DIY Week – Love Story Books
I completely heart our next DIY project, sent to us by a reader who managed to bring a touch of unabashed romance into her affair with these beautiful love story books…
From the bride…
I made two of these books for each of the tables at our reception- one containing his version of our love story, and the second with my version. It was a great way for our guests to get to know the bride and groom, especially considering many had never met our betrothed before! They are VERY simple and only require access to a printer, paper, a bone folder, double stick tape, a ruler, and an exacto.
1. Design each page as it will appear in the open book, left side and right side. For my books, I laid out 3 spreads on one sheet of 11×17 paper. It saves paper and cuts on printing costs. I used Staples Coverstock paper: www.staples.com . Also design the cover, back and front, as one long piece remembering to make it at least .5 in larger on all sides.
2. After printing, carefully cut out each page using the ruler and exacto.
3. With the bone folder, score vertically down the middle of each layout, and fold face in.
4. Then using the double stick tape, attach the folded pages together (don’t forget to put them in order first!) to create your little book!
5. Score the spine of the cover vertically before folding and wrapping it around your book, and securing with double stick tape.
Love it! This one is getting saved to my Favorites.
Love this!! I am obsessed with books. To the reader, did you use InDesign or Quark to lay them out, if not, what software did you use?
I love this idea and may try to make a booklet like this with some of our wedding photos. Thanks for sharing! :)
Cali, InDesign or Quark would work, but I used Illustrator so I could manipulate the flourishes and ornaments. I'm glad you like it!
This is lovely! I might have to do this for my husband for an anniversary gift.
to the DIY contributor: what printer did you use? this look sooo professional. Did you use a laser and print mode photo's? It literally looks like you printed it from pro shop.
Such a sweet idea -- i love the blue and yellow color combo!
The books are beautiful, the creator must have spent a ton of time putting these together and obviously has incredible creativity! Definitely my favorite!! Good job!
Mekala,
Thanks. I want to make one of these for my sister's new baby. :)
Maritessb, I was at school where we had a high-quality laser printer. The photos needed to be at least 300 dpi, and the paper made a huge difference too!
I love these. How large were the books? How many pages were in them? Would you mind going into more detail on how you attached the pages. Were they all folded in half and double taped? Thank you so much for sharing.
Michelle and anyone else,
Hey, shoot me an email if you have more questions! I would love to design and assemble these books for brides or anyone else that is interested, so please send 'em my way! mekalatinnin@gmail.com
Thanks!
This is such a great idea! And since they go on each table they double as part of the centerpiece!
thank you mekala!
These are amazing. Thanks Mekala!! I am going to try and do these for my NYE reception...I have a feeling you make it look too easy though!!
Do the books really stay bound with just double stick tape? What kind did you use?