Hey there! I had to wait until the last minute to post this little Valentine’s day craft since I didn’t want to ruin the surprise for my kiddos. These softcover books are easy to make and the covers could be customized with monogram appliques, animal appliques, ribbon, buttons…really, the list is endless.

I used fabric quarters from JoAnn to make my books. I started by pressing the edges down on all four sides, snipping the corners to eliminate bulk when they are sewn down. The measurements make no difference- you could make this as small or large as you please, and use as big or small of a seam allowance as you are comfortable working with.

• Cut a piece of cotton batting large enough to cover half the piece, excluding the pressed edges.
• Fold in half and sew around the three free edges and the folded edge.
• Fold your finished piece in half into a book shape. Measure height and width to determine the size you will cut your paper to.
• Cut five sheets of printer paper to the measurements you just got minus one inch of height and width.
• Insert into your book-folded fabric and stitch paper into book with a straight stitch down the length of the folded edge.

My very basic machine stitched through the batting stuffed fabric and five sheets of all purpose (printer style) paper with an all-purpose needle with no trouble.

I filled their books with “I love you because…” and some of the many things that I am proud of them for.

Then I rolled them up with Valentines day pencils, tied with ribbon, and prepared to hand them off. I hope they love them!

I’m getting off the computer to make heart shaped pizzas and ice cream sundaes with my family, then sneak in some cuddling time with the hubs. I hope you have a wonderful night!