This post was originally published on DIY Network’s blog Made + Remade in April 2013.
Coordinating a DIY-intensive wedding this year? They’re my favorite kind. I don’t have to go into the details about how it’s one of those events that you’ll want to remember forever, but for me, a lot of those memories of that day are preserved in our guest book.
Rather than buying a guest book, did you ever consider making one? It’s not that hard to create a custom book or journal for your big day, and you can customize its size and its colors to perfectly suit the rest of your wedding palette. If you’re looking for ideas other than a traditional book, check out this post on DIY Network.
And to see how I made this one, keep on reading!
Gather materials:
- 8.5×11 paper (I used basic printer paper)
- Paper stock for cover and back cover (You’ll have your pick of color and texture at your local craft store, probably for <$1.)
- String (I used a decorative twine, but learn from my mistakes and choose something that won’t unravel)
- Scissors
- Ruler
- An Awl or a small hole punch
1. Start by folding the pages and trimming the cover to size.
2. Once you fold the paper, you’ll see that the edges of the paper need to be trimmed even so that they lay evenly like a bound book. I used the ruler and an utility knife for this.
3. Measure and mark even spacing along the inside spread of your book, and then use an awl tip (or a sharp pointy object, like I did) to create the holes for the string binding. Quick tip: Place your pre-folded guest book within the fold of an opened book for more accuracy when poking through the layers (Yellow Pages works great if you still keep those around the house).
4. Use the awl or a sharp object, like the end of a pencil, to help poke your cord through the holes.
5. Knot the strings along the spine of the cover. Remember I suggested using thread that wouldn’t unwind? This is why. Pretty string fail.
6. Voila. Enjoy, and write a happy intro for your guests. Another idea would be to print your names or a simple design element from your invites onto the cover of the guest book before it gets bound.
I’m especially fond of hand-bound journals, and aspire to make one of my own today. If you’re looking to bind together more than just a few pages, you might want to consider an alternative approach to binding, like this coptic binding tutorial.
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