Are you still snowed in or trying to survive a rainy day…or maybe need a break until inspiration strikes?
I had so much fun today with my grandkids making this little 8 panel book. They wanted to read (AGAIN) the book, Dog Loves Drawing, by Louise Yates, which I reviewed last Friday. After we finished reading it, we made our own little books and illustrated them with colored pencils. You can make one too, by following the easy directions below. This is something my daughters learned in elementary school and sometimes made one of these to go along with reports. You could even make a bunch of these blank books ahead of time before a trip and draw or write about what you see while traveling.
This is a fun, simple project even for non-crafty types. Like Dog, we drew a door first and then stick people. My grandgirls told me what I had to draw and write and then they drew in their own books. We may never win a Newberry or the Caldecott, but we had fun. Here’s pictures of our book (you can see they like Tinker Bell).
The Directions follow our pictures:
Directions for MINI BOOK:
Supplies:
- 8 1/2 x 11″ sheet of paper (white works best for drawing)
- Scissors
- Colored pencils, crayons, stickers or anything to decorate the book.
- Optional: glue stick or 2 sided tape
1. Fold a sheet of computer paper in half (hamburger fold)
2. Open paper back up
3. Now fold in half length-wise (hot dog fold)
4. Now bring both ends to the middle fold line and crease. (This is a double thickness you are folding now.)
5. Open paper back up. You should have fold lines that divide paper into 8 equal rectangles.
6. Fold paper back to the original hamburger fold.
7. This is the important Fold and CUT. (I like to tell my students this is the SECRET to making the book.)
Put the folded edge facing your belly button.
START at folded edge-cut on the center fold line(B) to the first fold line (A) and STOP.
Do NOT cut all the way to the edge. Cut where the red dotted line shows.
Unfold your paper and it will now look like this—with a hole in the middle.
8. Now fold the paper back into the hot dog fold with the folded edge at the top.
Spread the cut out opening toward you with your fingers. (Paper is still in the hot dog fold. The folded edge is on top.)
9. Push the two opposite ends toward the middle until the inside fold lines (A & B) touch. This makes the inside panels pop out (see next pic).
You book will now look something like this.
10. Bring side B toward you to close the book and say ‘Tah-dah!”
Crease the spine to help lay flat.
11. Optional: You can use two sided tape or glue to close the open edges.
12. Write & illustrate your book with colored pencils, crayons, or stickers. (markers not recommended as they will bleed through). This is fun to use if you are doing a school report. You can write down facts, draw maps or trivia.
HAVE FUN!!!!
If you have any questions on the directions let me know in the comments.
Blessings on your creativity!
Laura (Grandmamiller)
One word: Awesome! Some more words: I am not snowed under, the sun almost always shines here in Brisbane 😉 But I would have loved this as a little girl, and hope my little boys will enjoy this activity as well as they get a little older.
Thanks, Yvonne. Try to send some sunshine our way – or at least warm thoughts. 🙂 My grandgirls are 2 & 4. Their books were colorful scribbles to me – but they knew what they drew!
Thanks for these great instructions!
You are welcome, Rhythm. How about if you make a book on favorite dog treats?
Hmmmmm! That might be a good idea! Thanks!
I wish someone did this with me when I was a kid!
Awww…..but this is still fun even at my age!
What a cool idea and a super fun thing to do! Forget about my kids…I’m going to do this for myself. 😉 Like you said to Wendy, one is never too told to do fun things!
You go, Girl!!!! 😀
[…] Activities/Resources: Click here to learn how to use this book to discuss proper book care and use, Also have fun making and writing your own story about the forest friends by clicking here. […]
Hi Laura, I wrote and illustrated this book so, as you can imagine, I’m delighted to read your blog! Thank you! You’ve inspired me to keep on writing and drawing, so thank you for sending that pleasure full circle! Very best wishes x Louise Yates
Louise, I’m so thrilled to have you stop by. My granddaughter has asked me (again) to get the book from the library (I’m planning on buying it for her birthday.) Your book is so charming – we feel like we’ve spent a day out with dog and duck every time!
Meant to also ask…did you follow the link to my review of your book? I know you would appreciate all the comments there too. https://grandmamiller.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/perfect-picture-book-friday-dog-loves-drawing/