tag book trio

Hi everyone, it seems as though the dog days of summer are upon us; I was glad to spend some time in the studio creating this trio of tag books. Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts makes this set of three, extra large heavyweight chipboard tags that were perfect for my project. Today I am sharing this tag book trio.

As I mentioned earlier, the set is comprised of three chipboard decorative tags x-large. Each tag has a distinct shape to the top, which makes each tag book unique.

 

I want to use the hole as part of my closure for each book. I measure from the end of the tag to where I want the base to meet and divide that in half to find my crease point. (Note: since all three tags are a little bit different, it is best to measure each one.)

When I find that center, I use a bone folder and straight edge to score the tag at the crease line. I score both sides and then fold the tag. Next, I select some papers from my stash and cut then to fit the width of the tags, adding a little extra to the length to accommodate the folds. Be sure to cut two pieces for each tag book, one that will serve as the exterior cover, and a second for the inside.

Once all of my papers are cut, I add a strip of linen hinging tape along the outside fold edge. I then ink all of the edges with distress ink. I have used black soot as well as gathered twigs, select inks that coordinate with your decorative papers.

Before I begin attaching my papers, I decide on closures. Each of my tag books utilizes a little different method. Understanding how the books will be closed allows you to add pieces under the cover paper if necessary. Any ties can be glued to the raw tag and this will strengthen the bond.

 Once the closure is settled on, the next step is to attach the interior paper to the tag. I like to use distress collage medium for this. It dries quickly and is not overly wet, so there is not warping of the paper or the tag. Allow the interior decorative paper to dry and trim the decorative edge and hole with an Exacto knife. 

Next, create the internal signatures for your tag book. Each of my tag books has six pages inside. I cut a piece of paper 3 1/8" x 6" and fold at the center of the rectangle. stack the three folded pieces inside one another. Measure an equal distance in from the edges at the fold and pierce through the stacked pages. Align the stacked pages with the interior fold of the tag book. Pierce the cover directly through the existing holes so that the signature will be aligned with the book cover. 

Using a needle and some sort of binding thread (I used fine jute) sew the pages together through the cover and tie together at the outside. It is also a good idea to add the signature to the inside of the tag book prior to the external cover paper. This allows you to hide the binding threads. If that is not important to you, then you can add the signature after the outside cover paper.

With the signature and closure method secure, I add the decorative cover paper to the exterior and allow the adhesive to dry. The edges are trimmed around the decorative edge and the tag book is complete.  I just love the size of these tag books, they are just large enough to stick into a pocket and take with you easily. I made three different tag books with the set of GSLC tags. By simply using different papers, you can achieve very different looks.  

 

 

I just love this trio of tag books and look forward to using them! I think they would also be a lot of fun to create in holiday themes to send to friends. I hope that you are inspired to try some for yourself.

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by today, 

I truly appreciate it.

Be creative every day.

~Ann

Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts used:

Chipboard Decorative Tags X-Large

other products used:

Distress collage medium: matte

Distress Ink: black soot, gathered twigs

Exacto knife

Lineco: linen hinging tape

MayArts ribbon: string burlap ribbon black

Neenah: creative cardstock naturals

Tim Holtz Ideaology paper stash: dapper, memorabilia, wallflower

Tim Holtz Ideaology trimmings: crinkle ribbon, naturals black and cream

Tim Holtz Ideaology design tape