How to create an 8-page book out of a single sheet of paper, with NO staples or glue required!
TOOLS:
Paper (any size)
Pencil
Scissors
JUMP TO: Set Up a Blank Book | Drawing | Folding a Printed 1-Sheet
SET UP A BLANK BOOK:
“Set Up a Blank (1-Sheet) Mini-Comic”
Folding Directions: Here’s the basic 1-sheet folding pattern I teach in workshops. Don’t get frustrated if your first few tries don’t quite work… Keep trying! It took me 10-12 tries before I figured it out. 🙀
(1-4) Line up those half-folds as carefully as you can.
(7) Cut just a little bit past the half-way fold…
(8-11) See this move on the video! >>
(12) Numbering pages >>
DRAWING A STORY:
Here’s what it looks like when I’m drawing a new story, from blank paper to completed P*I.E. process!
Drawing a 1-Sheet Mini-Comic: “Woogums Goes for a Walk
“Woogums” Printables @ Patreon >>
MORE SAMPLE MINI-COMICS:
Here are some favorites from my teaching work:
STORY TEMPLATES:
Super-charge your creative ideas w/ these blank 1-sheet guides:
FOLD & SHARE MULTIPLE COPIES of your 1-Sheet Mini:
Once you’re done with your P*I.E. process, the fun really begins — You can print as many copies as needed of your booklet, & give ’em out to new readers!
How to Fold a Printed “1-Sheet” Mini:
When I fold books from drawn copies (or even blank templates, with the pages already numbered), I use a slightly different folding pattern from a blank page. Keep your eye on that Outside Front Cover, & watch your book coming together!
1-SHEET FORMAT NOTES:
PRO:
+ No stapling required!
+ Draw directly into the book format
+ Reads as a book, with no copying/shrinking require!
CON:
– Uses only 1 side of the sheet (so final page size is small).
– Folding can be tricky for younger artists (but still really fun to see the book come together!)
Comics Workshop Handbook 📖✍
Basic comics-making materials PLUS top-secret tips, teacher guides, activities, & more… (This is the ~40p handbook for host teachers!)
CREDITS: Thanks to Eben Burgoon for turning me on to the 1-sheet format @ SIBF-2019! Thanks to Nomi Kane + Beth Hetland for first introducing me to their (slightly different) “One-Sheet Workshop” format!
