Make your own scrapbook - cover?

[Cruise]

I should probably preface this by saying I am a scrapbooking newbie. I actually used to work at an online retailer of scrapbooking supplies (taking orders - I might have actually spoken to some of you!) and have lots and lots of "stuff," but I've yet to actually use any of it.

I'm wanting to put together some very small scrapbooks - more like a little memory book. I'm talking no more than 4 or 5 pieces of 8x8 cardstock. Obviously, a store bought album isn't going to do the trick. And since I'm making multiples and they're give-aways, I'd like to keep it kind of budget friendly.

I've used the search function and see that people do make their own albums, but couldn't really find any detailed descriptions. I'm thinking that I'd do a LO for each of the 8x8 pages, then hole punch them and use ribbon to hold it all together. Very simple. The problem I'm running into is finding a way to make some sort of cover for them - something that will give them a bit more substance and protect the pages from bending.

From the search function, I see people say they use cardboard that they cover/decorate for this. How does that work exactly? I'm guessing people don't cut up old spare packing boxes for cardboard to use. Is there something I could buy that would serve the purpose? Keeping in mind that I'd have to use a hole punch on it to match the LO pages. (I have a pretty heavy duty hole punch at work I can use, so it can have some thickness to it) Also, am I dreaming to think I could find something already in an 8x8 size? I don't have the steadiest cutting hand.

Thanks!

 

[New England Eeyore]

I have made scrapbooks just as you described - with a ribbon binding - and I used cardboard/chipboard for the covers. I have an endless supply of cardboard at work (not boxes but sheets) so I used that, but really any cardboard that you have around the house would work. Like the back of a legal pad - that kind of thickness.

BUT since then, I have purchased a product called a Bind-it-All which is just for making little books and binding them. Even if you don't want to buy the machine, check out their accessories, because they sell premade covers. Do a google search for "ZUTTER" and you should find them. HTH!

 

[Cruise]

Those actually look perfect, thanks!

Have you ever seen them at a LSS? All the links I'm finding are for online only retailers.

Thanks again

 

[LindaBabe]

Another thing you could use is "mat board" made for matting photos in frames. It has a finished surface and is readily available at big box craft stores in the framing department.

 

[Cruise]

Another thing you could use is "mat board" made for matting photos in frames. It has a finished surface and is readily available at big box craft stores in the framing department.

Oh, that's a good idea too. I bet they'd even cut it for me - hopefully for less than cutting a mat since it would really only be a solid square.

Thanks!

 

[New England Eeyore]

Those actually look perfect, thanks!

Have you ever seen them at a LSS? All the links I'm finding are for online only retailers.

Thanks again

Yes - not at a box store, but at independent LSS's. Both the 2 closest to me have them so I'd call around - they're becoming pretty common.

 

[Cruise]

Yes - not at a box store, but at independent LSS's. Both the 2 closest to me have them so I'd call around - they're becoming pretty common.

I actually went out to a LSS (if you can call going up to the Valley "local" ) and they had them, but only the 6x6 size.

But now I have another question. I was looking on the actual Zutter site to possibly just order them online and found the pages as well, but they have this description:

These 8"x8" inner pages come in packs of 10 pages and are available in black, cream, or white. Each pack is $3.49. They're designed to work with Zutter's Chipboard Covers and are slightly smaller to allow a proper cover overhang.

Now I'm confused. I'm guessing that means that precut 8x8 cardstock won't fit in them. It seems like something they've made to make life easier just made it harder! Am I reading that wrong? Sorry for all the questions and need for clarifications - I did say I'm new!!

To add to all the confusion, they also have a 9x9 size for covers. Why not just make the 8x8 pages actually 8x8 and let people use 9x9 covers if they want overhang?

Ohhh, sometimes you just have to laugh. I see an email to customer service in my future....

 

[New England Eeyore]

I haven't actually used them personally, but I'm interpreting that to mean that the inner pages are slightly smaller so that when you put the book together, the overhang makes it more like a real book. If you don't care about that, you certainly can still use your own true 8x8 inner pages and everything will just be flush to the sides, no overhang. (That's actually the way I normally make mini-books - I never have an overhang.) So, I probably wouldn't buy the inner pages, just the covers.