How to Make a Concertina Book

A concertina or fold-out book makes a perfect craft for a raining day, an interesting wedding invitation, a photo album, a personalized quotations book and lots more. After mastering the basic technique, the amount of uses for a concertina book becomes quickly apparent.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Card
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Glue

Instructions

Preparation

1. Cut 6 perfect squares of equal length using paper that is colored or designed on both sides. There are no set measurements when it comes to making concertinas but a 5 by 5 or 6 by 6 inch square is manageable. Using blank copy paper for your first try is also a good idea until you get the hang of things.

2. Create two squares, at least 1/2 inch larger than the squares in step 1,on thick card instead of paper. These are your book covers and will affix to either end of the concertina of paper.

3. Cover the bookends from step 2 with paper an inch larger than the cover. Use decorative but sturdy paper. Remember, it only has to cover one side and around the edges as the concertinas will be glued to the backside of the cover. Glue paper in place and set aside to dry.

4. Fold each of the 6 paper squares in half diagonally creating two equal triangle shapes. Crease and score the line sharply before opening the paper back out.

5. Fold square paper in half horizontally creating two equal halves, score the line with a ruler and open the paper back out. Repeat with the other 5 paper squares.

6. Take each paper square and fold along the vertical so edge meets edge, score or crease before opening back out.

7. Push the diagonal creases towards each other causing the paper to pull in an under. This move is similar to origami and when successful should result in 6 small folded squares that naturally bounce open looking like frogmouths.

Assembly

1. Arrange the squares on a table in front of you in the order you wish them to appear in the concertina. This proves important if you have decided to use a variety of colors or patterns in your paper.

2. Glue the first paper square to the backside of one of the book covers. A glue stick works best. Let dry enough for handling before moving on to step 10.

3. Place the second folded square on top of the first folded square and glue in place. Make sure these first two folded squares are facing the same direction, that is their folded edges and their open edges are in line with each other.

4. Take the third folded square and glue it to the second folded square in the opposite direction. That is so the open edge of the third square is opposite the open edges of the second square.

5. Repeat step 11 with the remaining paper squares ensuring to alternate directions as you glue and allowing the last square to set before moving onto the next.

6. Adhere the final paper square to the backside of the remaining cover and let the concertina book dry in a safe place. You may want to open it up as it dries to prevent badly placed glue tearing the paper later.

7. Decorate and detail as you wish.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to keep paper edges free of glue so that the booklet opens up properly after gluing.