So, I have spent much time contemplating the spine of this album and trying different designs before finding this one which worked!
This album truly is very simple and can be completed in about an hour, or less if you make multiples and get really good at it from doing it over and over!
Step 1: I began with choosing the 12x12 patterned papers for my outside (orange dotted) and inside (bird graph) covers. My chipboard measures 5x7 in, so I trimmed the outside cover paper to 7x11 in. This number comes from the span of the two covers (5 + 5) as well as what is needed to create a trough (see Step 2). The inside cover paper will be trimmed with the insert pages in Step 6.
Step 2: Flipping the outside cover paper over, I measured where the center of my cover would be, allowing about 1/2 in down the center. First, I scored the two lines on either side of center and then scored another line 1/4 in further outside both lines in order to create a bit of a trough.
Step 3: I cut a 1/2 in piece of chipboard to adhere in the trough. This will support the spine of the book.
Step 4: Next, I adhered the two pieces of chipboard to the front and back of the book, both on the wrong side of my chosen paper for the outside cover.
Step 5: Gathering the inside pages of my album, I trimmed them to 7 in X 10 1/2 in. This number comes from the two chipboard covers (5+5) and then the space of the trough from Step 2 (1/2 in).
Step 6: Before folding the papers in half, I had to ensure that the inside cover (my bird graph paper from Step 1) was the outermost page and with the pattern facing up. The rest of my pages I turned so that the pattern was facing down. Taking my papers to the sewing machine, I stitched down the center of the pages to attach them together.
If you are using double-sided patterned papers, this step will not be important. However, if you want a specific paper to be the inside cover, be sure to place that pattern face up and at the bottom of the pile before sewing down the center.
Step 7: With the inside pages sewn down the center, I proceeded to adhere the left inside cover paper to the chipboard cover. I lined up the outside edge of the paper and chipboard and smoothed the paper inward. The center of these pages with the stitching will extend beyond the chipboard, so do not be alarmed!
Step 8: Repeat Step 7 with the inside cover paper on the right. Again, I started by lining up the outside edge of the paper and chipboard and smoothed toward the center. By doing this, I have to pull the outside cover chipboard pieces towards one another, allowing the paper in the trough to fold outward along the scored lines. Once adhered, the inside pages should span across the trough in the center of the spine creating a gap.
Step 9: When hinged closed, the overhang of the stitched paper will bend to fill the gap in the trough. This way, the pages will lay flat when the book is open, and by extending spine it allows the book to hinge closed without tearing the paper.
Step 10: Finally, I sanded the edges of the chipboard, which helps to seal the paper to the chipboard and give a smooth finished look to the edges of the book.
Of course, the very last step is to embellish the front cover with whatever you have on hand.
Of course, the very very last step is to fill the album with your Easter photos!
So, what do you think? Ready to try one for yourself?
