A few people asked if I would show how we made our caterpillar book. No problem, because the whole reason I started trying to figure it all out, was so that I could keep a little inspiration book in my purse.
I made mine out of a paper bag, because I knew I was going to paint it and the brown paper holds paint well. Any kind of paper can be used–scrapbook paper, text weight paper, cardstock…
1. Cut paper into 4 x 4 inch sheets. The end booklet will be 2 x 2 inches. Any size will work, as long as it is square and all sheets are the same size. You can make the booklet any number of sheets. I will show how to put 2 together, but my end result is 5 sheets long.
2. Fold each sheet in half both ways and in half diagonally. Pull diagonal fold inward as seen in photo. Repeat with all sheets.
3. Glue sheets together, with glue stick, so that one sheet folds inward and the other outward. Continue adding more sheets if desired.
4.Fold booklet closed, carefully creasing each fold with your nail or bone folder.
5. Open and decorate whatever way you see fit.
Here are some other ideas in case painting isn’t your thing:
* Make one to tell a story. Write your birthing story, engagement, or something totally made up.
* Make a mini photo album. This would be a great gift for the grandparents.
* Make a birthday or anniversary card.
* Keep it blank and make lists and/or doodles.
* Make it inspirational. Add photos, quotes, images from magazines.
Have fun with it!!
Paper Bag Leaves, a tutorial
recycled paper bag art journals
Recycled wall art
Inspire Me Thursday- Find the art in the everyday
February 17th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Your artwork is just so amazing. What a treasure that booklet is!
February 18th, 2010 at 10:54 am
Man, this is is so cool Regina. It looks way more complicated to make then it is! I love how yours came out!
February 18th, 2010 at 11:30 am
This is so cute!! Thanks so much for sharing the Tutorial on how to make it!!
I’ve been wanting to send my dgc something
every month and this would be a really cute
to send.
God Bless You and Yours!!!
February 18th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
This is the second one of these I’ve spotted today. Think that’s a sign that I need to make one! Thanks so much for the fantastic tutorial. And your book is filled with so much fun color and inspiration.
February 18th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Thanks so much for posting this tutorial, what a wonderful project. I shall be giving it a go
Cheers!
February 18th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
Hi ~ That’s a wonderful little book , you’ve inspired me to make a few for my Grands.
~ Warmest Blessings ~
February 19th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
Now, you know I’m going to have to make one or two of those, right? Yours is fabulous! Inspiration indeed!
February 20th, 2010 at 5:38 am
This is so neat! Thanks for showing how – much easier than one would think!
February 20th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Awesome! I’m loving it!
February 20th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
This is so cute! I can’t wait to try it myself. Thank you so much for showing how easy it would be to make one!
February 20th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
This might also work with the small square sheets of scrapbooking paper. I have a package that’s actually for kids – all the sheets are different designs.
February 20th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
So happy to find your site. I used to help in the art room at my children’s school and we made similar little books, often putting pastepaper covered tagboard “covers” on each end. The children made individual books but also created joint projects out of large pieces of paper, maybe 12″ squares.
Each child was given one square. Rather than assembling the book first and then creating, the teacher had the kids mark off the section to be glued and then color, paint, glue on stuff to the rest of their individual squares. Then all the kids squares were joined together to form a wonderful large project. It was pretty cool.
February 21st, 2010 at 12:24 am
The finished product is so lovely. What kind of paints did you use?
February 21st, 2010 at 1:08 am
I have just sent this link to a young girl who absolutely loves anything crafty.
It is a great way for kids to express themselves and a good little journal for special occasions. Very clever. Thanks.
February 21st, 2010 at 6:55 am
AWesome inspiration!!!!….I have saved THIS and your site in my favorites!….creative blessings, Debbie
February 21st, 2010 at 8:24 am
That is AWESOME!
My best friend needs some cheering up so I’m going to make her one for nest time I see her.
Thanks for sharing
February 21st, 2010 at 8:55 am
This is beautiful. And, it looks like so much fun! Thanks for sharing your instructions.
February 21st, 2010 at 9:29 am
That is a very creative book. It could have many Possibilities. Could be made up of medium weight Photo Paper with Photos Placed strategically…
February 21st, 2010 at 9:30 am
it’s so beautiful !! i’ ll try to make one with my kids…thank for sharing.
bizzzzzz
February 21st, 2010 at 11:54 am
wow. it really a great looking book. my kids and i will make one. Then several! thanks again.
February 21st, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Neat-o! I like how this is a great way to teach basic origami folds as well…
February 21st, 2010 at 3:37 pm
I love your mini book idea! It makes me want to try it.
February 21st, 2010 at 5:29 pm
So beautiful! What an inspiration! I’m sure mine won’t look like the art masterpiece that your is, but it’ll be something fun to do with the kids
Thanks for sharing!!
February 21st, 2010 at 6:32 pm
That is SO pretty! I love this idea. Thanks so much for sharing, I’ll be linking to this.
February 21st, 2010 at 11:59 pm
These are adorable!!! Was wondering what kind of paint you used. Keep up the fabulous work!
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:28 am
Your inspiration book is delightful, I have to try, thank you for sharing.
February 22nd, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Oh wow, so nice! We did a bunch of origami stuff this weekend. I will have to try this out!
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Thank you for that. Just the kind of inspirational book I can make for my handbag. Your artwork is such an inspiration
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I made a 3″ x 3″ version this evening and will make a 6″ x 6″ version with my crafting group soon! We’ll be using as scrapbooks.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:47 am
good idea, love it
February 25th, 2010 at 8:59 am
Wow–this is great! Thanks for the tutorial!
March 3rd, 2010 at 1:53 am
I had seen th other book that you did and I just loved it. Thanks for sharing the tutorial. I’ll try to make one…
March 9th, 2010 at 4:06 am
Hi i’m Monica to Milan Italy.
Your works are very beautiful. I made a post about them in my blog.
if you must come and see me
Moni
March 12th, 2010 at 6:13 am
Great tutorial, this little book looks fab!