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MAKE A PAPER BAG BOOK

For centuries, people have made books from all sorts of materials and in all shapes and sizes. While most books today are printed in large numbers and are bound mechanically, some are made by hand. A handmade book is special in that you probably won't find another one like it anywhere in the world. It is a special art form for telling stories, expressing feelings and sharing ideas.

Here are instructions for making a simple book out of a paper bag. All you need is a pair of scissors and a paper grocery bag. If you don't have a grocery bag, any sheet of paper will do (preferably 12 x 18 in. or 31 x 46 cm).


  • STEP ONE:
    Carefully take the bag apart along its seam and lay it out on the table in front of you.

  • STEP TWO:
    Trim off the bottom so that you have a long rectangular sheet left.

  • STEP THREE:
    Fold the paper over longways so that the corners meet. Crease well and then unfold. Fold the paper over in the other direction. Place the corners together and crease well. Do not unfold.

  • STEP FOUR:
    Fold back one side as shown in figure 4. Place the corners together and crease well. Repeat with the other side.

  • STEP FIVE:
    Unfold the last two folds. Holding the folded side in your hand, cut along the center line until you reach the first vertical fold.

  • STEP SIX:
    Open the paper so that eight sections are showing. Fold the page over longways. (If there are pictures or words on the paper they should be on the inside.)

  • STEP SEVEN:
    Holding on to each side, gently push the ends together to form the pages of the book.

  • STEP EIGHT:
    Fold the front and back covers around so that the corners meet. Crease well. You should have six pages inside for writing and artwork.