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Grab a warm cup of hot cocoa and some cookies and get cozy... I've got a whopping fun post for you today! I've been working on this project all week... working out all the kinks. :) Almost everything I'm using today is by Papertrey Ink.
I've always been a fan of mini books... little ones specifically. I enjoy carrying them in my purse and being able to pop one out anytime. As I was pondering Christmas presents for friends and teachers I thought about how neat it would be to have a mini book calender, so I tried it out! I created a fun and easy fold book with it's own unique binding to keep everything protected too. It's SO versatile ... I've even started a family photo book for myself to keep with me as I am out and about. Here are the two together. (Click on any photo to view a larger, more detailed photo.)
This little Mini Fold book was inspired by some children's books that I have that open and fold out. I adjusted the idea a little but it can easily be created to have the layers open in one continuous stream too.
Here's how to make it:
First you will need to score your cardstock (8.5 x 11) at 3, 6 and 9 inches with the cardstock horizontally positioned in the scorring tool.
Next, trim the cardstock, cutting down over the score lines, at 2 3/4". You will get three strips from 1 piece of cardstock. Repeat this if you want to add more pages. I think I used 4 strips for the calender.
Adhering the pages is actually very easy to do. First, fold your score lines alternately. There will be one end that is shorter than the rest. (marked with the red arrows). the first short end will be adhered behind the regular end (marked with blue arrow.) on the next strip.(tip: I shaved off a really tiny bit from the regular end to account for the fold so that the pages would be the same width when finished.) I used Zip Dry for this project because I like the firm hold I get from it.
When you are finished adhering the strips together, snip off the shot end that is left over as well as a full 3 inch portion if needed, depending on how many strips you use. I'll point out below what the ends should look like when you adhere it to the cover. but think about the fact that you want everything to look like a page on the inside and that will help orient you.
Now, on to the cover...
Score a strip of 2 3/4" x 11" cardstock at 3" and 3 1/2".
Fold at the at 3 1/2" line and inch the cardstock down on the scoring tool. Score again on the next 3" and 3 1/2", like shown below.
Then score the last end section in half. (that will be adhered to itself to create a strong front flap.)
Here is what your cover will look like when it's all scored.
You can see how the doubled over flap has had it's corners rounded here. Each page has the hand stamped calendar page (scroll down to find them on that link page) as well as a different background stamped in black ink. I love having these pre-printed calender pages available! Simple and classic what the decorative style since I will be giving as a gift. This allows them to make it more their own when they add their little notes and stuff.
Take a close look at this next photo. The first and last pages are adhered to the inside, left portion of the cover while the flap comes on the right side. Because I used the same width they come together seamlessly. There is a little gap that happens with the middle pages but it works. If that bothers you you can add some adhesive tape to the binding. (Another option if to not adhere to last panel to the cover then it will just pull out accordion style.
Here is the simply decorated front. I wanted something that wouldn't be too fussy on the oustide so that it withstands a ton of use. I used the Distressed Dots and Black & White basics patterned papers to adorn the front flap. The true black ribbon and felt add so much. Especially when the felt is die cut with the Eyelet Lace Border Die.
A view from the back. I used the Calender Basics set to stamp the side. You may have noticed that I used velcro dots to secure the closure. Magnets would be prettier however they tend to ruin or really demagnetise the magnetic strip on credit cards. Not good huh. :)
So after I finished my little purse mini flap book calender I thought I would start a mini photo book for my purse. Here is some of it.
I used smoky Shadow cardstock for this so I went with the black velcro.
The side is stamped with family sentiment from Journaling Circle and the Calendar Basics Set. I used a pen to add a decorative line.
The front flap is lined with Library ledger paper and a Text Style stamped med. scalloped die cut trim.
Here is my first page. I will try to share the rest when I finish it up. I've got some more photos that I need to order in a small size for this size book. These would be great gifts too... either blank for someone to put their own photos in... you could include some pre-stamped journaling circles and such to help them build it too!
Here are the two from the edge view.
So many possibilities for this little book! One more view of that initial photo. :)
Whew... that was a long post! I wanted to add as many photos that were needed to help you be able to make your own little book... I hope that you will! Ohh... I almost forgot to mention that you can store eight of these little sweet things comfortably in the Papertrey Ink egg boxes! Talk about fun gift idea huh! I've been thinking about making some ahead with a decorated box for a gift set!
Well friends... the cats are starting to play their nocturnal games... which is a sign that it's WAY to late for me to be up typing! LOL! So... thanks for poppying by friends!
