2 December 2008
An autograph book is a sweet place to store and collect autographs. From family to friends, and even the famous. You can use it as a guest book for the visitors in your home, at graduation parties, etc. It is nice to go back and read through it to see what notes others left. What a great way to remember the special events in your life!
Supplies:
• Cover of an Old Book, preferably blank
• Razor Blade
• Boning Tool
• Eyelet Punch
• Hammer
• Paper Cutter or Scissors
• Hole Punch
• Twine
Directions:
1. Cut the cover of the old book from the binding. I found that a razor blade works best, but please take all caution when using one.
2. Use boning tool to put crease in book cover. Mine is about 1.25″ from the edge.
3. Repeat step 2 on other side.
4. Bend the cover backwards where the creases were made.
5. To punch holes in cover, use an eyelet punch and hammer to go all the way through. Make sure to have a protected surface underneath (I used a self-healing mat).
6. Cut paper to the desired size that will fit inside book cover. I cut 8.5″x11″ sheets in half, making 5.5″x8.5″ sheets.
7. You can make a template out of paper by punching holes in the correct place, then align the template on top of the cut-out paper, and make a mark in the center.
8. Punch a hole with the dot in the center. In this way each page should line up just right.
9. Cut a piece of twine that will be long enough to go around both holes, with extra length to tie a bow. I doubled my twine because with only one it was too loose and the holes were too large.
10. Poke the twine through the hole from the outside on the back cover. Pull about half the length through.
11. Take the other end and poke through the other hole, and pull the rest of the way through until each side is about the same length.
12. Poke each side through the stack of cut and punched paper.
13. Pull through until each side is even. Add front cover and pull through.
14. Knot securely and add a bow for prettiness.
A few ideas for extra beauty: Old photos, lace, ribbon, buttons, etc. I have not added any decoration to mine yet, though I do plan on doing so.
I now wish I had made one long ago because I have acquired several autographs, but they are all in different places. I hope you enjoy making your own autograph book!
What a GREAT idea! And such a beautiful tutorial.
Sorry I have taken almost a month to reply to your comment, it’s been a very busy and tiring month. :)
Thank you so much, Yes I that was me who won Toria’s contest lol.. I’m glad you liked the story, I enjoy writing “spur-of-the-moment” stories :)
TTYL
Julia
What a wonderful idea for recycling old books that are beyond the point of being able to be read. That would make a great gift too. I just love it when you do craft projects and have step by step instructions. Thanks for the idea! :)
Have a great day!
Love,
Marie :)
Hey Emily! :D Come to my blog to check out a give away I am hosting. Hope to see you there! :)
That is a good idea! I like the Christmas cards as well, I’ll have to keep them in mind next year:)
onedaymore
Do you mind me asking what camera you use? I’m interested in getting into photography and will never be able to make up my mind towards what camera I want! Thanks!
Hi Emily Rose! My sister Jessica and I have tagged you! Please go check out our blog for details.
God Bless!
Rachel and Jessica
This is a lovely project! your blog looks fantastic, you have done a lot of work since I visited last, and by the way HAPPY belated birthday! CasaLucePrincess will be 13 on Thursday, time does fly!
What a wonderful idea. I found your blog via Sew Mama Sew. I love old books – it’s nice to see one being put to good use. Love love your ‘about me’ in the sidebar – very true and accurate! God is good.
I was wondering if you could tell me how you made it so when we go to /yesteryear, it goes to your new page, with a bar that says “view this page normal”… I have a friend that is thinking about moving to blogspot, but doesn’t know if she should because she might lose a bunch of readers, but if this would work, she might not lose any! If it doesn’t work with blogspot, or its hard to explain, then that’s okay. I hope you could understand what I meant…
Thanks alot!
Amy
P.S. Could you empty your inbox over at HSB??? Its 100% full!
What a cute prodject! I LOVE everything vintage! You can be sure I will be back!
LOVE this!!! It reminds me of my Grandma’s . . . I have very fond memories of it. Must.make.this.
I just discovered your blog and I love it!!!
what a wonderful project… heart