21st Signature/ Photo Book

I'm not very good with presents. My girlfriend says I'm not romantic enough, but I would say I'm a practical person. 21st birthdays are big in New Zealand, so I had to put some kind of thought into my sister's gift when she turned 21. It used to be that people got keys as a coming of age gift, and party attendees would sign the key. Books are also an option, and I've even been to one with a write-on teddy bear.

The outcome of all that and the subject of this instructable is the autograph book I made.

Step 1 Making Paper

Part of the reason I made an autograph book is I needed to create a use for recycled paper. I had a ream or two of old paper and university notes to use up. I've also made a notebook with the blank back pages of some sheets. [insert link here for notebook when I write the instructable] {insert another for recycled paper}

- Soak paper over night in water to soften. Blend in batches and strain into red bucket.
- a few handfuls of pulp with a few litres makes for a good mix (see future link above)
- Scoop up some pulp with the frame - the top give the paper its shape, the bottom lets the water drip out
- board - carpet - plastic - fabric - paper - fabric - paper - fabric - plastic - carpet - board
- layer the fabric and wet paper sheets, squeezing out the water with another rag. Take care not to lift otherwise the paper will not come out straight.
- clamp overnight, then put on glass to dry completely.

Or, you could find some nice paper or cardboard. I made the book according to the size of the paper, so you can do what you like with the size.