If you want tiny books where you can actually turn the pages and read what’s inside, this method works very well. It’s also how I assemble my own miniature colouring books for Etsy, so the steps below are exactly what I recommend.
Here’s the fantastic video tutorial I’m referring to:
What You Need
Printed book cover (preferably on cardstock)
Printed page strips (on regular printer paper)
Glue (Mod Podge or your preferred craft glue)
Ruler
Scissors or a rotary cutter
Patience for drying time
Step 1: Prepare the Cover
Cut the book cover out of cardstock and score the spine so it bends sharply. This makes everything line up neatly later. If you want your cover to look polished, you can brush a thin coat of Mod Podge over it. It gives a slight shine and strengthens the cardstock. Let it dry completely before moving on.
Step 2: Cut the Page Strips
Print your pages and cut them into long strips. You can use scissors or a rotary cutter—whatever gives you clean edges. Lay the strips out in the correct reading direction so you don’t glue anything upside down.
Step 3: Fold the Pages Accordion-Style
Fold each strip back and forth along the printed lines. Follow the lines so all pages match in size. A ruler helps press the folds down firmly. The sharper the folds, the nicer the finished book looks. Most printable page designs leave a blank section at the end of each strip, which is helpful for joining strips together.
Step 4: Join the Strips to Make One Page Block
Use the blank flap to glue one folded strip to the next. This creates a long zig-zag of pages that will sit inside the cover. Keep checking the orientation as you go, because once the glue dries, it’s difficult to correct anything.
Optional: Add Gloss to Illustrated Pages
If your book contains illustrations, you can brush a thin coat of Mod Podge over the pages to make the images more vibrant. If you do this, let the pages dry for at least 24 hours so they don’t stick together when you close the book.
Step 5: Glue the Pages Into the Cover
Add glue to the spine of your folded page block and press it firmly into the cover’s spine. Let it dry before moving on. Then glue the first and last folded panels to the inside covers. Close the book gently and leave it to dry completely. When it’s ready, your miniature book will have real, turnable pages that you can flip through just like a tiny version of a normal book.
Share Your Results
If you try this method, feel free to share photos or ask questions. I always enjoy seeing how others make their miniature books.
Happy crafting!
Lizzy
