Martha Stewart Living, March 2007
If you're the type who lets photos languish in a drawer, why not bind them into mini albums as soon as you get them in your hands? To make one, simply stack your pictures and sandwich them between decorative paper covers. Be sure the edge of the stack that will be bound is perfectly flat -- it won't work if the pieces don't line up exactly -- and clamp them in place with binder clips. Use as many photos as you like, as long as your clips are big enough. Brush a thick coat of white craft glue over the edge; let dry overnight. Add self-adhesive bookbinding tape and a decorative self-adhesive label to the cover, if desired.
I love this idea! A hint if you need an alternataive to the binder clips, my dad was a printer and he would use two pieces of wood (two rulers) on the top and bottom, and tighten with twine-as tight as you can! Spread the glue and let it dry. You can make pads of papers this way, too.
A great idea! I personally apreciated the comments on alternate adhesives to try. I would suggest that you order the CD of your pix along with the photos so you can always have these photos in a format that can be used to create more of these albums for gifts, or for scrapbooking or making into digital scrapbooks or photo books at a later date.
Now THAT'S a good idea!
When I saw this in the mag. I couldn't wait to make small books. I printed pictures onto business cards. I then bound the cards and glued the edges...Worked great. The grandparents love them!
I've made note pads with this method but used adhesive caulk on the bound (clamped) edge. I suspect you could glue ribbon over the bound edge.
I also find that this doesn't make any sense. A video would help!
I also find that this doesn't make any sense. A video would help!
could someone please tell me where to find the book binding tape. thks
step by step pictures would help.
if you don't have bookbinding tape on hand, can you use duct tape? I've always got that around.
i must have missed something. this doesn't make sense.
I don"t get it either?
The glue will actually hold all the pics, yes of the same size, together. The self adhesive tape will cover it up and also help hold it together. I used to work in a printing store and learned that little trick to make notepads for my friends.
if you read this the way i did the binder clips are only temporary until you glue and use the bookbinding tape. the clips aren't permanent. this sound like a great idea and i plan on trying it
Where can you find book binding tape?
It is Sillys again ..... Wow ! I think I understand it now! Thanks !
Are you attaching the photos to a paper or anything?
Having a senior moment..... I love this idea, but still not certain ...... do all the pictures have to be the same size? (It appears that you're not attaching the pictures to any photo page or paper ....... Am I still not getting it????? Thank you in advance for ANY help.
And she's talking about using BINDER CLIPS to hold them together
And she's talking about using BINDER CLIPS to hold them together
binder clips are actually in the paper clip aisle of any office supply/target/etc...they come in all different colors and once you clasp them you can take off the metal piece that helps to open them up by squeezing them together...hope that helps!
Mareka, you are not putting them in a binder. You are stacking them with a back and front cover and gluing the left side of the stack. Then covering that end with binder tape. It's like book binding. Examine a book bind and you will see.
OPPS:PUZZELED
I AM NOT SURE AS HOW YOU WOULD MAKE THIS.I HAVE READ THE DIRECTIONS AND AM A LITTLE STUMPED. WHAT KND OF BINDER IS MARTHA TALKING ABOUT ? HOW CAN YOU PUT PHOTS IN A PLAIN FLAT BINDER WHEN YOU PICK IT UP THE PHOTS WOULD FALL OUT A BIT PULLZED
I have now discovered that in England, binder clips are called bulldog clips! Now I can understand the instructions perfectly well and am able to make the album.
Can anyone please explain what is meant by "binder clips" and do they stay in place? Are they removed when the glue is dry and before the bookbinding tape is added? How many photos can be placed in each album?
I find that in place of craft glue, I liked acid-free "liquid cement" crafter's glue, something I've always used for book repair. Along with the book binding tape, it just seemed more durable. I also used spray adhesive and covered the covers (which I made heavyweight, yet still flexible bristol) with a cute lightweight cotton print. We'll see how well this holds up, but it's doing wonderfully so far.
I find that in place of craft glue, I liked acid-free "liquid cement" crafter's glue, something I've always used for book repair. Along with the book binding tape, it just seemed more durable. I also used spray adhesive and covered the covers (which I made heavyweight, yet still flexible bristol) with a cute lightweight cotton print. We'll see how well this holds up, but it's doing wonderfully so far.
I have done this project several times, and I absolutely love it! I find they make the perfect gift for a traveling companion of a past trip, and that way it is already complete and they can enjoy without having to go through the hassle of putting the photos in an album. Plus, you can display the mini-album on a table without taking up any space. Love this project!
I'm a BIG fan of mini-albums, but I bind mine a different way. I cut a sheet of cardstock the height of the papers (usually 4".) I fold an accordion pleat at about 1 inch or so, leaving a little longer for the front "tail" and the back "tail." I glue my photos using acid-free adhesive to the front of each accordion pleat, and glue decorative papers on the front and back tails. My kids also like having their own albums to share with their friends!
g'day. the idea is great. ***i wonder, though: might the "thick coat of white craft glue" will seep between the photos and leave an uneven or unsightly blotch on the individual photos?***