Two holes in each cover are sufficient for the cord, but a little care should be taken to determine the best position for them. The distance of each from the end of the hinge strips should be from one-fifth to one-sixth of its length, and, of course, they should be placed midway between the long edges. After punching the holes, see that the leaves are properly marked so that the holes in them will exactly fit the holes in the cover. To do this, place one sheet on the cover, leaving correct margins, and through the center of each hole mark the paper which should then be punched. Treat the other sheets in the same manner. Eyelets should be inserted in the covers only, and for that purpose a good eyelet punch is necessary. Directions for its use and sample eyelets accompany punches when sent from the dealer.
Complete by tying all together with a piece of cord. Make a small flat bow on the front cover.
B. A Scrap Book
This should be planned and worked out in the same manner as the Sketch Book, but it should be somewhat larger, possibly 6 × 8½ inches. For the leaves, screenings or wrapping paper may be used.
To prevent covers from flaring after the book has been filled, the thickness at the back should be increased by additional folds in the paper, as shown in Plate XXVIIA. The “stub” should be about one inch wide after it is folded. The Japanese method, which is to fold a very long strip many times in the same manner, forms a pleasing arrangement (see Plate XXVIIB).
C. A Postcard Album
Make the covers described in A and the leaves of a heavy paper. Green or brown screenings look well and give a background generally harmonious with colored postcards. The size of the leaves should be sufficient to leave a generous margin around the card. If two are to be placed on one page, have the space between less than the margins around the edges. A little additional margin at the bottom is always pleasing. Slits for holding the cards may be made in the following manner: cut a blank sheet of paper of the size of a postal card and from each corner measure both vertically and horizontally 1 to 1¼ inches and connect the adjacent corners with straight lines. Place this pattern in proper position and use the ends of the lines on it to locate the lines to be drawn on the page itself. It a hole is punched at each end of the line, it gives a neat appearance and prevents the paper from tearing easily. The lines on the page should be cut with a sharp knife. Insert each card by placing its corners in the slits.
A second set of oblique lines parallel to those already described may be drawn and cut three-eighths of an inch farther from each corner. This will form a strap to hold the cards in place, and on the opposite side of the leaf cards may be inserted in the outside slits.
D. A Clipping File
Between two separate covers several envelopes—say five—are to be fastened and used for holding clippings, etc. Select the envelopes—3½ by 9 inches is a convenient size. Plan covers to be about one-eighth of an inch longer on each end than the envelopes and seven-eighths of an inch wider. This allows three-quarters of an inch for the guard and also a projection of one-eighth of an inch on the opposite side. Strips of vellum should be planned to cover completely both sides of the hinge, to lap over onto the large piece about one inch both outside and in, and to extend beyond each end about one-half inch. To cover the rest of the newsboard, cover paper should be used and the pieces should lap over the vellum about three-quarters of an inch on the side next to the hinge and fold over the other edges about one-half an inch. The lining paper should cover to within one-eighth of an inch of the edges of the large pieces of newsboard. Make dimensioned sketches of all pieces and lay out and cut all parts.