How to Make a Flutter Book
A flutter book, also known as an accordian book, consists of a long sheet of paper folded in and out to create inner pages without a spine and a rigid front and back cover attached to the outside of the first and last page. It is used for photo albums, business presentations, children's books and craft projects. It takes little time and money, and only basic tools to make a flutter book.
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Things You'll Need
- Roll of craft paper
- Paper cutter
- Art board (16 x 20)
- Ruler
- Drawing tools
- Pencil
Instructions
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Pages
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1
Cut a piece of craft paper 8-by-74 inches in length for the 12 inside pages of the flutter book. This length includes 2 inches extra to cover errors in folding.
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2
Mark the strip of paper with a pencil 6 inches from the beginning of the paper from the right side. Place a ruler squarely on right side of the mark, and fold the first page over the ruler to the right.
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3
Flip the paper over vertically with the first 6 inches folded underneath. Measure 6 inches from the left and mark the paper. Place the ruler to the left of the mark and fold the paper back to the left.
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4
Continue folding alternately right and left until only the trim area of the paper is left.
Trim the leftover paper down to fit the edge of the folded pages.
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5
Erase pencil marks made when inside pages were measured.
Covers
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6
Cut two 8-by-6-inch pieces of art board for the front and back cover.
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7
Place the folded inner pages between the two covers. Glue the front cover on the top of the first page.
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8
Turn the book over with front cover attached and glue the back cover to the outside of the last page.
Content
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9
Collect photos, collage materials, pictures and printed materials for the book's content.
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10
Glue materials into the inside pages.
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11
Title or decorate the front and back cover.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Substitute foam sheet (sticky) for art board, avoiding the use of glue for the book's covers. Cut to size, peel off the back and press onto the front and back pages.
Use thicker paper stock for inside pages of flutter books meant to be stood up to display inside pages.
Add pages two at a time by adding 12 inches to the craft paper length before cutting.
Do not use excessive glue on the front and back cover to avoid inside pages sticking together.
Fold the inside pages squarely to avoid a book that will not stand up properly.
Adding pages to the Flutter book must be made two at a time as the number of inside pages must be an even number.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Ableimages/Photodisc/Getty Images
