Its Photo Project month!! I have been busy with so many fantastic projects and here's why...
When I received my Package last month, one item included was the Photojojo DIY book. Which is all focused around projects that involve your own photos. To say the least I was excited to get my hands on it. Since then I have been nose down trying a few projects out. As soon as I started flipping the pages I found this one.
~Photo Cover Notebook~
This is a fantastic idea!!
- A: I love notebooks
- B: I love photos
- C: Why have I not thought of this before!!!
When the stores opened the next morning I was off! I got everything I needed from just a couple of craft stores and it was on to bookmaking. After difficult start, a few mistakes-fixes, glue and wine (don't forget the wine!) I finally came out with this!
I can say proudly, I am very happy with the outcome. These make a perfect gift <3 <3 Can't wait to make more! Instructions on how to make your own Photo Notebook Below.
What You'll Need:
- Horizontal Photo
- Inkjet- Printable Photo Canvas
- WaterProof Spray
- Two 5 x 7 Photos
- White Glue _PVA bookbinding glue
- Paintbrush
- Wax Paper
- Large, Very Heavy Books!
- Paper Cutter (Must Have)
- Paper (anything you like)
- Binder Clips
- Ruler
- Bone Folder
STEP 1:
Choose a horizontal photo. Resize your photo to 7" high by 10 1/2" wide (18cm x 26.5cm) Print your image onto the canvas photo and let it dry. Spray the heck out of it with water proof spray, let that dry... Trim the canvas, use really sharp scissors or the paper cutter.
STEP 2:
Spread some newspaper out and place your canvas photo face-side down. Choose a photo for the inside covers -I just printed another canvas photo and used that, I found glue on photo paper makes it ripple, and if you use rubber cement it wont stick to the canvas!-
Apply a thin layer of glue to the photo and line the print with the left-hand edge of the canvas photo and press into place. Repeat this step with the other print on the right side. Measure the space in between the photo_this will be the spine of your book.
~Tear off a large piece of waxed paper fold it in half and place that on top the the photos drying. Place heavy books on top and let it all dry. This gives you time for the next steps.
STEP 3:
Using the paper cutter, cut your paper into 5x7 pieces. Stack the pieces and tap them a few time on the edge to make sure it evens up. Clip the stack together with binder clips. Use a ruler to measure the stack to insure it fits the spine.
STEP 4:
Apply glue along the edge of the stack. Use the brush to make sure the glue is evenly spread along the spine. Let this dry. once dry apply a thicker amount of glue and give about 8 min drying time.
Grab another piece of waxed paper and set over the photos (use those heavy books again) and let it sit for about an hour - Or even overnight.
STEP 5:
Remove the canvas photo and paper stack form under the books. Make sure everything is nice and dry. If any edges on the canvas creep up you can always use a small amount of glue and press back down. If the canvas is ready fold the cover along the inside edge of the left hand photo print. Crease the fold with the bone folder. Repeat along the edge of the right-hand photo.
STEP 6:
Apply a layer of glue to the canvas between the 2 photos prints. Take the stack of paper and press the spine into the strip. Turn the book over and press the cover down into the spine. Let the book dry over night (I used the heavy stack of books again and covered the whole book in waxed paper). Once dry give it a test run and see how everything came out!
After your first book you'll most likely want to try out other ideas (My next book will be made out of wood and book cloth). You can do anything! Get those creative juices flowing and thanks for reading!!
Give yourself a cookie! You are now a bookmaker!
Stores to check out:
I found a few wonderful stores around SF I highly recommended anyone going to. If you are into crafts or just cute gifts ARCH Is a wonderful place to check out. Not only are they close but everything there is priced well. I was also recently put onto SCRAP. Another great place to check out! I was actually looking for something else but while I was there I couldn't help but notice the huge amount of paper they have for dirt cheap!!!