Accordion scrapbooks are easy to create because you don't have to bind the covers or sew the pages.They don't require special materials, just paper, thin cardboard, scissors, and glue.You can make more scrapbooks once you get used to it!
Step 1: Take your paper and cut it into strips.
Each square will create a single page by folding the strips into thirds.The strip will give you 3 pages.It's up to you how many strips you make.You can use construction paper or scrapbooking paper if you want to use plain, white printer paper.If you want the neatest finish, use a paper slicer.
Step 2: The paper should be fan-fold every four inches.
Take your first strip and fold it in half from one of the narrow ends.Measure another 4 inches and fold the paper over again.You should do this for all of the strips.You are creating a fan of 10 by 10 cm.Make it nice and sharp by running your fingernail across the crease.
Step 3: Attach the ends of your first 2 strips.
End to end, hold 2 strips together.The left and right end of the first strip should be pointing in the same direction.Attach the ends with glue.You can apply a thin layer of liquid glue with a paintbrush if you use a glue stick.You will lose the zigzag fold if you stick 2 strips together end-to-end.
Step 4: The process can be repeated for the rest of the strips.
You can have a continuous zigzag with no vertical lines if you alternate the directions they give you.Paper clips or clothespins may be used to secure the previous strips.
Step 5: The glue can dry if the accordion is set aside.
You can put a heavy book on top of it to help weigh it down.It shouldn't take more than 15 or 20 minutes if you are using glue.You can make the covers while the glue is drying.It will save you some time.
Step 6: Cut two 4 2 squares from thin cardboard.
This is large enough to make a set of covers.The cardboard squares should be larger if the pages were different.If you made 6 in 15 cm pages, then make the cardboard squares 6 2 inches (17 cm).For the most precise finish, use a metal straight-edge and a craft blade.
Step 7: Two 5 2 squares were cut out of the paper.
This will make the pattern for your cover, so choose something that fits your theme.If this is for a baby shower, you could pick baby-themed scrapbooking paper.The paper can be either patterned or solid colored.You could use wrapping paper if you can't find scrapbooking paper.
Step 8: Each piece of paper needs to be Glued to the back of the cardboard.
The blank side of the paper should be facing up.Attach the back of each piece of cardboard with glue, then press it down onto the paper to make sure it is centered.A glue stick is the best for this.White school glue can be applied with a brush.
Step 9: The corners of the paper should be cut off.
Use scissors or a craft blade to cut the corners off the paper.It's not necessary, but it will help reduce bulk when you glue the paper.Make sure you do this for all of the corners.
Step 10: The edges of the paper should be secured to the front of cardboard.
Put more glue on the edges of the paper.Next, press them down onto the cardboard.The edges can be secured with strips of double-sided tape.
Step 11: Attach cardboard to your accordion.
Attach the first page of your accordion with glue and press the cover onto it.If you want to do the same thing with the other cover, flip the accordion over.The cardboard side should be pressed into the glue.The side of the book should be seen.Let the glue dry.
Step 12: You can decorate the covers.
You can find items related to your theme in the scrapbooking section of a craft store.This can be anything from buttons to stickers.You can use glitter and stamps.Glue a square of colored paper in the middle of your cover to make a title.Use washi tape, glitter, ribbon, or lace to add a border to your project.There are 3D items on top of flat items.Hot glue or tacky glue will work well for this.
Step 13: If you'd like, you can add a ribbon closure to your project.
A piece of ribbon is 3 to 4 times the width.Pick out the middle of your ribbon and secure it to the back-center of the scrapbook with a drop of hot glue.Wrap the ribbon around the pager and tie it into a bow.Cut the ends at different angles, then seal them with a flame.
Step 14: You can decorate the pages.
Each square is 10 by 10 cm.The pages can be decorated with photos, stickers, notes, and other items.The process should be repeated on the back of the book.Try to keep the theme the same.If this is for a baby shower, you could include photos from the event.