Scrapbook Keepsake Book Tutorial

Make a Scrapbook Keepsake Book Tutorial using interoffice envelopes and scrapbook paper.  Use to hold keepsake pictures, recipes or anything you like!

A few years ago my Mom introduced me to this amazing book she made at a scrapbooking class. I fell in love.  It takes the plain old inter-office envelope, and makes it a thing of total beauty!  I have since made 4, I kid you not.  One for recipes.  One for gardening planning.  One for holding baby memories.  One for holding life dreams.  This one below is my garden planning book…isn’t she a thing of beauty?!

I put together a tutorial here for you, and it’s lengthy.  It’s not for the faint of heart, but you will find that you will get into a groove, and it’s not as bad as it seems.  And the end result is so worth it!

Here is what you will need to make your Scrapbook Keepsake Book:

• 4 legal size inter-office envelopes
• 8 – 12×12 scrapbook sheets of paper – each different – different patterns but matching colours
• 3 feet of some type of string to tie it together – twine, leather, yarn
• paper cutter or scissors
• hole puncher
• 4 brads
• fabric hockey tape (beige)
• glue

Here’s How-To Make Your Scrapbook Keepsake Book:

Step 1:  Cutting your paper

• Using 12 x 12 scrapbook sheets of paper, cut off 2 1/4 inches.  This leaves you with 12 x 9 3/4 sheets, and strips of 12 x 2 1/4.
• Then cut the larger sheets, along the 12 inch side, in half.  So they are now 6 x 9 3/4.

After your paper is cut, fold the envelopes in half lengthwise. Stack on top of each other, alternating the sides with the red ties.  This is the point where you have to lay out your book how you want your paper to appear. Alternate patterns and colours on the flat sides, the flaps, and under and over the red tie circle.

 This is where you use your 6 x 9 3/4 sheets to cover the smooth sides of the envelope.

Cut 4 of your 6 x 9 3/4 sheets to fit the lower section on the sides with the tie. Cut a triangle in the centre of your paper, and tuck under the red circle.

Tuck.

Cut your 12 x 2 1/4 strips to fit on top of the tie (you will need 4 strips). Again, cut a triangle in the centre of the paper, and tuck under the red circle.

Now add glue to the backs of your sheets.  Tuck back together.

Glued together.

Take a strip of your 12 x 2 1/4 inch sheets, and glue them to the tops and bottoms of your flaps (again you will use 4 strips).  Trim any excess paper.

This is how all your papers should look.

Another look.

When you are done glueing all of your papers onto your book, use the hockey tape to hold the book together. To do this, stack your envelopes, and wrap the tape around the middle/centre of your book. Then use your hole punch to punch a hole through all envelopes, about an inch from each edge. Run your string through the holes, to hold it together.

This next step is optional. If you want to be able to tie your book closed, then punch a hole on the top and bottom covers of your book. Punch a brad through.  See below for a close-up.

Use more string to tie it together.

There it is!  Now you can play with it, and embellish it as you wish!

If you are still reading this, and not fast asleep on your keyboard, then congratulations!  And thank-you!  If I’ve completely lost you, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me with your questions!

If you are interested, you can click here to see some more info on these books, and a peek at the ones I’ve made already.

Have an inspired day!