How to Make String-Closure Scrapbooks

Create lasting memories of your family events.

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Create one-of-a-kind scrapbooks to give as gifts, carry as brag books or to hold precious memories from a special trip. Scrapbooks have been used for centuries as a personalized way of keeping photographs. The books are embellished with beads, buttons and other personal elements to bring back memories as the photos are viewed. Journaling is also important as it tells the story of what is happening in the photos.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedScrapbooking paperBook bindingCircle stickersCardstockScissorsGlue3-D foam dotSuggest EditsCreating the Book1

Cut the pages and book covers to a matching size. Your finished book can be any size, but it is important the pages are not larger than the cover. The paper you use to make the book, including the cover, should be archival quality and acid and lignin free to avoid damaging your photos over time.

2

Place the pages inside of the covers. Make sure the edges of the pages are lined up and none of the pages are turned sideways or protruding outside of the cover.

3

Bind the book by punching holes along one side or across the top. The holes should be evenly spaced and no more than two inches apart. Tie the book covers and pages together by inserting a 4-inch piece of string into each hole and tying the ends together, just as you would tie your shoes, along the outer edge of the book.

Making the Closure1

Stack three circle shaped stickers, one on top of the other, lining up the edges.

2

Place the stack of stickers onto the back of a piece of cardstock that matches the album cover.

3

Cut around the circles. This completes one side of the string closure mechanism. Repeat the process to make a second mechanism.

4

Cut a length of string approximately 8 inches long and glue the string to the back of one of the closure mechanisms. The back side is the side with the stickers, the side that will not be showing on the outside of the scrapbook.

5

Attach the mechanism with the string to the back of the scrapbook. You can place the closure at any place along the back, but it is best placed at the center with the edge of the circle close to the edge of the side of the book that opens so you can view it. This will make it the least difficult to match up the closure mechanism on the front.

6

Place a 3-D foam dot on the back of the other mechanism.

7

Place the closure mechanism on the front of your album, lining it up with the placement of the mechanism on the back. Set the mechanism in place using glue. Allow the glue to dry completely and then wrap the string from the back around the mechanism on the front to close.

Tips & Warnings

The string can be embellished with beads or tags to prevent unraveling of the threads.

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ReferencesPowis: Binding TypesResourcesMartha Stewart: Scrapbook Ideas and AlbumsDummies; Getting Ready to Scrapbook; Jeanne Wines-Reed and Joan WinesPhoto Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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