Let's Make a Mini Book | 2024

[@christinehowell]

I could watch you making small books all day... well, maybe not all day. I'd need to make a cup of tea at some point, but I'd bring it back to my laptop and drink while I watch!

[@shereeg404]

I am mesmerized that you can create, instruct, measure, fold and use a surgical knife without incident! Excellent little book.

[@yukonswimmom]

I agree! I think it would be a horror show with that sharp knife if I was trying to do all that!

[@laurfincher8137]

omg... get your ducks in a row clip... laughing so much over that and I really needed to laugh. Thank you!

[@sheryltrevino7966]

Super cute! Suggestion for you- if you need gloves maybe look at the fingertip less compression gloves. Then you can use cuticle oil on your nails and your hands wont look dry- not that i noticed that at all in this video.

[@FranMiniCrafter]

Hi Nik, Happy New Year! Interesting tweak on the cover construction; opens up all sorts of possibilities for different materials on the spine and covers. I have two crafting tips to share with you: First, to keep your fine-tip, smaller glue bottle always ready to go, stand it point down in a shot glass meant for vodka (I find them at thrift stores). These glasses are taller and narrower, and have heavy bases. You can put a small piece of damp sponge in the bottom if you need to keep the glue tip moist. Second, when I know I'll be getting my fingers into glue but need to clean them quickly, I keep a damp washcloth handy in a shallow bowl (mine is a cute cat food dish but it could be anything). I can wipe away the glue easily; you can also have a dry cloth or towel at hand if needed. Thanks for all the inspiration and learning; take care.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Thank you, Fran! I'm sure I have a shot glass around here somewhere 🤔I'll def give that a go! 😁

[@whatifitnt]

@@NiktheBooksmith I keep my glue bottles upside down, too… like the ‘Tacky Glue’ bottles … It dawned on me that the glue on the bottom of bottles never dries out, so I flipped mine over and pretend the top is the bottom. As long as the tips are plugged up I haven’t had any problems with leakage.

[@maggiequilts]

Wow Nik! No one would ever know how much work goes into a tiny book like this! Thank you so much for your inspiration, I love tiny books so I’m gonna try this, mine might turn out to be a Picasso, going in every direction! lol Hugs. Maggie 🇨🇦❤️🤗❤️

[@danaroth1525]

So darn cute. U always have the best ideas to make things easier for us. If I I can make 2 requests please🙏 1) A million years ago you did a bricks and mortar video. It was great and so helpful to those who sell on Etsy. I know this is going to seem dumb, but can you do a video on uploading scanned images. Like what you use to scan, DPI, options for buyers size to print and how to remove the watermark when you send the digital download to your customer. For example, your marbled paper that you make. 2) Would love another Teachable course 🙌🙌🙌 I know I’m asking a lot😬How about I will babysit the squirrels and ducks while you guild the lily 😊

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hi Dana! As far as scanning images, I would suggest using the highest DPI your printer/scanner can manage (minimum of 300). With size, I usually upload images that can be printed on US Letter or A4, but the resolution is decent enough to up-size and print a bit larger if the buyer wanted to do that. And for the watermark, only the thumbnail images for the listing has a watermark, the downloaded files available after purchase don't have one. I hope that helped a bit, at least for now!

[@marlenejones6266]

Heck Nik I am using this technique to make a full size book. This cover is just a super duper thing of beauty. You just rocked my world

[@lindaleib270]

You are such a a good teacher and your voice reflects your desire to share your skills. Thanks

[@madebylora]

I’d love to watch when this premieres but it’s gonna be 11pm for me, so I look forward to watching it while I have breakfast the next day 😃

[@crislopez3148]

If you offered in person classes I'd attend...well if you were close to TX lol. You're a great teacher.

[@2CraftySeniors]

Thank you, Nik. 🥰 I think this way of putting on a cover will work really nicely for me with my journals. It looks a lot easier than trying to wrap the whole cover and then get that straight... at least for these old eyes and hands. 😁 That tiny book in your big book cutter made it look even smaller. 🤭

[@JanieAlcove9]

Fantastic. First, all of your tutorials are fantastic and SO professional. Second, I absolutely love that little book. It was so much fun to watch a bunch of bits and pieces become a little work of art. Thank you, Nic.

[@blackcoffeeandwildflowers]

So cute and really put together so well. Everything you make always seems so high quality. Your attention to detail and tedious patience just make such an amazing difference. Gorgeous! Hugs ❤️🤗

[@sharon94503]

Can we all just exhale...at that paper trimmer❤ My personal anxiety kicked in watching gloves & gluing.

