Art with Alyssa: DIY Miniature Book

quotes 1 2419

It’s really fun to craft your own mini books. They make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and more, or a unique place to record your own ideas and quotes. There is lots of room for creativity with this art project. Use decorative papers or artwork for the front and back covers, and then personalize the inside with illustrations, quotes, notes or stickers. Friends and loved ones will treasure such a heartfelt, handmade gift. Here are directions on how to make mini books in two different sizes. 

SUPPLIES

For the miniature (1½” x 2”) book: 

  • Two pieces of cardboard 1½” x 2” (OK to use chipboard) 
  • One cardboard spine ½” x 2”
  • Two colored papers 2¾” x 2”
  • Long strip of construction paper or watercolor paper 1¾” x 22”
  • Scissors
  • Glue or glue stick
  • 1.41” wide Masking tape (3½” long) 
  • Popsicle stick
  • Colored paper for the covers—could be plain paper that you paint, origami paper or scrapbook paper
  • Decorative items: colored masking tape, washi tape, paint, stickers, markers, colored pencil, etc. 

Note: Colored paper for the covers could be plain paper that you paint, origami paper or scrapbook paper.

1 mini 2419

DIRECTIONS

      2 mini book 2419

  1. Place decorative paper face down on the work surface. Lay it horizontally (long side on top and bottom; short sides on left and right). 

  2. Spread glue on one side of the cardboard cover piece and place (glue side down) on the “wrong” side of the paper; one cover edge should be flush with one long side of the paper. For the smaller book this means you lay one 2-inch side of the cover along one long side of the paper. Press firmly. 
    Note: There will be three sides with paper extending past the cover. 

  3. Repeat these steps with second cardboard cover and piece decorative paper.

    3 mini book 2419

  4. Miter the corners (cut a triangle off the corners). This reduces paper thickness so it folds more easily. 

  5. Fold remaining paper sides over the cardboard edges and affix with glue. Repeat these steps with the second cover. 

  6. Lay the tape down on your work surface, sticky side up.

    4 mini book 2419    5 mini book 2419

  7. Carefully place the book spine (½” wide cardboard) on the tape, centered top to bottom and side to side. Place the covers adjacent to the spine leaving a small space between the cover and the spine. Press them down to adhere. Fold tape over the inside pieces and press firmly.

    6 mini book 2419

  8. Turn book over; carefully use the popsicle stick as a burnishing tool to adhere the tape to the covers and spine. Optional: cover plain masking tape with colored masking or washi tape to make the book spine more attractive.

    8 mini book 2419

  9. Using the book as a guide for size, make the first fold of your “accordion” pages with the long strip of paper. Fold back and forth slowly until you have no paper left to fold – each fold should create a “page” that is the same size (or slight smaller) than the book. If there is extra paper that isn’t the same size as the other folds, cut it off. 

    9 mini 2419

  10. It is easiest to draw or paint images on the pages now (before gluing them inside the book), but you can do it after the book is assembled if you wish. Consider choosing joyful quotes for each page of the tiny book. 

    10 mini book 2419.    quotes 6 2419

  11. Glue the “front page” (first fold of accordion) to the front cover and the “back page” (last fold of the accordion) to the back cover. Allow to dry if using liquid glue. 

    12 mini 2419    three books 2419
  12. Close the book and secure with a rubber band for a day or two so it stays closed.

SUPPLIES

For the larger (5”x5”) book:

  • 2 pieces of cardboard 5 x5” (can use chip board) 
  • 1 cardboard spine ½”x 5”
  • 2 colored cover papers 6”x 7”
  • Long strip of construction paper or watercolor paper 4¾” x 48¾” (piece together several sheets to get this length)
  • Scissors
  • Glue or glue stick
  • 1.41” wide Masking tape (9½” long) 
  • Popsicle stick
  • Colored paper for the covers—could be plain paper that you paint, origami paper or scrapbook paper
  • Decorative items: colored masking tape, washi tape, paint, stickers, markers, colored pencil, etc. 

