Stamped Piano-Hinge Book

Materials:

two sheets 8-1/2" x 11" black card stock
20 pieces 7-1/2" x 11" paper
scrap 7-1/2" x 11" card stock
8 skewers
rubber stamps
bleach
walnut ink
dye-based ink
fibers or threads
beads and charms
clear glue
paint brush
paper cutter
scissors
ruler
bone folder

1. Group 20 pieces of 7-1/2" x 11" paper into five piles of four sheets. Fold all five sets in half using bone folder (figure A).

2. Fold each of two black cover sheets (8-1/2" x 11") in half using bone folder (figure B).

3. Stamp images on inside pages using walnut ink (figure C). Stamp black covers using bleach. Overstamp select areas with colored dye-based ink (figure D).

4. To create spine template, fold scrap card stock (7-1/2" x 11") in half. On folded spine, create six 3/4-inch sections, beginning 1/4 inch in from either end and with 1/2 inch in between the sections (figure E). Cut out the six 3/4-inch sections in a V-cut, about 1/2 inch deep (figure F).

5. Align template over each of the five signatures and cut out the six V sections (figure G).

6. Center template of each cover and cut out the six V sections (figure H).

7. Slide a skewer into bottom of front cover and weave through every other tab (figure I).

8. With spine on left, place front cover over first signature. Slide skewer into bottom of first signature and weave into front cover, then back to first signature, etc., until skewer exits out the top of the first signature (figure J).

9. Add on second signature. Slide skewer into bottom of second signature and weave into first signature, then back to second signature, etc, until skewer exits out the top of second signature (figure K).

10. Continue adding third, fourth and fifth signatures and the back cover in the same manner. The final skewer slides exclusively into the three remaining tabs of the back cover (figure L).

11. Cut off sharp skewer tips. Wrap fiber through top set of skewers and add dabs of glue occasionally (figure M).

12. Tie knot, leaving excess length to thread beads and charms to dangle (figure N). Repeat wrapping of fiber at bottom, but leave no excess ends.