[@suelane724]

mesmerising to watch & what a cute book

[@ChantelleArts]

This book is beyond cute, I love it ☺☺☺

[@happymailmagic]

This is So Awesome! I had no idea how you could fold & cut the folded pages ¾ths of tge way through!

[@wrenbayley]

This is so COOL!!! And miniature books are totally my thing right now. I mean they’re always cute. But right now that seems to be all I want to make.

[@arteriasartsinteriordecor4872]

Thanks so much for sharing this. Really interesting and informative.

[@sueparker3287]

I love little books. And I love this Actual book. So cool. Thank you for sharing.

[@hopewilkes74]

Very interesting. You are a good teacher.

[@whatifitnt]

Love this ❤ Thanks Nic !!! 💝

[@arisadarkone]

This was so cool, I love that way of doing the cover. So funny but that you did this video because I'm in the process of doing a bunch of little books for my little bookcase and this process is much faster and easier. Thank you so much!😃💕

[@thecatofnineswords]

folding sheets into signatures is the origin of the use of quarto and octavo in book making. "Four per sheet, eight per sheet", folded into a signature. There's gotta be a word for 16 to a sheet as well, but it escapes me right now.

[@wynngwynn]

I make my travel watercolor books 2inches by 2 inches so they're small but not quite this small lol

[@donnaruckman3306]

I like this way thank you I will make me some tiny books like yours

[@lindamorgan3069]

Wonderful❤ thank you x

[@sweetcurly28]

My two choices are top & newest

[@dena555]

Awesome, love anything miniature. You make it look so easy ❤

[@patriciasell]

I can't wait to try this! ❤❤❤

[@bansheekate]

I really enjoyed this, thank you!

[@jori7398]

A favorite among all books I’ve ever owned, was a first edition art history book by Anna Jameson that had been long, long out of print and hard to come by back then. I found it in 1990 at Ars Libre in Boston. The edges weren’t trimmed, so I had to very gently cut through some of the scored paper edges while reading. I loved that experience! Your tutorial reminded me of this, and I’m so grateful for that! Happy New Year! 🎉💕💫

[@MaryChrapliwy]

I found you yesterday and have been binge watching your videos. My grandfather was a book binder and used to paint the gold on page edges. I never had a chance to know him. Anyway, your videos are fantastic and give me a ton of ideas.

[@roseannmiksich9828]

Oh I so love this titorial. You are am amazing inspiration to me. ❤ Thank you so much!! 🎉

[@barbaracarlson1331]

Love your creations!

[@meridithkish2076]

I love this so much ❤

[@sharebearcottage-junkjournalwi]

Good, how are things for you? 😊 I've made mini book before and I thought it was so small, (business card size) not so much any more. This is so dang cute, I love minis

[@bkmuze9027]

I'll be just getting of work but I'm looking very forward to this!

[@gmarides1956]

I cant wait! Was afraid i had missed this!!!!

[@tisatruett1623]

Love Loved it!!!! That cover is perfect! Looks so much easier than trying to line everything up! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@susancarvey9063]

What is the reason( purpose ) for the partial SLIT? What is its purpose?

[@CL-kn1rq]

Thank you!!!

[@Valeri4561]

Happy new year! So, when I first saw you were doing a mini...I thought..."why is she doing another mini tutorial?" But I thought well it's Nik, she must have a reason. So I watched. I totally love this way of making a mini! Or even a smaller size book. For instance... I live near a very cool place. It's called Hartville Flea Market. What makes it so cool is that it has an outside area that is only used in spring, summer, and fall. But, then it has a huge two story indoor area that's open year round. on the second floor is an antique shop that carries LOTS of old and very old books. (I haunt this place) Anyway, (sorry if I'm being to windy) I bought this very thin spined book and about 7X5 inch covers. What made me buy it is that it's cover is embossed and just beautiful! After I got in home I realized it was a program from a printer's Union and dated 1927. I know I'm rambling but to me these details a so neat I had to share. I think this type of technique would be perfect for this book!!! Again thank you for the tutorials! Molto Graci!!!! P.S. I live in Northeast Ohio about 50 miles south of Cleveland in case you want to look up the Flea Market...