Love this idea Lisa - you are so clever to work it all out for us. I'll definitely be making some family photo versions for Christmas gifts - and I thought of a garden photos version for myself to remind me of summer sunshine in those darker days of winter.
Posted by: Ann | October 22, 2010 at 01:02 AM
WOW! Love the mini calender book. Very handy and easily fits in the handbag. You are so so clever, Lisa! I have to make this one soon. Can somebody take my kids to their classes this evening? I can then have 2 hours of craft time lol! Meany me! Great tutorial and thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Gayatri Murali | October 22, 2010 at 01:18 AM
Genius! Absolutely, genius.
Posted by: teri | October 22, 2010 at 01:39 AM
LISA!! This is sooo clever, beautiful..outstanding..I thought my mojo went on a vacation, but now after seeing your project, i realized all i needed is some hard core inspiration!! thanks for that!!
Posted by: Noora | October 22, 2010 at 01:50 AM
Great project, I love it. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: carole | October 22, 2010 at 01:51 AM
These are fantastic. Can't wait to try one. Will let you know when I do.
TFS
Paul
Posted by: Paul | October 22, 2010 at 02:11 AM
Gorgeous, might delve into a project like this too. Very cute.
Posted by: Lisette Gibbons | October 22, 2010 at 02:42 AM
So cute, Lisa. I am going to have to make one. I love the colors in your second project.
**June**
Posted by: June | October 22, 2010 at 03:31 AM
I love love love this little boook design! These are SO CUTE! Thanks for the great inspiration!
Posted by: Debbie Gaydos | October 22, 2010 at 03:47 AM
LISA! this is fantastic. loooove your colors, the idea and of course the sweet mini albums. tfs!
Posted by: Lisa Henke | October 22, 2010 at 03:47 AM
Great idea!! Thanks for the tutorial...love all the photos on the "how to's"....Thanks again for this fantastic little gift idea!!
Posted by: Hope Jones | October 22, 2010 at 03:47 AM
Brilliant idea Lisa and even better results...these books are just darling!
Posted by: Lynn Mercurio | October 22, 2010 at 03:48 AM
I love this idea!! I can't wait to make one! Thanks so much!
Jenna
Posted by: Jenna Hipps | October 22, 2010 at 03:51 AM
Gorgeous, would make a wonderful thank you gift. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Sarah | October 22, 2010 at 03:53 AM
I love these mini books!! I am like you and feel like i need pics of my kids with me all the time!! i willl be making theses soon thanks for the inspiration!!!
Posted by: TAmmy | October 22, 2010 at 03:55 AM
love this, Lisa! Beautiful work!
Posted by: Tiffany Pastor | October 22, 2010 at 03:57 AM
This is such a great tutorial on making that little book. I will definitely be trying this out on my own. Thanks so much, Lisa!
Posted by: Christine | October 22, 2010 at 04:04 AM
I Loooooooooooove it!! Thanks for the tutorial, I finally foud what I will make my friends and family for their 2011 calendars.
Posted by: Joan | October 22, 2010 at 04:05 AM
Lisa love the 2 examples of your book. Your picture tutorial is very clear.I'm going to a crop tonight and this cute project will give me something new to try. I bet the others will want to make them also. Thank you for the inspiration.
Posted by: Katherine | October 22, 2010 at 04:25 AM
Wow, what a great idea! You are so creative. What a great gift to give to family...can't wait to try this one!!
Posted by: Mariah | October 22, 2010 at 04:26 AM
What a fabulous idea! I got the whole calendar set, I will definitely try this!
Posted by: JeanFB | October 22, 2010 at 04:27 AM
Wonderful and lovely. TFS
Posted by: Terri M | October 22, 2010 at 04:28 AM
What great little projects. You are so clever. Thank you.
Posted by: Mary Anne P | October 22, 2010 at 04:40 AM
This is a terrific project, very well though out. Thanks so much for taking the time to share it!
Posted by: Lisa Klingbeil | October 22, 2010 at 04:51 AM
You are quite creative and your calendars are adorable!!!
Posted by: Kathy Martin | October 22, 2010 at 04:52 AM
Lisa, once again, you don't cease to amaze! Just wonderful. I actually like this idea more than the CD calendar idea. Thanks so much for sharing! :)
Posted by: Ted | October 22, 2010 at 04:52 AM
OMG I love all things mini and this is amazing! Thank you so much for the detailed instructions!
