This article was written by Martice Smith II 

No-sew, mini artbooks…matchbook-styled!

Martice Smith II shows us a fun twist on the classic matchbook style design. Follow along as we create beautiful, miniature artbooks with a variety of decorative cardstock, sketchbook papers and a stapler. At least half a dozen in less than 30 minutes!

Gather supplies

 

• cardstock or decorative papers (for this project, I’m using paper from The Paper Studio®, Prima Marketing, Inc., and Crate Paper, Inc.)
• blank sketchbook paper
• ruler
• pencil
• bone folder
• stapler
• scissors (optional)
• variety of stamps (optional) (I’m using the alphabet stamp set from Studio G and my own, handmade stamp)

Cut the cardstock and sketchbook papers, to size

Measurement for artbook cover (cardstock): 4.5 inches long by 2 inches wide

Measurement for blank sketchbook paper: 2 inches by 2 inches

Fold up one edge

 

Decorative side facing down, fold up one of the edges about 1/2-inch.

Crease with bone folder.

Add paper

 

Gather the pieces of blank sketchbook paper and tuck them inside the fold. (Tip: to keep the papers nestled together, use a paper clip.)

I used a variety of paper types. For example, some of my mini artbooks contain handmade paper, charcoal and regular sketchbook papers. I was able to fit 6-7 sheets of paper in each matchbook-style mini artbook.

Lightweight paper works best for this project. If you decide to use heavier paper, you will need to add less paper; maybe 3-4 sheets instead of 7.

Staple the fold

 

Staple the fold 1/4-inch up from the folded edge.

Fold the center

 

Take the other end of the cover over the blank sketchbook paper and line it up with the bottom edge of the fold. Crease with bone folder.

Tuck this same edge under the 1/2-inch piece of stapled cardstock to form the matchbook-styled artbook.

Since these are so easy and quick to make, why not make a dozen of ’em?! They look really nice in a big pile, ready to share with friends! Give them away as small gifts or make some out of collage papers and add them to your art journal when you’re on the go.

*Optional: use alphabet stamps to add a personal sentiment, rub-on stickers for contrast and distress inks to create a worn-out look. The possibilities for these mini artbooks are endless! Use your imagination to make them uniquely yours. Have fun!

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Author bio:

Martice Smith II is creative director of Martice Smith II – Illustration & Design Studio, based in Kansas City, Missouri and owner of Uneek Art Boutique. She established herself as a freelance Illustrator and graphic designer after receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree. Her stunning illustrations reveals her love for fashion, typography and wildlife- using a combination of analog and digital techniques.

Martice also contributes as an article writer for the Creating Mixed Media Art website.

You can see more of her work via her Facebook page or her blog. She invites you to join her monthly newsletter, Uneek Art Letter, for art biz tips, advice and free digital goodies!

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