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

Inspiring!!!🦌💌❤️📚🙏👍☕️

[@DeerheartStudioArts]

great vid m’dearie!🦌💌❤️📚👍

[@jackyheath7958]

thank you Nik for giving me a new meaning - the original meaning? - for the word IMPOSITION ! [3.21] Once Googled, a whole world of little bookmaking open up. I had always struggled, then given up, with how to prepare a one page word document that would end up being a little 8 page booklet. I'm going to make a 2 x 4 table to put the text into. Or should it be a 4 x 2 table ? Oh Darn - another word with various meanings. It is said that learning new skills keeps our brains active, however I freely admit that manipulating paper into little gems like your miniature books has become compulsive for me.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

ha! Imposition, that was the word I couldn't recall 🤔 I knew I knew it, but my brain cells left me hanging!

[@roseannmiksich9828]

Girl, your on fire with your technique. Love it!!! ❤❤❤

[@lindahigham5317]

Thank you again 🌹Nik enjoy your dinner and week ahead ☺️🌹💌🦄📚🤗❣️❣️

[@asimafxsaadmaura376]

¡Fabuloso, gracias! I enjoyed every step for constructing this mini book. I would like to know the kind of paper cutter (guillotina) you used to trim the block. I’ve been taking mine to an office supply shop where they charge, depending on the size, between 3-10 USD. Thanks again!

[@flrazvan]

Just an ideea, i was thinking for my self, but first i need some tools: can you make a project to merge 2 or more books into one?

[@wendydunham5053]

Oh so cute!!

[@annettedover3602]

So cute and interesting to see the entire process. Thank you for sharing!

[@amylandry4108]

Happy New Year! Wrapping up my annual winter cold virus 🦠 😅

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Oh no! I hope you are back to feeling better soon 🤒

[@amylandry4108]

@@NiktheBooksmith thank you! Love all of your videos ~ the “true crime” ones are excellent too 😍❣️😍

[@suec9938]

Absolutely loved this tutorial, as always! You make everything look so easy! Thank you for inspiring me yet again to make some miniature books 👍

[@yukonswimmom]

Love this. Thanks for your generosity in sharing your skills with us!

[@bobguy3939]

Fab, I'm off to make little books of poetry now!

[@beckymeldrum7022]

Love this little book-so cute!

[@lorrainedurgee1761]

This video is absolutely fabulous - thanks so much - the directions are perfect once u start making the book …just follow directions ..

[@dreamitimagineitcreateit]

Awesome premiere, thank you for sharing❤️

[@liekmacgillavry277]

🙏🏼🧸

[@jenniferwatson7118]

Interesting alternative - thanks! Cute book!

[@Stampd]

Nik… I’ve taken all your mini book courses and I’ve love every one. Thank you for being on “You-Tube”… love learning from you. QUESTION: the paper cutter you used in this video… can you give us some info on it. Hugs, Diane

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hi Diane! I did a review when I bought it a couple years ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5vPdoOkoZuUj80si=BEI2IznU88BiuTA9 and it should be listed on my "tools" amazon faves list, if you want to check it out =)

[@mariep-MAPAT]

Hi Nik, Happy New Year! I meant to watch the premiere live, but I fell asleep on the sofa, waiting for it to begin!!🤦‍♀🤷‍♀Well, for my defense, it was going to begin at midnight here, in Belgium. I love your clear explanations, Nik! Cute book!! I hope you all had a fun moment, maybe I'll be awake for the next one, cause I would love to chat live with you all! See you!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Oh yes, I would have been already asleep for hours! Thanks for watching! =)

[@beckyb4074]

You make the cutest little books 📚. Thanks for sharing an alternative way to make the cover. So bummed I missed the live chat. And nope, theirs no replay of the chat, I would have liked to have read what everyone was saying. Oh well. God bless you young lady. Becky B

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Heya Miss B! If you are on a computer, look either to the right of the video window or just below it and there should be a "Show Chat Replay" button.

[@beckyb4074]

​@@NiktheBooksmithhello young lady, I was going through my older email notices, yes I do keep my favorites until I get them printed (special memories for me). Anyway, I finally found out where to find chat replay on my phone. In the comment box that pops up when I make a comment, has 2 little dots at the top right corner of comment box, I put my finger on it and slide to the left, then I see all the options for live chat, or just selected chats. Anyway, I figured it out. Love and hugs 🤗🤗. God bless you!!!!! Sincerely Becky B from Arkansas

[@carolinelabbott2451]

Looking forward to the video. 😊

[@lleonard2779]

Thanks Nik…excellent tutorial as always 👍🏻

[@LollyPalooza]

Such fun, Nik! And your paper trimmer! WOW; I love it!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

thanks Lolly, its one of my favorite amazon purchases! Not to mention all the text blocks that have been saved from being botched by hand trimming. Lol

[@LollyPalooza]

@@NiktheBooksmith what is it called?