Posted by: Tina | October 22, 2010 at 04:59 AM
What a great idea! Thanks for working out the deets, and posting those "oh, so helpful" photos. I just placed an order from PTI - wish I had ordered more of the small calendar sets now.
Posted by: Karen (ON) | October 22, 2010 at 05:12 AM
Super cute Lisa! Love the folded cover...just like a kids book.
Posted by: jeni barbas | October 22, 2010 at 05:19 AM
i just discovered your blog via the papertrey ink newsletter! such a lovely project :)
Posted by: j.leija | October 22, 2010 at 05:30 AM
Hi Lisa--timing is everything, and you have no idea how perfect your timing is with your mini-book tutorial today!!!! I want to make some mini inspiration books as Christmas gifts this year, and I have been struggling with the layout--I didn't want to bind the books, as the binding is bulky for a purse. I will definitely consider using your layout design--thank you!
Posted by: Cyndi | October 22, 2010 at 05:31 AM
Fabulous LISA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Posted by: Barbara | October 22, 2010 at 05:37 AM
What a beautiful project and a great gift idea. Thanks for sharing and including all the great instructions.
Posted by: Ginny Schleich | October 22, 2010 at 05:43 AM
Absolutely wonderful project!! Thanks for sharing with us!!!!
Posted by: kristii | October 22, 2010 at 05:56 AM
Wow what a great Idea for Christmas gifts.. TFS
Posted by: Rj | October 22, 2010 at 06:01 AM
Lisa another GORGEOUS project!! Thank you for sharing the directions Sweetie!
Have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Maria | October 22, 2010 at 06:05 AM
What a marvelous project. Thanks so much for all the instruction and step by step photos.
Posted by: see mary stamp | October 22, 2010 at 06:08 AM
love love love,
I'm going to have to try and make one of these, good gift idea.
Posted by: vicky | October 22, 2010 at 06:09 AM
What a wonderful idea. I will definitely be making a couple of these.
Thank you for your very informative post, your hard work is really appreciated :o)
Posted by: Janet | October 22, 2010 at 06:12 AM
These are wonderful! Thanks for a great idea!
Posted by: Joyce | October 22, 2010 at 06:15 AM
such a wonderful idea! i love that you used black on the smoky gray, it looks great. you used that on one of the Take Note notebooks a while back to match your purse, and i loved it then too. it is in my favs!
Posted by: veronica | October 22, 2010 at 06:18 AM
Love this Lisa!!!! I think I'll try to make one this weekend.
Posted by: Rhonda H | October 22, 2010 at 06:24 AM
Very clever idea! I think I'll be giving this one a try...
Posted by: TraceyJean | October 22, 2010 at 06:25 AM
The books are too cute...definitely will want to make these!!
Posted by: Malia | October 22, 2010 at 06:28 AM
WOW, they are amazing! I have often wondered about making a minibook and never knew where to start. I often found them too fussy or clumsy but these are just perfect - simple and stylish. Can't wait to try this out! Thank you so much for sharing!
Posted by: Sophie | October 22, 2010 at 06:28 AM
What perfect timing! I just returned from our yearly Sister/Mom weekend. The photo book will be a fun reminder of a great weekend. Thanks for the great idea!
Posted by: Kris | October 22, 2010 at 06:29 AM
Lisa I LOVE it!!! FABULOUS idea.. now these are on my must make list for the holidays! (the list grows, as the time shrinks! LOL!)
Have a WONDERFUL weekend!!!
Posted by: BethieJ | October 22, 2010 at 06:35 AM
Awesome girlfriend! Thanks so much for sharing this fantastic idea. I am going to definitely use this one for our Ladies Ministry Group outing at Myrtle Beach, SC in two weeks. We have so much fun doing projects like this one and you have made it so easy to create. Thanks again, for being a blessing! Be blessed!!!
Posted by: Wanda50 | October 22, 2010 at 06:36 AM
What a great gift idea...and an awesome tutorial! Can't wait to try one of these darling books! Thanks so much for taking the time to put this together and make it so easy for all of us! {{hugs}}
Posted by: Priscilla | October 22, 2010 at 06:45 AM
Wow! I love this! And its something I could really use! Thanks for the tutorial!
Posted by: amy johnson | October 22, 2010 at 06:47 AM
Beautifully created....another "WOW" project!
Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful gift idea!
Posted by: C-Max | October 22, 2010 at 06:51 AM
WOW! I love this! Thank you for taking the time to share the details. Definitely going to try this.
