Make yourself a template - 21cm across the long edge, 9cm down the short straight edge, measure 9cm down below the centre line and draw from the edges to make the point

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Put your template onto the edge of your 12" paper,  draw round and cut out, twice.  There is a reason I just don't cut the paper in half - bear with me!

 

TIP 

Watch out your pattern matches if you have stripes on one side!!

 

Fold each point up to the top and make a crease.

 

Fold short side to short side, crease and punch 3 holes along the crease.

 

I like to use my ruler and run a small embossing ball along to make the crease line.

 

 

 

 Now start your stitching.

 

With the out side facing (if you want to make a tassel - and the inside facing if you want to hide it).  Double over your cord - thread the 'loop' end into the top hole and the 'tails' end in the bottom hole.  The more you experiment, you will see how long to make the cord - or use it X 4 - or mix 2 colours / textures.  It is just having a go, and experimenting.

 

Loop the 'tails' through the 'loop' to secure, and pull tight (with out distorting the card).

 

 

  

 

 Push the 'tail' ends through the middle hole.  Separate the threads so that they sit each side of the cord you have already put through.  You will have to follow the instructions and you will see how it works.

 

You need to tie a double knot over the cord to secure it.  Now your hinge is in place.

 

Nothing beats hands on having a go at it.  Once you have the card pages ready - you can try things out BEFORE tying the final knot to see what effect you like best.

 

 

 

 

 

 Now you will see why I have used the smaller size instead of just cutting the card  in half.  You have enough card left over to make mats for the 2 central solid pages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 And you have some to put on the front. 

 

Decorate the cover and add beads to the cord ends to make tassells.

 

You can add more pages - bear in mind that you will have to give allowance in the spine for the extra pages.  Just run your tool down each side of the centre line to let it 'grow'.

 

Please remember - I make this stuff up as I go along!  If my instructions are not clear enough - or you want to ask a question - JUST ask me.  I put this stuff out to give you ideas: so let me know if it's not right.

 

Or visit the shop page and buy one ready made for only £2.50.