How to make miniature bound books has always been something that I was quite interested in, I just never really took the time to dive further into this.
Then, by chance, I came across this tutorial on Domestika on how to do this, and you know me: I needed it, haha!
Especially because, wow, I'm honestly quite impressed with this tutorial, there's no doubt about it.
But of course, I will dive deep into this together with you in this blog post, so let's go!
If you can't wait, here is the miniature bookbinding tutorial itself, check it out! And don't forget my personal discount code of 10% off! : EVERYTHINGVERYSMALL
Updated 03/01/24
But first: which materials do you need to create mini-books?
This post contains affiliate links and images from Amazon and Domestika, with no extra charges for you.
To craft miniature books, we could use some special tools, but just using household items can be more than enough as well. Let's show a list:
- Pencils ( 3H or 4H, so hard pencils, are preferable )
- a mechanical pencil could also be useful for more precise work
- a pen for the final drawing
- Watercolors and markers
- A pair of scissors
- a paper cutter and a cutting mat
- rulers
- An X-Acto blade
- a small sponge and a little glass of water
- a brush to paint on glue
- Have a clean surface to work on, as these projects are very small and every little stain will show
More specific tools for bookbinding, a second list:
- a Bone folder
- thread and beeswax OR dental floss
- A scratch awl tool. You can also use a safety pin or sewing needle.
- You will also need some acid-free bookbinding glue and a separate brush to apply this glue with. This doesn't need to be an expensive brush at all.
- A book press, which you can make yourself DIY. There are several ways to make one and you can see one method below in this YouTube video:
Or, you can just place your mini books under a large pile of big books or a heavy object.
Let's talk about paper now, a very important part of creating a miniature book!
- cover board: something sturdy and thick enough. If you don't have access to this kind of paper, you can try to use multiple layers of cardboard glued together.
- you also need thicker paper to use for the cover of your prototype
- The paper for your pages needs to be light and not rigid. Again, you can use Stonehenge light craft paper.
- bookbinding cloth (this is cloth on one side and paper on the other side)
- decorative paper