[@NiktheBooksmith]

@@LollyPalooza I'll do you one better! A couple years ago, I did a review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5vPdoOkoZuUj80si=BEI2IznU88BiuTA9 and it should be listed on my "tools" amazon faves list, if you want to check it out. FYI, The ones on my amazon list are the same trimmer, but were re-branded by other companies. I added those because the one I bought wasn't available when I added it to the list. I need to check if they're available again, but yeah, sorry for the ramble.

[@LollyPalooza]

@@NiktheBooksmith You're awesome!

[@teleriferchnyfain]

I do like doing the cover like that 🤗

[@JustAprilakaJuJu]

So enjoyed it. Thank you ❤

[@beckyb4074]

Darn, I missed you by 49 minutes. Anyway, looking forward to seeing this anyway. I pray that you are doing well. Take care and God bless you and yours. Sincerely Becky B from Arkansas

[@mywithallmyart]

Great video. I can't wait to give this a try!!!

[@Dawn-fz5cu]

Brilliant!! 😃

[@SeleneF-t3l]

What is the purpose of leaving a little bit uncut on the folded edge(s) until after trimming the book?

[@deblyn6360]

I soooo need that paper cutter, is this the same cutter you use in your video 2021? Ps. Thank you for sharing amazing content

[@susancarvey9063]

Kettle stitch right?😊

[@Nanakinsz]

Miss Nik I loved this! First, it's small, so what's not to love, but I cannot wait to try what you showed. About what size of book will this method of binding begin to not be a wise choice?

[@NiktheBooksmith]

thanks, Nanakinsz! If someone wanted to make a book larger than this one, I'd suggest using more sewing holes.

[@Nanakinsz]

Stitches. Got it! I actually like sewing them together and would have anyway! Thank you Miss Nik@@NiktheBooksmith

[@patriciasell]

I failed 2x. I didn't use the proper paper and also when folding in the beginning, what's the purpose of slicing 3/4 of the way w my kraft knife?

[@sharon94503]

The purpose of slicing is to release tension of the folds so that it will lay flat [flatter] knowing that the sides will be trimmed after it is completed.

[@shinybreesilver3264]

Adorable!

[@lindieinred]

Made it for the premier! 😊

[@lorikendrick5076]

Where did you learn bookbinding? School? A bookbinder? Yourself? Just curious. Loved the video.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

Hi Lori! I am self-taught mostly by using textbooks, but also by reading blogs, watching videos, etc.

[@recoveringsoul755]

There used to be a way to see the chat even when watching after the premiere or live ended But i haven't figured out how to make that work in some time

[@2CraftySeniors]

Upper right, next to the video, should be something that says "show chat replay". Click that and the chat drops down.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

yes, 2CraftySeniors is spot-on, I see the button =)

[@barbaramistrik887]

Add this to your Chatelaine, 1863 - 1885, probably England. A chatelaine would have hung from a lady’s waist and was intended to be both decorative and practical. The small tools and accessories that might be incorporated included a watch, scissors, tweezers, magnifying glass, scent flask and miniature notebook or ivory writing tablet. Cut © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

[@gmarides1956]

this was scheduled for 4pm!!

[@NiktheBooksmith]

I know it varies depending on your time zone. It was scheduled for 4pm (mountain time) but I don't know exactly how YT advertises it to other time zones. 🤔

[@amylandry4108]

🦆 🦆 🦆 😂

[@sebeckley]

Why do two intros? Just curious.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

I'm not entirely sure what you're referring to? But, I filmed a little snippet to use as a trailer since the premiere would be more than 24 hours later.

[@collettekunkler7211]

Lost the live feed

[@NiktheBooksmith]

It shuts down a few minutes after the video ends. =/

[@Azarmysoljamom]

I actually had a book where the pages were still together.

[@NiktheBooksmith]

me too! It confused my brain at first. I couldn't figure out what was wrong Lol

[@Azarmysoljamom]

Well mystery solved! I am fasciated by how things are made! I'm learning a ton from you! I've just started down the junk journal rabbit hole! Excited to see where this leads! I found you through Pam at the paper outpost and am so glad I checked out your channel. I'm enjoying your miniatures so much! Thanks for the inspiration♥️♥️♥️