Posted by: Debbie Fisher | October 22, 2010 at 06:51 AM
You are so talented. Very beautiful projects.
Posted by: Denise | October 22, 2010 at 06:58 AM
That is just adorable!
Posted by: Kristin Griesbaum | October 22, 2010 at 07:06 AM
This is awesome! Thanks for the tutorial!
Posted by: Jingle | October 22, 2010 at 07:10 AM
Love this Lisa!
Posted by: Val | October 22, 2010 at 07:14 AM
Leese this is so awesome. Thanks for showing us how it's done. Great job!
Posted by: Debby (Darthy) Moreau | October 22, 2010 at 07:16 AM
Wow Lisa! These are fantastic! So so creative.
Posted by: Lindsay | October 22, 2010 at 07:20 AM
I love the little books! I like the idea of making alot and using them as office gifts for co-workers, thank you for the tutorial and the inspiration. I got plans for the weekend!
Posted by: Lorena | October 22, 2010 at 07:21 AM
Sure, just drop them off at my house.
I wish I could help you out. Uninterrupted craft time is probably a rare luxury.
Posted by: Carolyn Sue Groves | October 22, 2010 at 07:24 AM
Adorable, can't wait to make some of these... Thanx for the tut...
Posted by: Stacy Caddy | October 22, 2010 at 07:26 AM
Your post is incredible! I have been searching for an idea for a series of photos I took of my son and his fiancé for their Save the Date cards. I wanted to make some kind of album and give it to them as a reminder of the day. Bingo! Your mini fold book is absolutely perfect for her to put in her purse! Thanks so much for working on this all week and sharing!
Posted by: Shirlann | October 22, 2010 at 07:29 AM
This is adorable!! I love that in your instructions that you have used arrows and circles to help be clear-I often misread directions in my hurry to complete a project-super helpful!!
Posted by: Romaine | October 22, 2010 at 07:32 AM
LOVE this!!! I especially love the Velcro closure. Such a wonderful idea. I can see this little book set being used for so many things :) Thank you for showing all the steps involved.
Posted by: Roxanne O'Brien | October 22, 2010 at 07:34 AM
Thank you so much for sharing this! I've been looking for a cute idea to make for my daughter's Pre-K class with the pics I took for them at the pumpkin patch. You've made it look pretty simple so I'll be making 14 of these soon!
Posted by: Brandi Pitts | October 22, 2010 at 07:36 AM
This is so cute!!! Thank you so much for sharing!
Posted by: Leslie R. | October 22, 2010 at 07:44 AM
Very, very cool! Love all the thought you put into this to make everything work just right! Thanks for sharing -- this is definitely going on my "must-do" list!
Posted by: Plain Jane | October 22, 2010 at 07:49 AM
What a cute idea! I can't wait to try one, thanks for sharing your creativity with us!
Posted by: Jan Hunnicutt | October 22, 2010 at 07:54 AM
Lisa,
Thank you SO much for your post! I know it took alot of time...but this is a project that I have been wanting to make for a long time. But for a different purpose.
Your design is incredible and I already have the little magnets to make a self closing "lid"...when I make it, I will show you!
Thank you again so much for all your hard work and tremendously inspiring creativity!
XO!
Posted by: Kelly Ann Taylor | October 22, 2010 at 07:57 AM
Thanks for sharing this tutorial. Your family album and calendar are wonderful!
I might have to give this a go for holiday gifts for my mom & sister!
Posted by: Kathi | October 22, 2010 at 08:02 AM
WOW! those are so cute, what a great idea for little gifts! thanks for sharing :O)
Posted by: Scrappin' Aggie | October 22, 2010 at 08:04 AM
Thanks for sharing this wonderful tutorial - so many possibilities! Donna
Posted by: Donna | October 22, 2010 at 08:13 AM
Oh my gosh - LOVE IT. Thank you so much for the detailed instructions too - what perfect teacher, friends and family gifts.
Thanks
Posted by: Jilleen | October 22, 2010 at 08:16 AM
Love, Love, LOVE this!!!! Thank you so much for the tutorial!!
Posted by: Jenn Copeland | October 22, 2010 at 08:17 AM
Pure genious Lisa! I just love these little books and you are so on the mark with them having so many uses. Thanks for the Friday inspiration.
Posted by: Tracey McNeely | October 22, 2010 at 08:18 AM
Wow, Lisa, these are gorgeous! I remember those lovely square calendars you made 1 or 2 years ago.
I am so much into books and albums right now so this technique caught my eye.
