Introduction: Creating a Snap Closure for a Simple Sketchbook Journal Etc.

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Create a snap closure for a simple journal, notebook, sketchbook, etc.

Supplies

A scrap of self adhesive linen fabric, approx 2"x4"

Each of four snap parts from a snap kit. A typical inexpensive kit on Amazon goes for ~$10, and includes the snap set and punch tools, and about 100 snaps of various colors. $15 gets a set with a little hammer included.

You will need some sort of hammer and setting tool for this project.

Step 1: Fold One End of the Self Adhesive Fabric Over Itself

Do not remove the paper backing yet.

Step 2: Slide It Under Your Book Where You Want the Snap Flap to Sit

"Snap flap to sit"! It's poetry...

Step 3: Set the Fabric Paper-side Up on Your Desk and Mark Where You Want to Cut the Fabric

On the end you will attach the snap, fold the fabric over itself three ways, so that the narrow sides touch in the middle and the long end overlaps about the same distance. Trace these lines and cut away the small squares in the corners - see image.

On the end you will attach to your book, cut out a fun or funky shape. OR just be boring like I was and make it a diamond or square. Watch for fraying fabric.

Step 4: Peel Off the Paper Backing and Attach One End of the Flap to the Back of Your Book. Fold the Three Sides Over Themselves on the Other Side

This will strengthen the area you will insert the snap.

Step 5: Flip Over the Book and Wrap the Fabric Flap Over to Test the Snap Location

Hard to go wrong with centered.

Step 6: Use a Punch or Awl to Make a Hole for the Snap in the Fabric Strip

Step 7: Choose the Two Parts of the Snap That Are Used for the Top Half of the Snap

see image

Step 8: Use the Convex Punch to Set the Snap

A few light taps with the hammer.

Make sure the snap is on a reslient or soft surface such as corrugated cardboard or a cutting mat, or the top cover of the snap will deform.

Step 9: Use a Punch or Awl to Make a Hold for the Other Side of the Snap Directly Through the Cover of the Book

You should wrap the flap over the cover and mark where the top of the snap lands, so you can place the bottom (receiving) side of the snap in the correct location.

Step 10: Use the Concave Snap Set to Set the Bottom (receiving) Side of the Snap

Step 11: Test It - You're Done!