Accordian Book

I have been asked by a few people to demonstrate how to make a little accordian book..... and so here it is.

I start with a piece of 90 lb. watercolour paper that I cut and fold accordian style to the size I want. I cut two piece of thick cardboard (the back of the watercolour pad) the same size (or a smidgen bigger) than the folds, and two pieces of water colour paper a smidgen smaller than the cardboard. I gather two small pieces of thin paper to cover the cardboard, and a piece of material (cut thin) or string to use as the wrap to keep the book closed.

Next I colour the folded paper (both sides) and the pieces that will be on the cover (one side). I use water, ink or paint and make a mess. (How fun!)


Next (once the paper is dry) I stamp using either commercially purchased stamps, or in this case stamps I carved.

Using a white gel pen and a black felt pen I outline or mark up the stamps and design in whatever way I want. I also glue the paper on to the cardboard covers, and wrap and glue it around the edges. I then glue the decorated bits to the outside of the cover, added the strip of fabric for the tie to the back of the cover and glued the covers to the wrong side of the end accordian fold (not sure that makes sense, but try it and I'm sure you can figure it out!)

and here is the finished book closed up (coat the cover with a layer of Dorland's wax to protect it if you want)

and when it is open.