came across the book, Book Play: Creative Adventures in Handmade Books.
Since I’m feeling rather crafty today, I decided I would give it a try. I love everything miniature so the project that caught my eye was the Matchbox Book. With this craft, you turn the matchbox into a little decorative box and then create a miniature book that is stored inside it. Since I’m a total novice when it comes to how to make a handmade book, I chose one of the simpler projects. Some of these projects are much more complicated so even if you have a bit of experience in how to make a handmade book, you’ll find something to challenge you.
How to Make a Handmade Book
Materials
- One matchbox (2″ x 1 1/2″)
- Decorative paper (8″ x 10″) to wrap matchbox
- 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper for the book’s text paper (inside)
- Glue Stick
- Needle and thread
- Embellishments if you want to decorate your book
Directions
- Very carefully, take apart the matchbox at the seams.
- Trace the outside box shape and inside box shape on your decorative paper
- Cut a piece for the inside of the box. You will need to add about 1/4″ on the sides to fold over the inside.
- Glue (using a glue stick) the decorative paper to the outside of the matchbox. Set it under something to hold it flat while it dries.
- After the paper is firmly adhered to the matchbox, fold it back together and glue it firmly.
- You may need to do this in steps & clip the sides to dry in between moving on.
- Cut a piece of decorative paper for the books’ text paper. Make sure it will fit inside the matchbox when folded. Cut about 3 identical pieces.
- The book says to sew the binding together but I took a shortcut and used a stapler 🙂 If you want authentic, use a needle and thread on the binding.
- Put the book in the bottom of the box and slide it into the top. If you want to, you can decorate the book or write messages in it. If not, leave it as is.
Now that you know how to make a handmade book, why don’t you try?
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Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
Cute little box. These would make great party favors!
What a great idea!
That is such a good size for a little note to slip in to someone’s lunch bag .
Great idea, Tazim!
that is cute! My daughter would enjoy doing that!
It was fun! Great for hiding your little treasures!
That’s a neat little project, portable and handy, my little one would love one of these for her purse.
It would be fun for her to decorate too!
Loved seeing all the steps so clearly.
Thanks, Shelley. Glad you liked.
Super cute! Another great craft to do with the kids too!
That would be fun!
Adorable – perfect for putting in my purse for those notes I don’t want to forget to write!! Pinned & Tweeted!
That would definitely work!