Introduction: Folded Book

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This book form is found in any flat piece of paper you have around. The shape it's cut into resembles both a labyrinth or maze and goat's horns. Since I'm sure we all know the importance of Goats, and the mysteries and dangers of mazes, I'm sure you'll have fun with this book.

I've included hard covers, and a pretty, covered band, but they're not mandatory.

On to the show!

Step 1: Gather Supplies!!!

This is the easiest step. You'll need a sheet of paper (mine was large, from an old art pad), some cardboard (I used old comic book boards, but you could use cereal boxes), glue, scissors, pretty paper (if you want - I used wrapping paper), a pencil and a ruler.

Materials list:

Sheet of paper (mine was 18"x24")
Cardboard
Pretty paper to cover with (wrapping paper? magazine scraps?)
Pencil
Ruler
Scissors
Glue (I like Aleene's Tacky Glue for this)

Step 2: Begin Folding the Paper to Make the Creases.

Try not to let your cat do the folding, as they're not as precise as you can be. Sharpen the creases as you fold, folding them in both directions so you get nice, flat folds.

Fold the paper in half, matching the corners as carefully as you can. It's easiest if you make this fold along the long edge of the paper; for example, I folded the 24" edge so that the resulting size of the paper was 18"x12".


Step 3: Continue Folding

Now fold the whole thing in half in the other direction, so you have something that's 9"x12".

Next, fold one free edge over to meet the creased edge. Unfold the fold you just made, turn the paper over and repeat that fold on the other side.

You'll have a flat piece that's got creases down its length. Fold this in half to make a crease going perpendicularly to the previous folds.

Sharpen all the creases and folds by pressing them and folding them in both directions.

Unfold the whole paper and lay it flat.

Step 4: Cut the Book Open

Look at the folded lines and match them up to the cutting diagram. See how the uncut areas curl around like goat's horns?

Cut carefully on the indicated lines. I cut the center cut with the whole paper open, then fold it in half and cut the other two lines through both layers at once.

Step 5: Fold the Paper Into a Book.

Start folding at one end - the pages will pretty much fall in the direction they should. You can choose if you want the center fold to go up or down, but it's all pretty much final now.

Step 6: Make the Cover

Measure your final folded-up book. Using the pencil, draw two rectangles on the cardboard just a little larger than this size. Cut these out.

Cut out two rectangles from the pretty paper at least half an inch longer and wider than the cardboard covers.

Glue the cardboard to the center of the wrong side of the paper, pressing firmly. Put a drop of glue on each of the corners of the cardboard, then fold the corners of the wrapping paper down into it, making nice 45 degree angles. Then glue the long edges of the wrapping paper to the cardboard.

Put glue on the back of the cover, center the last page of the book over it and press it down carefully, wiping up any glue that might squeeze out. Repeat on the other side of the book.

You can, if you want, stop at this point. You've made a beautiful book. If you want the wrapping band, continue on.

Step 7: Make the Wrapping Band

Take an off cut from the cardboard you used to make the covers. Lay the book across it, centered carefully. Using the tip of the scissors, gently score the cardboard on either side of the book to make the first fold lines.

Set the book aside, and make a second set of score marks 1/4" outside of the first set. Fold the cardboard on the marks and ensure it fits all the way around your book.

Cut a piece of the wrapping paper at least half an inch bigger than the band all around. Cover it the same way you covered the book covers. Carefully fold the band on the scored marks and glue the overlap so it closes.

I had to hold this part under pressure for about 2 minutes, but then it stayed very stuck.

Once the band is mostly dry, slide the book into it and admire your wonderful folded labyrinth book.