August 11, 2007 - Three Square Mini-book
Ami at Walking by the Way has used this mini-book in her latest lapbook! It's beautiful! And look at her son's face! Adorable! If you've used it, let me know, and I'll link to it here.
Check out this mini-book video I made. The book starts so small, but then opens up! (Mountain and Valley are folding terms.)
This is a tiny version of a type of mini-book we used for the first time in our Ancient China lapbook. I thought I'd share how we made it since I've never seen directions for this one online.
Getting Started
Begin with three squares of identical size. Your finished, closed book will be the size of one fourth of the square.
I find it easier to make when I use two different colors of paper.
(not pictured) Fold each square in half, open it and fold in half the other way to that you paper has clear fourth marks. Make sure the center creases are very sharp.
The Tricky Part - Origami Square Base
Making this fold is the hardest part of the book. But you can do it!
Hold 2 opposite tips and bring them together and down so that they fold inwards. Flatten the top fourth.
Do that to each square in turn.
The hardest part is over! If you didn't get it, try this origami site. This page has the same fold, but the directions are a bit different. And I found two YouTube videos for it as well.Now open each square. They should all look the same, like the picture below, with one diagonal fold and the half folds.
Putting it Together
Now join the squares together with one square overlapping the other two as shown below. Match the fourths very precisely for the best opening and closing action. I prefer double sided tape, but you can adhere them with whatever you choose.
You must pay attention to the folds when arranging your three squares. The top and bottom squares (the green ones underneath), have the diagonal fold UP, that is, a MOUNTAIN fold— the crease is sticking up in the air.
The center square (the gold one overlapping the others) has a VALLEY diagonal crease, that is, the fold is pointing DOWN into the table. This is very important for your book to close correctly.
In the diagram, the red lines are all valleys and the blue lines are mountains.
After connecting the three squares, it will take a few times of opening and closing to “train” the book how to fold and lie correctly. Look at the pictures on the first page to see how it works.
I hope that it works for you! :-) Later (having some technical issues) I'll upload PDF of these directions at my HSLaunch files.
Comments
August 11, 2007 - Blog Award
Posted by Anonymous
Hey Jimmie-
Wanted you to know that you've got an award to "pick up" over at my blog, www.makinghome.blogspot.com , whenever you get the chance.
I love your blog- we lived in China for a year, though we thought it would be much longer... I miss it so much and your blog makes me feel at home whenever I read it!
Blessings,
Jess @ Making Home
August 11, 2007 - Oh my goodness....
Posted by hrlabonte
That was so cool!!! I have to print out these directions and try this with John and Noah!
~Heather
August 12, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Keeley
Wow! SO cool! You're a genius.
madiantin.blogspot.com
August 13, 2007 - Love the book!
Posted by amibrain
Hi Jimmie! :)
Did you invent this book? Even if you didn't, I'm still amazed that you can articulate directions so well. I can't wait to try it!
I think it's time for me to break down and buy a book about lapbooking (with more ideas for new minit books). I'm getting tired of the same old folds. ;)
On another note-- I don't mind at all that you swiped the HSS button! It's the one thing I *want* people to steal! ;)
I was also glad you were a contest winner though I had the same exact thought about what you won. :) Pre-made lapbooks. Crazy. I hope you found something useful (I think their Study-a-_______ series looks interesting).
:) Ami
P.S. Love the ducks in a row picture even though it creeps me out a bit. :)
August 13, 2007 - What a great idea!
Posted by NancyLake
I just love the lapbooks! I haven't been to your blog in a while, and now I know what I've been missing.
thanks for putting all those wonderful instructions and pictures up. I've been wondering how I would "do" the book "180 Days around the world" with my 3 dc.. and now you've given me a great idea.
I just love reading about your life in China. are you and your dd learning Chinese?
love from the USA- (SE Georgia),
Nancy
August 17, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by ElCloud
I've seen scrapbooks made like that, using 12x12 sheets, and putting a cardboard cover covered in cloth on top and back, then tied with ribbon. I never knew how to make them, though. Now I do. Thanks!
April
September 8, 2007 - Thank You!!
Posted by amibrain
We did it! We made this book and included it in our lapbook. My son loves how big it gets. :) I love how much room we had to paste instruments (we used the three sections for brass, woodwinds, and strings).
:) ami*
September 14, 2007 - Thank You So Much!
Posted by ltjewel
That video is absolutely amazing. I can't wait to try this...
Amy B
September 14, 2007 - Lap book
Posted by Anonymous
Your video was sent through live and learn yahoogroup. Thanks for the video! I know it will help many.....
I love your blog! I will stop by again soon!
Lisawa~
Koinonia Academy
http://koinoniaacademy.blogspot.com/
September 18, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Valerie
We did larger versions of these for valentines day cards one year. We used heart papers and pretty ribbions and such (like a scrapbook) then we put a picture of the kids in the middle blowing a kiss!
It was supercute and everyone got one that year!
Valerie
ChristianPreschoolPrintables.com
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