How to Add Fold-Out Sections to Art Journals & Altered Books

Working on art journals and altered books not only is a gratifying process, but it also opens the door for creativity beyond the scope of traditional sketchbook projects. Adding fold-out sections is a fun way to add an extra area for creative expression in your art journals or altered books.

Things You'll Need

• Art journal or book to alter
• Glue sticks
• Decorative or plain paper
• Scissors or paper cutter
• Ruler
• Bone folder

Instructions

1. 

   Open your art journal or altered book to the first blank page spread. Measure the size of one-half of the page spread, and cut the decorative paper so it is the same length, but twice as wide as the page.

2. 

   Cut the pieces of decorative paper to size, and fold them in half. Create a sharp crease in the paper using the bone folder to burnish the edge.

3. 

   Add glue to the back of the decorative paper, as well as to the page in the book. Slide the piece of decorative paper into the crease of the book. Burnish down the decorative paper using the bone folder, ensuring all the bubbles and creases are out.

4. 

   Fold the facing page in toward the center of the book so it meets with the decorative paper when it is folded in. Burnish down the edge of the fold with the bone folder.

5. 

   Repeat this throughout the art journal or altered book, only use different-sized fold-outs. Create fold-outs containing envelopes on the area of the paper that extends out.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut the edges of the fold-outs with decorative edge scissors to add interest. Rather than making the paper fold-out meet at the center of the book, vary the lengths of the folded area. Rather than keeping the edges straight. cut triangles or curved edges. Use a decorative corner punch on the decorative papers to add interest.

• Be sure to add glue right up to the edge of the paper in order to prevent them from peeling up. Do not add too many fold-out sections, unless you do not mind the binding bowing out. Avoid using wet adhesive; it will cause the pages to curl and wave.

Resources

• Mixed Media Arts