✂️ How to Make Mini Books With Clasps & Chains - Video Tutorial & Free Printables

In Medieval times, it was crucial that manuscripts have strong buckles and effective clasps to keep book covers tightly closed (under pressure) thus preventing the parchment pages from expanding and buckling. Some clasps were made of leather, others from metal… some had hinged, hook, or over-the-peg clasps.

These miniature books truly look and feel like Medieval manuscripts... completely functional with rounded spines, illuminated pages, working clasps and chains! 💗

In this step-by-step DIY video tutorial below, I show how to create three types of book clasps, and add mini chains and metal finishings. Embellishments and chains are in accurate 1:12 scale 📖

I include a set of FREE mini book printables consisting of book covers and end papers to create 18 mini books. The double-sided, illuminated book pages can be purchased from Lady Miniac’s website shop.

Antique bronze metal book corner protector - https://amzn.to/3z4Gyrw

Red / black / brown faux leather - https://amzn.to/2UuMTgh

Black liquid shoe polish - https://amzn.to/3wWIqkY

All Purpose Craft Glue - https://amzn.to/3al7Xh0

Brass round head nails - https://amzn.to/35J2ond

Brass flat head nails - https://amzn.to/3gUDw2l

Brass pin head nails - https://amzn.to/3wPRRTd

Toothpicks

Superglue - https://amzn.to/3j6zBB0

Gold jewellery rings - https://amzn.to/3wS9Yrp

Black cardstock - https://amzn.to/3gUHiYd

Versamark clear stamp pad - https://amzn.to/3vS7h81

Gold embossing powder - https://amzn.to/3A0CWYi

Cupcake liners - https://amzn.to/3gVZEb5

Metallic Gold Wax – https://amzn.to/3lXNHEN

Dresden black foil embellishment - https://amzn.to/35ZN3Pn (Oh no... it seems Dresden is out of stock everywhere! The item I included in my tutorial seems to not be available at all!

However, there are 2 other suppliers... albeit a little more pricey)

https://www.vintage-ornaments.com/dresden-foils-trims/frames-corners-fancies?page=2

OR

https://rosemille.com/collections/all-dresden-die-cuts/products/embellishments

Brown acrylic craft paint - https://amzn.to/3hdcjIt

Dark brown shoe paste - https://amzn.to/3vPDsoK

Ear cleaning buds

Chain (2mm x 3mm) - https://amzn.to/3xNXdhw

Chain (4mm x 6mm) - https://amzn.to/3d5tFEs

Metallic gold acrylic craft paint - https://amzn.to/3o3DJBT

Tools ✂️

End / front cutters - https://amzn.to/3MJHszr

Flat steel file - https://amzn.to/3qhPHco

Micro tipped scissors - https://amzn.to/3bgZF7I

Straight fine tip tweezer - https://amzn.to/3extKSp

Curved fine tip tweezer - https://amzn.to/3extKSp

Rubber tipped wipeout - https://amzn.to/35LVayK or https://amzn.to/3kYz9W7

Mini spring clamps - https://amzn.to/3wTTpLG

Scriber - https://amzn.to/3qlKOiz

Steel round needle file - https://amzn.to/3qhPHco

Pen / pencil

Heat gun - https://amzn.to/3j3JkYH

Small flat bristle paint brush - https://amzn.to/2R4aCCs

Ball point / embossing stylus - https://amzn.to/3hbQ0mD

Small round bristle paint brush - https://amzn.to/3ewguNS

Mini pliers - https://amzn.to/3xQpXGN

Disclosure: This post and video contain affiliate links. If you visit Amazon and make a purchase via one of my links, Lady Miniac will earn a small commission (without affecting the price that you pay for the product).

Take a look at your mini book and decide which type of clasp best fits the look you're trying to create. This will determine the type of materials you'll use.

Before you can start glueing any finishings down, experiment by measuring and placing different types of mini brass onto your book to get the right fit and effect.

🎬 Follow this easy DIY video tutorial for step-by-step instructions. Enjoy creating these realistic miniature Medieval books! 📖📕

(This video is Part 2 of 3, showing how to add book clasps and chains to a basic mini book. Part 1 shows basic bookmaking and Part 3 shows gem embellishment and heat embossing)