Level 1 Book Tutorial

Hi there everyone! A year or two ago I designed a fun way to create a 6x6 book using a Level 1 paper kit from Close to My Heart. It was a monumental moment. I didn't copy!! haha!! I guess we're all entitled to a little inspiration once in a while.

I've shared this with my customers a couple of times and a few other consultants and this year I'm sharing it with the Virtual Convention for Close To My Heart consultants. Life, vacation, illness, son's surgery....all got in the way and I just now took the pictures so I have to post them here. Too late to post them on the VC site...

Mary will be hosting the class for me on Saturday, while I'm teaching at the mini-convention we're hosting for local consultants. I sent Mary the book I made below. Feel free to ask questions and leave comments!!

Step 1: Cut all of the pre-printed cardstock to 6x6



When you are done you will have (16) 6x6 squares



Step 2:

• Cut one piece of your colored cardstock in half to create (2) 6 x 12 sheets
• Cut one of the 6 x 12 sheets in half to create (2) 6 x 6 pieces
• Cut a piece 2.5 inches by 6 inches from one of the 6 x 6 pieces

The picture below shows what you should have when you are done.

Step 3: Score your 6 x 6 piece of cardstock every half inch and then accordian fold

Step 4: Score and fold your 2.5 x 6 inch piece one inch in from each edge along the 6 inch side. You will end up with a 1/2 inch section in the middle. See picture below.



Step 5: Arrange your pages in the order you want them in the book. This is a little tricky to explain so lay it all out and check it as you go.

Take the piece that you have chosen for your cover and adhere it to the flap of the accordian fold as pictured below.



Then take the next piece and glue it (back to back) to the front piece. By doing it this way, you will hide the "mechanics" of how you put the book together. (Please note, you will do the same thing for the back of the book.)

The next five pages are the inside of your book. To create the pages you will glue two pieces of your printed cardstock back to back so that there is printing on both sides. (Remember to lay out your pages ahead of time so that you can see which pages will face each other, etc.)

Take the first page and glue it to the back side of the next accordian fold. It actually doesn't matter whether you glue it on the front or back, just be consistent throughout the book. Either glue them all to the front or all to the back.

After you glue in your pages, repeat the steps for the front cover to do the back cover.

This is what the pages will look like after you've glued them to the accordian fold.


Step 6: Add your "binding". Glue the 1" flaps to the front and back of the book. Do not put any glue on the 1/2 seam in the middle.

All done.....

Now it's time to embellish and personalize. As you can see you have stickers, two sheets of texture paper and 1 1/2 sheets of cardstock that you can use to personalize your book. You can use the papers to mat photos, create journaling squares etc.

I didn't add a title or anything to this book because I sent it off to Mary so she could use it for herself or give it as a gift.

Feel free to email me or leave questions/suggestions in the comments. I love comments!!!!!!!

3 Months = a Century

Yep, that's how long it took me. Three whole months to ride 100 miles (100.55) on my bike. In the interest of full disclosure, I probably rode more like 125 miles, but there were a few times when the odometer wasn't working, or I forgot to turn in on. (duh) I think I'm starting to get the hang of it, so hopefully the next 100 miles will go by much quicker.

Yesterday Jane, Brenda, Candace and I rode around Lake Murray. We ended up being in two groups. I'll give you a few details and you try to see which group I was in. Leave your guesses in the comments.

Group #1

A little quicker than group 2

One member had a cute little bell that they rang as they passed people.

Both members wore helmets.

Both members called group 2 cheaters

Group #2

A little slower than group 1

One member wore a helmet.

One member was a bit mischievious and found an "alternate" route.

Both members took the little detour on the last lap so they could be in front of group 2.

Both groups laughed hysterically at antics of group 2

So... do you think I was quicker or was I a cheater?