Posted by: Meda | October 22, 2010 at 08:21 AM
awesome I must admit I'm NOT a fan of books BUT this one is very cool I love the calendar idea...
Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | October 22, 2010 at 08:23 AM
oh my gosh!!! this is so crazy adorable...LOVE IT!!! will be casing it for sure for xmas family gift! THANKS FOR SHARING! I'm not that excited eh?!
Posted by: Elisa | October 22, 2010 at 08:25 AM
This is awesome...I dont do much scrapbooking anymore but I might just make one of these as it is simple! Great gift!
Posted by: Eva C | October 22, 2010 at 08:50 AM
This is so stinkin' cute. I'm bookmarking this, thanks so much for posting!
Posted by: Gail | October 22, 2010 at 08:51 AM
What beautiful gifts. Thanks so much for the step by step tutorial. You are the best!
Posted by: Susan N. | October 22, 2010 at 08:54 AM
wowzers!!! great tutorial! i LOVE this project! thank you so much for sharing! i really love how you used the negative part of the scallop paper on your 2nd project.
Posted by: nori | October 22, 2010 at 08:57 AM
FANTASTIC!!!! Thank you for the tutorial, I do appreciate it.
Posted by: Gisela L | October 22, 2010 at 09:14 AM
Neat and thanks for all the pics and details ... I think I will try to make one and if that works ... look out!Haha! :)
Posted by: Gabby | October 22, 2010 at 09:24 AM
Hi Lisa!
Your little books are so darling! Thanks for sharing with us today!!
Posted by: Gay Ferland | October 22, 2010 at 09:25 AM
Love these! What a great "little something" gift idea. Thanks for the how-to.
Posted by: Sue in Grapevine | October 22, 2010 at 09:31 AM
Impeccably done, Lisa! Will make some great gifts! Appreciate your great tutorial, too.
Chris in Calgary, AB Canada
Posted by: Chris Hnatiuk | October 22, 2010 at 09:31 AM
OMG, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! Now I'm going to have to go out and get a Scor-Pal!!! :-)
Posted by: Chrissie T. | October 22, 2010 at 09:35 AM
Great ideas...I have done something like this in the past with photos for friends and family...thanks for the reminder of such a great gift idea!
Charmaine
Posted by: Charmaine | October 22, 2010 at 09:36 AM
Wow, Lisa what a wonderful idea!! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Elizabeth S. | October 22, 2010 at 09:44 AM
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea! I wish you had a video to show us exactly how you did this. I will try to follow your written directions, LOL. You are sooooo clever and so nice to share your ideas with the rest of us. This will make some really neat gifts, either for Christmas or any other occasion. Thanks again! Ciao db:)
Posted by: Debbie Baker | October 22, 2010 at 09:46 AM
This little book is so cool!!! Thanks for sharing your talent with us!
Posted by: Michelle Mathey | October 22, 2010 at 09:54 AM
This is AWESOME! I have been racking my brain for gift ideas this year and coming up empty (my mojo is on a serious break!) With a special needs child to care for, I have to start presents VERY early. Thank you for sharing!!! This fits the bill nicely!
Posted by: Carrie T | October 22, 2010 at 10:29 AM
Thank you for this tutorial! What a clever idea! I think I will try some for hostess gifts since the holiday season is upon us!
Posted by: Shawna P | October 22, 2010 at 10:56 AM
Beautiful! And, so simple once I see it spelled out like this. I LOVE the background stamps in black ink on kraft paper. Thanks!
Posted by: mandy | October 22, 2010 at 11:07 AM
Clever lady, I may not get these made for Christmas but what a nice thought for birthdays, Mother's Day etc.
Great job. thank You.
Posted by: Pattie J. | October 22, 2010 at 11:09 AM
Oh my gosh...I LOVE this and it is perfect for little gifts!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Posted by: Denise~Paper Ponderings | October 22, 2010 at 11:14 AM
What a beautiful & delightful mini book! Thanks so much
for sharing such a fab project!
PS. On the Couch continues to be one of my favorite stamp sets. Love your designs.
Posted by: Lisa Renea | October 22, 2010 at 11:20 AM
Wow Lisa, this is the greatest idea ever!! It's just gorgeous! And the tutorial is amazing, you nailed! Thank you so, so much!! You rock!!! :D
Posted by: Ale Loiacono | October 22, 2010 at 11:23 AM
Thank you so much for solving my what to make for Christmas gifts problems. These are great. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Barbara | October 22, 2010 at 11:25 AM