By Noreen Doll.
It’s handy to know how to make a folded pocket for a book, because pockets are really handy for containing loose papers, and books usually come without pockets.
I like to put at least one (usually more than one) in most books I make.
And they are easy to add to a 3 ring binder, too.
Here’s how to make a folded paper pocket for a book.
Materials.
1 Sheet of paper or card stock for each pocket page. You will see both sides of the paper, so you will want both sides to be colored – unless you want part of the pocket page to be white.
Ruler or Scoreboard
Scoring Tool
Bone Folder
Instructions.
1. Decide on how large your finished page will be. Decide how deep the pocket needs to be.
I used this pocket page as a divider for a book with pages that are 5 1/2 inches by 8 1/2 inches.
Because I wanted the pockets to be 4 inches deep, my dividers are a little shorter than the pages – which I didn’t mind. I kind of like the look of the shorter divider.
So my finished pocket dividers are actually 5 1/2 inches by 8 inches – a half inch shorter than the pages.
I centered them in my book so that the dividers are 1/4 inch shorter at the top and bottom than the pages are.
You can see the white strip above and below the pocket page that show how it’s shorter than the page behind it.
2. I used 12×12 double sided scrapbooking paper, that is colored on both sides.
3. To make a 4 inch pocket, score and fold all the way across at 4 inches.
4. Turn the paper 90 degrees so the top and bottom of the paper are now the sides.
Score and fold at 6 inches – or down the center, so the paper will fold equally in half.
5. Fold the bottom up and fold the paper in half so the edge folded up makes a pocket on each side of the folded page.
I cut 1/2 inch off the open side edge of the divider so it would be the same width as the pages.
6. The open edge of the pocket page, opposite the long folded edge of the page will be the bound edge. Or the edge that will be punched for a 3 ring binder.
7. If you won’t be using a spiral binding, or binding it in a book, you will need to tape the open pocket edge.
Tips
You can make a paper pocket page any size by varying the size of the paper you use. You can make a small page with a small pocket.
If you aren’t sure how it will look, try making a pocket page with a scrap sheet of paper first.
Jill says
What a neat and useful thing to do!
Hope you have a fabulous week!
Jill
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/
Kristen D says
Great Idea 🙂
Christy says
Love the look of using double-sided paper. So pretty. I”m visiting from the Our Sunday Best link party.
Christy
Home Coming says
Great idea!
Tammy says
I love pockets in a notebook. Thanks for showing me how.
Amy Perdew says
Scrapbooking paper is so wonderful. This turned out beautifully and is so creative. Thanks for linking up with “Inspiration in Progress.”
Linda @ A La Carte says
What a pretty pocket for a book. I can see using this in a smash album. Thanks for sharing at TTF
Linda
Joanne T Ferguson says
G’day! What a useful thing to carry, true!
I used to love scrapbooking when I was little and like your designs too!
Cheers! Joanne
Itzybellababy says
This looks easy as pie- thanks for sharing!
Mary Beth @ Cupcakes and Crinoline says
I love notebooks, journals…anything paper. What a clever idea.
Thanks for sharing at Project Inspire{d}. Pinning!
Hugs,
Mary Beth
Susan says
What a lovely idea. Adding a pocket just elevates the entire journal, doesn’t it. Thanks for sharing at Inspire Us Thursday at Organized 31.
Winnie says
Clever idea and GREAT result
I love it!!
BeColorful says
Aren’t you smart. So easy we are all wondering why we haven’t been doing this already. 😀 Thanks for sharing.
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Tammy says
I love this idea…when I did classes this was one of the techniques taught! Thank you for sharing at One More Time Events.
Becca says
I love these little pocket books! Thanks for stopping by DIY Vintage Chic’s Friday’s Five Features and Fun Festivities. Don’t forget to stop back by this Friday!
Betsy @ Romance on a Dime says
Great idea – so cute and useful. Thanks for sharing at Romance on a dime!
Theresa @DearCreatives says
Great idea & love pockets for paper or receipts….Thanks for sharing at the party!
Meegan says
Love this idea. Thanks for linking up to Tickled Pink Times Two!
Make it a great day.
Linda says
Thanks, Noreen. Pinned and featured! Have a great week. Linda
http://www.anyclean.co.uk says
Lol, I didn’t realize that a book with a pocket would look so cool. Great idea, thank you for sharing.
Carey Jahn says
Love this idea. Thanks for linking up to Tickled Pink Times Two!
Make it a great day.