How to Make an Accordion Folded Scrapbook

Make a scrapbook as a family project.

Small scrapbooks are fun to make and easy to embellish with paper and trim remnants from larger projects. They are ideal to give as gifts to friends and family and to include in larger scrapbooks to separate photos, poems or journaling. Make your own accordion scrapbook to share memories of a holiday, birthday, vacation or any special occasion. These little scrapbooks are created with one sheet of paper and basic scrapbooking tools, and are limited only by your imagination.

Things You'll Need

• 12"x12" double-sided scrapbook paper or cardstock
• Paper cutter
• Bone folder (optional)
• Double-faced adhesive tape
• Bone folder

Instructions

1. Cut the 12"x12" sheet of paper into three 4-inch wide strips using a paper cutter. Line the edge of the paper up with the ruler on the cutter and cut through. This design will give you six inside pages, as well as additional space if you use the back.

2. Add the scoring tool attachment to your paper cutter, and place one of the three strips on the ruler of the paper cutter. Score it at four and eight inches. Repeat for the other two strips. You will have three 4"x12" strips, each with two scores. Alternatively, if your cutter does not have a scoring tool, measure with a ruler and score with a bone folder by dragging the bone folder across the surface along the ruler.

3. Fold each of the strips accordion style at the score lines, folding one score forward and the other backward. Rub the bone folder along the fold lines for a clean, even fold.

4. Cut one of the three strips along one of the score lines to create a single 4"x8" strip with two panels. This will become the hinged page used to attach the other two strips together to form the multi-page accordion book.

5. Stand the two long strips upright, side by side, so they form one continuous accordion fold. Start with the folded edge of the first strip pointing to the back and the first fold of the second strip pointing to the front to create a continuous accordion fold. Stand the third strip behind them at the center, with the fold pointing to the back so it will butt up against the two unattached pages.

6. Attach double-faced adhesive tape to both pages on the inside of the folded hinge page and adhere to the last panel of the first strip and the first panel of the second strip. Use four strips of tape on each panel. You will have one long accordion folded strip with six 4"x4" panels.

7. Embellish your scrapbook according to your personal preference.

Tips & Warnings

• Double-faced scrapbooking paper will provide patterned or colored pages on both the front and back of the scrapbook.

• Make larger accordion-style scrapbooks by cutting paper into 6"x6" squares. This will create a book with six panels. Use two or more sheets for additional pages.

• Add small pockets to the scrapbook by cutting 4"x1" or 4"x2" strips from coordinating papers and adhering to the bottom of a page with double-faced tape or glue.

• For another pocket idea, do not tape the top edges of the hinge panels. This will create two full-sized pockets for your use.

References

• Scrapbook Crazy: Easy One Page Accordion Album