An accordion book is a fun and easy way to showcase your 4th of July family traditions this year! Even if you have never made an accordion book or mini album, give this project a try. All you need is some cardstock, patterned paper, and a variety of good strong adhesives. And Xyron adhesives are perfect for this project.
THE BASICS:
To create this project, first you will need to create your accordion book base. Start with 5 pieces of 8-1/2″ x 11″ cardstock. Cut each piece to create 5 pieces that measure 6″ x 11″. Cut one of those pieces to measure 6-1/2″ x 6″. Use the Xyron Mega Runner to adhere that piece against the 6″ end of one of the other 6″ x 11″ pieces. Set aside.
Then, adhere the remaining pieces end-to-end, using the Xyron Mega Runner. If you want, you can make the inside-accordion part longer by using one or two more pieces of cardstock.
SCORING and FOLDING:
Let’s fold the outside cover first. Starting from the left-most edge, create the following four score marks:
- 4-3/4″
- 5″
- 11″
- 11-1/4″
The inside area between the two score marks should measure 6″. That is the most important measurement. If you added extra cardstock to your inside-accordion to make it longer, score the outside cover at 4-1/2″ and 5″ and then 11″ and 11-1/2″. This will give a better allowance for extra accordion pages.
Now, let’s fold the accordion. It doesn’t matter how long you make your accordion end-to-end. Just start from the left-most edge and create the following score marks:
- 5-1/2″ from the left edge (the underside of this piece will be the BOTTOM of the accordion and will lay flat on the table)
- 5-3/4″ FROM THE PREVIOUS SCORE MARK
- continue scoring 5-3/4″ from the previous score mark until you run out of room.
Place your left hand over top of the LEFT-MOST scored area. With your right hand, begin accordion-folding the paper. You should end up with a nice, neat packet that fits perfectly in the center of the outside cover.
Use the Xyron Mega Runner to adhere the BOTTOM of the accordion to the inside center of the outside cover. The accordion will pull open with your right hand, and the flaps of the cover should close comfortably.
On a side note, Xyron adhesives are EXTREMELY strong. That being said, you may want to have some Un-Du Adhesive Remover handy, in case you accidentally adhere something crooked or in case something sticks down before you were ready.
Once your accordion book base is constructed, it’s time to have fun and scrapbook! For this project, I am using the America the Beautiful Collection Kit from Echo Park. The 12″ x 12″ collection comes with 12 double-sided papers (6 different designs) and a full 12″ x 12″ sheet of coordinating stickers.
Having a variety of adhesives for a mini-album or accordion book makes the project go so much quicker. One zip through the Xyron 3″ Disposable Sticker Maker saves so much time, especially with tiny fussy-cut pieces or die cuts.
Secret tip: I tried a cranking a piece of single-adhesive-backed fun foam through my Xyron 5″ Create A Sticker (to make it “double” sided adhesive) and it worked!!!!
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Cute, cute book