Accordian Photo Book

A couple weekends ago I got the opportunity to spend the whole time with my mom scrapbooking, awesome!  She has been a consultant with Creative Memories for the past 18 years so I am spoiled when it comes to all things scrapbook.  While we were at our retreat with about 10 other ladies, one of them showed us how to make these super cool/cute photo books.  They are super simple and a lot of fun and they make for great gifts for any occasion.  So now I am sharing them with you!

What you'll need:

2 - 4.5"x4.5" squares of thin cardboard or matboard
2 - 5.5"x5.5" squares of patterned paper
3 - 8.5"x8.5" squares of cardstock paper in colors of your choice
scrapbooking/acid free double sided tape
Scissors
Ribbon

1.   With your tape, adhere the 5.5"x5.5" to each of your cardboard squares.  Cut off the corners and put more tape on the flaps.  Fold each flap onto the backside of the cardboard.  These are going to be your covers to your book.  Set them aside to create the inside next.

 2.   Fold each of your cardstock squares in half (the 'hotdog' way), unfold and then fold the opposite direction so you have plus sign looking creases across the middle of each sheet.  Then fold each of your papers from one corner to corner adding a diagonal crease to each square.  ONLY DO THIS ONCE!

So now each of your squares will look like this:

3.  Now overlap each of your squares, leaving the diagonal creases exposed.   The two squares on the outside, the diagonal crease needs to turn upward and the center turning downward.  This is how you will attach each of them.  Using your scrapbook tape attach the three squares like so:

5.  Once you have attached each of the three pieces of cardstock they should fold up like this:

6.  Next you need to attach the covers that you made in the beginning.  Attach each cover to either side of your accordian with your scrapbook tape.  

7.  Now its the fun part!  You have finished making the bones of your book so now all is left is to decorate, best part i know :)  Cut your photos into 4"x4" squares for your book.  You can choose to put a photo into each square or you can put little notes or embellishments to add a little decorative touch.  If you are going to place a photo onto a square that has a diagonal crease in the center all you have to do is cut your photo where the crease is going to be.  

And when you have finished it all......

WHAALAHHH!

To add a finishing touch to your book add some more decorative elements to the cover, a name for the person it is for, a flower, another picture, whatever you like!  Take a piece of ribbon and tie a bow around your book to keep it closed.  Now you have a picture perfect and unique little keepsake that makes great gifts for your friends, family, or anyone else special in your life.  

If you try to make one of your own I would love to see it!  So please link it back to me so I can see all of your creations :) Have a great weekend all you lovelies

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