How to Make a Guest Book

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Purchase a binder for the base of your book.

   The size of the binder necessary will depend on how many guests you are expecting.
   
   Bigger may be better, since you don't want to expend too much effort in embellishing it only to find that it won't hold all of your collection.
   
   Use at least a 2-inch notebook. , Keep it simple--all you really need is a place for the guest to write his name and a comment about the event.
   
   Leave space somewhere on the page to add photographs later.
   
   Make 2 copies for each guest so that you have extras for people who mess up., Draw a line all the way around the outside of the binder.
   
   Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) on all sides, and draw a cutting line.
   
   This will be the pattern for the outside of the guest book., This is the pattern for the inside of the guest book., For a family barbecue, you might choose red gingham or calico, while a wedding might include white satin.
   
   The fabric for outside and inside may be the same, or you can select coordinating designs., Cut it out., Pin the inside pattern to it.
   
   Cut out the 2 pieces., Open the fabric and place it right side down on your work surface., Make a cutting line half the distance on each side of the pin.
   
   Cut on the lines down 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm).
   
   Fold the fabric to the wrong side., Center the spine and press the binder to the fabric., Press the cover to the fabric, using a bone folder or a ruler to smooth the fabric to the edges.
   
   You will have 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) extra on each side.
   
   Repeat the process for the back cover., Fold it to the inside of the binder, and press it firmly., Repeat this process for the back cover.,, Ask them to sign the form and include a message., Embellish the photos with background paper, edging scissors or stickers.,, Slip them into protection sheets.
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   Step 2: Design a form for guests.

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   Step 3: Open the binder flat on a piece of tracing paper.

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   Step 4: Draw around the front cover of the binder

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   Step 5: not including the spine.

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   Step 6: Select fabric or scrapbooking paper in a color

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   Step 7: or design

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   Step 8: that relates to your event.

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   Step 9: Pin the outside pattern to the fabric.

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    Step 10: Fold the fabric.

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    Step 11: Fold the fabric for the outside

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    Step 12: and place a pin at the fold.

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    Step 13: Measure the width of the spine.

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    Step 14: Spray the spine of the binder with spray craft adhesive

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    Step 15: or brush it with thinned fabric glue.

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    Step 16: Spray or brush the front of the binder with adhesive.

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    Step 17: Spray or brush the 1/2-inch excess with adhesive.

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    Step 18: Add adhesive to the inside front cover of the binder

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    Step 19: and adhere one of the inside fabric pieces.

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    Step 20: Embellish the guest book with ribbons

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    Step 21: sequins or other materials connected to your event.

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    Step 22: Place the guest forms on the tables at the event or distribute them to guests.

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    Step 23: Add a photograph to each comment page

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    Step 24: using scrapbooking tape.

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    Step 25: Slip each sheet into a document protector sheet

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    Step 26: and place it in your decorated guest book.

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    Step 27: Mount other pictures

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    Step 28: programs or other ephemera on cardstock or scrapbooking paper.

Detailed Guide

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