Bookmaking with the Masked Pixie - Part 5: The Envelope Book

This is the fifth post in a series of instructions about making books. If your are intersted in making other kinds of books, check out  Part 1: The Basic Book, Part 2: The Bow Book, Part 3: The Accordion Book and Part 4: The Scroll.


The instructions for this book are the same as the instructions for the Basic Book in Part 1, but instead of regular paper, this book's pages are made from envelopes.  There are different ways you can use the envelopes to tell a story. 

You can tell a story through letters written by your characters.  This is called an epistolary book.

You can make a joke or riddle book.  Write the question on the outside of the envelope and write the answer on the inside of the envelope's flap.

You can make a hide-and-seek book.  When the reader opens the envelope he or she finds a picture under the flap.

Let's get started . . .

How to Make an Envelope Book

Materials

• envelopes
• tagboard or thin cardboard that is a little bigger than the envelopes
• stapler
• ribbon or tape (masking tape or duct tape)
• art supplies to illustrate your pages and cover

Procedures

Make your pages

Write and draw your story on the envelopes. Do not write or draw anything too close to the left edge.  Any words or pictures too close to the left edge will get covered up when you staple your book together.

Put your pages in order

It is helpful to number your pages on the top or bottom corner. Stack your pages in order neatly.

Make your book cover

Use two pieces of tagboard or cardboard for your cover. Put your pages between the front and back covers and staple 2 times along the left edge of your book.

Finish your book cover

Cover the staples and the spine of the book with a strip of tape or glue on a piece of ribbon.

Decorate your cover and write your book's title and your name on the front.

Share your book

Your book is complete! Now go read it to someone!