Matchbook notebook tutorial

Here is how to make a little matchbook notebook.

I'll try to keep the instructions as simple as possible-

it's not rocket science after all ;-)

 Feel free to change the sizes to suit yourself. 

This is the size that works for me. :-)

Cut your card in a 2, 1/8" strip (I'm using A4 card)

I used my Tonic Studios handy Super Trimmer, 
Score your card at 1/2",   3/4",   3,1/4"   3, 1/2"
If you don't have one of these you could always use 
a ruler and a biro that has run out of ink as your scoring implement.

 Now cut to 5, 5/8"

 Tada! Now for the inside..

( This is an additional step you can do if you own a perforating tool like this rotary perforator.)
I like to add this step to my matchbook notebooks so that it is easy to tear a page out neatly from the stack. Each notebook only uses two pieces of paper.

  It takes more time to make, but I think the finished result is worth the effort.
Using the perforator cut longways down an A4 piece of paper at 1/4" , 2, 5/8", and 5".

 Then trim the paper across the way into 2" strips

 and then into 2, 3/8" lengths

 Stack them neatly, aligning them by tapping the edge on a flat surface, then clip together at the end opposite the perforations with a bulldog clip. I use a little scrap of paper to protect the stack from being indented by the clip.

 Using another scrap of paper the same width, make a little hole template with which to mark out the holes. You can see the diagram to get the right idea for hole spacing.

Pierce the holes in the cover using the same template.

 Using embroidery floss sew from the front to the back leaving a little tail to tie, then stitch back over so you end up with a complete stitch and two tails to the front. 

 Tie in a double knot and trim leaving about 1/4" for decorative effect.
I think this effect looks quite Japanese.

 Use a decorative punch for the front cover, or you can embellish any other way your choose.
I used my little birdy punch from Tonic Studios.

and there you have it. A lovely little gift item that could be used for wedding favours, or party bags, or any other reason you choose.

(joined linky party at http://ppp-makeitmonday.blogspot.com/)