open ~ paper bag inspiration booklet

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!!

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39 Responses to open ~ paper bag inspiration booklet

  1. Michelle says:

    Your artwork is just so amazing. What a treasure that booklet is!

  2. Man, this is is so cool Regina. It looks way more complicated to make then it is! I love how yours came out!

  3. Flassie says:

    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!!!

  4. Michelle says:

    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.

  5. Thanks so much for posting this tutorial, what a wonderful project. I shall be giving it a go 🙂 Cheers!

  6. JoyceAnn says:

    Hi ~ That’s a wonderful little book , you’ve inspired me to make a few for my Grands.

    ~ Warmest Blessings ~

  7. angela says:

    Now, you know I’m going to have to make one or two of those, right? Yours is fabulous! Inspiration indeed!

  8. Clever Karen says:

    This is so neat! Thanks for showing how – much easier than one would think!

  9. Teresa says:

    Awesome! I’m loving it!

  10. Lulu says:

    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!

    🙂

  11. EL says:

    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.

  12. Lois says:

    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.

  13. K Jane says:

    The finished product is so lovely. What kind of paints did you use?

  14. Lois Joanne says:

    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.

  15. debbie says:

    AWesome inspiration!!!!….I have saved THIS and your site in my favorites!….creative blessings, Debbie

  16. Catriona says:

    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 🙂

  17. librarianism says:

    This is beautiful. And, it looks like so much fun! Thanks for sharing your instructions.

  18. Mike says:

    That is a very creative book. It could have many Possibilities. Could be made up of medium weight Photo Paper with Photos Placed strategically…

  19. celine says:

    it’s so beautiful !! i’ ll try to make one with my kids…thank for sharing.
    bizzzzzz

  20. Anonymous says:

    wow. it really a great looking book. my kids and i will make one. Then several! thanks again.

  21. ctb says:

    Neat-o! I like how this is a great way to teach basic origami folds as well…

  22. Cindy says:

    I love your mini book idea! It makes me want to try it.

  23. Melissa says:

    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!!

  24. Rachel says:

    That is SO pretty! I love this idea. Thanks so much for sharing, I’ll be linking to this.

  25. Carol says:

    These are adorable!!! Was wondering what kind of paint you used. Keep up the fabulous work!

  26. Pat says:

    Your inspiration book is delightful, I have to try, thank you for sharing.

  27. Kat says:

    Oh wow, so nice! We did a bunch of origami stuff this weekend. I will have to try this out!

  28. Bea says:

    Thank you for that. Just the kind of inspirational book I can make for my handbag. Your artwork is such an inspiration 🙂

  29. Pooja says:

    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.

  30. Helen says:

    Wow–this is great! Thanks for the tutorial!

  31. liliana says:

    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…

  32. sanztosi says:

    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

  33. SarahLP says:

    Great tutorial, this little book looks fab!

  34. Mona Vijaykar says:

    Superb! Now I have a fun project to do with my darling nieces!

  35. Frannie says:

    This is a cool project. I will have to try this.

  36. Jacquie Uribe says:

    These are great. After reading this tutorial several months ago, I had a go at this great little caterpillar booklet. My booklet doesn’t have the cool factor like your book, but I did have a lot of fun with it. I’m think of making one for each of my boys and putting it in their x-mas stockings. Perhaps, I’ll fill it with a short story and stick figure drawings. Thanks for sharing this one.

  37. Kimmie Hogan says:

    I make an exploding journal like this, only mine does not have all this beautiful art work. I use card stock, and add some embellishments here and there, make a cover out of an old book and give as gifts to my daughters friends. It’s an exploding smash book of sorts. I really enjoy looking at all the beautiful things you create. Happy New Year!!!

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