DIRECTIONS

Follow directions for 1½" x 2" book above.

mini book 2419

Note: The art for the 5”x5” book was inspired by Planting A Rainbow by Lois Ehlert.

Alyssa Navapanich is a nationally recognized and award-winning art educator who is San Diego Family Magazine’s “Art with Alyssa” contributor. She teaches art to elementary school kids in East County. All photos above provided by Alyssa Navapanich.

_____________

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Egg Carton Flowers

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Egg Carton Flowers

Turning trash into treasure is not only fun, it’s great for the planet. You’ll love this recycled art project that transforms a paper egg carton into a beautiful bouquet of flowers—perfect for . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Easter “Eggs”

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Easter “Eggs”

Combining Easter fun and environmental awareness in honor of Earth Day is a win-win in our eyes. Here are instructions to make DIY Easter “eggs”— a fun and clever way to wrap and hide treats f . . .

Read more

Fringed Easter Friends

Fringed Easter Friends

Craft some quick, easy and super cute Easter friends with crepe paper rolls!SuppliesSheet of card stock or cereal boxCrepe paper roll(s) in desired color(s)Small scraps of colored paperYarn, buttons . . .

Read more

Burlap Bunny Treat Bags

Burlap Bunny Treat Bags

These cute burlap bunnies are fun to create and fill with treats, making them perfect for friends or classmates! Kids can participate in assembling or decorating these treat filled easter decoration . . .

Read more

Elegant Foam Easter Eggs

Elegant Foam Easter Eggs

  These fancy eggs are great for gifts or extra-special Easter decorations, and kids can make them with just a handful of inexpensive craft items. Supplies: Craft foam sheetBeads, sequins, glit . . .

Read more

Bunny & Baby Chick Treat Bags

Bunny & Baby Chick Treat Bags

  Surprise friends, classmates or teammates with festive treat bags filled with candy or snack crackers. Perfect for Easter or any springtime celebration! Materials 8½ x 11” cardstock i . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: DIY Easter Treat Baskets

Art with Alyssa: DIY Easter Treat Baskets

Make miniature baskets using simple materials like paper plates, pipe cleaners and markers; then deliver springtime treats to neighbors and friends! Supplies Paper plates, one per basket Marker . . .

Read more

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Activity Kit

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Activity Kit

This spring, Nintendo and Illumination present The Super Mario Bros. Movie! Rated PG. Only in theaters April 5th. While working underground to fix a water main, Brooklyn plumbers Mario and brother Lu . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Supplies Twigs or sticks, 6–12” long Garden clippers Scissors Twine or yarn Variety of grasses, flowers and plants with long stems. (I used buttercup, euryops, geranium, lavender, rosemar . . .

Read more

Earth Day Flower Art

Earth Day Flower Art

Celebrate Earth Day by creating a cute flower picture made from nature items and food coloring.Remember: never pick items from plants; use what’s already fallen on the ground! Looking for other w . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Creating and maintaining a nature journal is a fun, relaxing and educational activity for children (and adults) that encourages time outdoors and connection with nature. There is no right way to kee . . .

Read more

Earth Day Posters

Earth Day Posters

Celebrate and promote Earth Day (April 22) with kids by making posters from recycled newspapers and magazines.Supplies Old newspapers and magazines Red, blue and green watercolors, craft paints . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature's Paintbrushes

Art with Alyssa: Nature's Paintbrushes

Create beautiful outdoor art using homemade paintbrushes from plants and items found in nature.Tips for Teachers/ParentsTeach children to respect living plants and only use found or discarded flower . . .

Read more

Raindrop Drip Painting

Raindrop Drip Painting

We don’t know many kids who can resist jumping in rain puddles. And since we don’t get rain puddles too often in San Diego, it’s a particularly unique and special activity! Why not commemorate . . .

Read more

San Diego Family Magazine Logo

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!