How to Create a Book of Shadows
part 2 of 2

Before you cut the poster board mark the first folding line at 10".  This is more space than you actually need.  We'll be cutting the final adjustment once we're sure of our measurement.  Fold the poster board along the score.  I should mention here that I used a yard stick to help me with the accuracy of the fold.  From the first fold mark a second score 7/8" from the first mark.  This area in between will be the spine of your book.  Now fold the second score as you did the first. (fig 1)  Place the sheets of paper between the folds to ensure that it's a good fit. (fig 2)  The folds may seem slightly lose at first but that will be taken care of.

Take the sheets of paper and use the hole puncher in enough sheets (along the spine) to place the screw posts through, one hole in the middle and a hole 4¼" on both sides.  (fig 3)  If you chose to follow my measurements then you shouldn't need more than 110 sheets of paper.  This will give you 220 pages.  Replace the sheets of paper in the book cover and mark the area above and below slightly overlapping the edge.  Cut along these scores.  After this has been done place the sheets of paper back into the cover.  Make sure all the holes are properly lined up.  Here comes the stressful part.  With the book cover wrapped around the sheets of paper feel for the holes.  Once you have found them (and be sure that you did) take a sharp pointed object and drive a hole straight through to the other side.  The easiest way I've found to do this was to find the center hole first and secure it with a screw post.  Once the holes are in place insert the screw posts to ensure that the book  is perfectly formed and to your specifications.  Now let's focus on the edge of the book where the covers hang loosely.  Score along the book's edge and remove the unwanted cover. (fig 4)

Let's step away from the book cover for a moment.  Take the felt fabric and cut a strip 3" in width.  Now there's one of two things you can do here.  If you never intend on taking the book apart, you can cover the screw posts so that they'll never been seen or if you intend to take your book apart then remove the screw posts here and lay your book cover flat.  Glue the felt fabric along the spine.  Once the glue has dried cut off anything which hangs over the book's cover. (fig 5)

Using the holes already marked in the poster board make the same holes in the felt fabric.  If you covered the screw posts instead then skip this step entirely because you're done.  Add the sheets of paper to your book and bind it with the screw posts.  You'll notice that it's a tight fit.  This is what you're looking for to ensure that the bind is well fastened. (fig 6)  Hold the book and check it's form.  If done properly then this is a book that you can be proud of.  The book constructed for this article was given away to a dear friend of mine.  I'm working out details for an advanced upgrade to have a leather bound hardcover book.  Once I make a successful attempt then I'll post an article in the future but for now enjoy the book as I've instructed.  Invent your own ideas and make modifications.  Maybe you'll find a method of book binding which I have over looked.