MYO Book!

This week I have some ideas for creating some simple books or zines. Try one or all of them and begin filling them with some of your own drawings, writing, poetry, doodles, or collages. Making books are a great way for children to have true ownership over their creations – and are a great tool for kids to then create stories and cartoons.

We have 4 x simple book ideas for you to try – you can use paper, card, newspaper, wrapping paper, old photocopies, old magazines, pages from old books, or dis-used print outs – perfect upcycling project. Go as fancy and pretty as you like with soft colours, neat edges, and pretty ribbon, or as grungy street art style as you like with rough edges, assorted collection of upcycled paper, and rough string. 

Each book is very simple, I have used A3 card for these, but they would work equally as well with A4 card. You will also need scissors, a stapler, a hole punch – and maybe some string or ribbon. Lets get busy!

Stapled:

Super simple – Fold your card in half and half again, cut along the folds so you end up with 4 rectangles. Fold each in half and tuck together to form a book with 8 pages. Staple 2 – 3 times along the spine. Done!

Ribbon:

Fold your card in half and half again, cut along the folds so you end up with 4 rectangles. Fold each in half and slot together to form a book with 8 pages. Using a holepunch make 2 – 3 holes along the spine. You might need to do this in batches as it’s quite thick. Tie ribbon through the holes in whichever style you like, I tried bows on each. 

Swing:

Fold your card in half three times so you have 8 sections, cut along the folds so you end up with 8 rectangles. Holepunch the top corner of each sheet, and fasten with a piece of string or ribbon. 

Concertina (Zig Zag):

Fold your card in half longways so you have two skinny strips. Cut along the fold. Concertina fold the piece until it is all used up. This one is great for display as it stands up on it’s own. 

Now fill your book up with your own incredible ideas. They make great gifts, ways to document your stories, or use as diaries. 

Happy book-making folks – and may your books be filled with much creative fun!

Yours in Art,

Tracy x