When I need to recharge, I do better when I have a project to work on, rather than deal with unstructured time. So when a friend posted an image of miniature books on Google Plus, I was determined to figure out how to make one.
I'll be on program at Readercon later this month and I knew these would make eye-catching 'swag' to give away.
First, I looked at sources to buy dollhouse supply mini books. They do exist, but they are expensive - with the shipping, probably $0.40 or $0.50 each. I figured there had to be a simple way to make them.
Then I cracked my knuckles and fired up my search engine. I found this tutorial:
I experimented with different sizes of paper, and ended up cutting down 8 1/2 x 11" printer paper to several 3x5 rectangles. I then 'shrunk' the full cover of DERELICT to 1.25" by .80", printed it out, cut it to size, and glued it on to the little blank book.
This was my first proof of concept version:
Then I printed the cover on photo paper and at a higher resolution. The books came out much, much better with a clearer cover image and a more substantial feel.
Cute, right?
In an effort to cut down on the work involved, I found 3x5 scratch pads at Staples with paper that was almost as thin as origami paper.
Next step included adding some information inside the little book so someone could find and buy the book if they were interested. Luckily, I found some peel and stick labels.
And finally, I glued a bit of waxed twine to use as a loop for a pendant.
Now I have an opening to have a conversation and offer someone my card (or their own miniature book!)
My plan is to make a few dozen of each of the four book in the Halcyone Space series. It's a good project to have while I watch the Redsox play. :)
If you're at Readercon, come find me at the Broad Universe table and you can have a tiny book!
#SFWApro
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