Today’s tutorial shows you how to create a large collection of tiny books, for making a miniature library. I offer my suggestions for solving some of the problems I faced in creating my library, and there’s a free printable PDF of the paper dust jacket / flap jacket that I show in the video.
Scroll down to the bullets for the free PDF pattern of the little blue book’s dust jacket.
First, let’s talk about the shelves that I use in my video. I didn’t want to spend more time making the bookshelf than I did making the books, so I cheated… I went to a second hand store and bought a wooden silverware separator (the kind like you find in someone’s silverware drawer).
Once I turned this on its side, it had perfectly arranged bookshelves and one open slot that I considered using as a coat closet. But as you’ll see in the image below, I ended up placing a miniature bust of Shakespeare in there instead:
You can find wooden silverware separators on eBay at this link.
Now how did I find my little wooden shingles? I found them on eBay of course! Here’s a link, if you would like to buy some. Be sure to check the size, and it’s nice if they have one rounded side like mine did. But be careful it’s not semi-circular on one end! (That would look weird.)
If you happen to buy one of these eBay items for creating your library (using my links), I’ll get a small commission that helps me pay for the upkeep of this site and the cost of my video software. So that’s a good thing!
Okay, let’s talk about my tiny blue book’s PDF printable. I am offering it here today in multiple sizes, because as I said in my video, it took me FOREVER to get the size just right for my little wooden books. The size of your printable is going to depend upon the size and shape of your books (i.e. the shingles you purchase).
Once you figure out a size that works for yours, I recommend using a scanner to scan the size that works best for you. Then make a full sheet of these in the right size (or design your own in various colors with various cover art).
It’s also possible to just cut your flap jackets / dust jackets from scrapbook paper or even cloth, to create a perfect fit on the very first try.
Below, I’m also including a link to my page where you can download the free printable sewing pattern for my librarian’s apron and watch the tutorial for making the librarian’s apron.
Free Printables
- Free PDF printable of my “How to Measure Your dolls” book’s dust jacket
- Link to the “Librarian’s Apron” page
Remember that it’s always friendly and kind to share my goodies on social media. (That’s how my website grows!) Feel free to pin, like, or tweet about my free patterns and tutorials. Here’s an image of today’s tutorial project that might be fun to share:
