We are making a hinged board covered book,  I have attached some photos. 

I recommend no bigger than A4, and photograph size, ie sort of 4" by 6" works really well. The pages can be made of anything, but if pre- cutting, it needs to be noted that an inch is lost to the hinge/spine.

The outer cover can be plain fabric or something embroidered,  the recent hardanger (will need a piece of fabric to go behind),  crewel or chicken scratch workshop pieces are all possibles.