I am in several scrapbooking groups online and in one group we are playing a game where you can earn points for completing different tasks. I've been working really hard to get the most points (I am in 2nd place right now). This weeks challenge was to make an Easter accordion album that had the following elements...
1. Is Stamped 2. Has Ribbon 3. Is Embossed
4. Is Distressed 5. Is Chalked 6. Is Painted
7. Has Eyelets 8. Has Brads 9. Has Clips
10. Has Pockets 11. Has Bling 12. Is Your work
When we got the challenge (in my group Queen of the Crop), I immediately thought of using the CTMH true fit folio as my base. I am so pleased with how it turned out! It forced me to use some elements that I might not have normally used, like paint, eyelets and chalk. I use these items, but not all the time. I really enjoyed using the paint with the CTMH distressing sponge to add dimension to my clouds! They look great!
If you would like to make your own folio accordion album you will need the following items... CTMH true fit folio, 12 pieces of printed paper cut 3 7/8" x 6", 5 pieces of cardstock cut 2 1/2" x 3 7/8", 5 pieces of cardstock cut 3 1/4" x 6", 24" of ribbon to tie the book closed, 1 1" x 6" piece of patterned paper to cover the opposite side of the tab, brads, buttons, stickles, ink, chalk, stamps and whatever else you want to use to embellish your album.
Tools used: paper cutter, scoring tool, coluzzle knife and mat and oval template, liquid glass or another liquid glue
Directions:
1.) With the folder closed and the crease at the bottom and the folder tab at the top, score at 6". I used a stylus to score it so that the paper would not tear.
2.) Turn the folder sideways so that folded side of the folder and the tab are to the left. Score at 4" and then at 8"
3.) Open the folder and fold along the 6" score line. Then fold along each 4" score mark. Re-fold each fold in the opposite direction, to make it easier to fold the folder from any direction.
4.) Open the folder and lay it flat with the folder tab in the upper left hand corner. This is front and back of your book. Glue your 12 pieces of patterned paper (3 7/8" x 6") inside each of the previously scored boxes. Be sure to glue them in between the mountains and valleys created by the folds, so that it bends easily when completed.
**when gluing the paper to the tabbed section, be sure to put the adhesive on the folder and not the paper. Otherwise the extra paper will get glued to your work surface**
5.) Trim off any excess paper around the tab
6.) Get your coluzzle, and turn your folder so that the tabbed section is on the bottom. You will be cutting a semi-oval about 1 1/4" deep in 5 of the 6 sections next to the tab. Line up the outside oval with the edges of each section. Cut the second line in on the template. Repeat with the other 4 remaining squares (DO NOT cut a semi-oval in the tabbed section)
7.) Turn your folder over, still opened and flat. The folder should be all white now. Glue the 2" x 3 7/8" pieces of patterned paper along the top of the five sections opposite the side with the semi-ovals cut out. Glue down the 1" x 6" piece of paper to the tab and trim it.
8.) Using chalk or an ink pad, distress the white edges between each section and around the edges of your album.
9.) Now you can embellish the inside of your book. The inside of your book will be the top row of your folder with the tab in your upper left hand corner. This is also the side where your semi-circles have been cut out.
10.) Once you have embellished your book, you are ready to glue it together and make it a BOOK! Using liquid glass or another liquid adhesive, place a sparse amount of glue along each of the 4" scored seams and all over the back of the tabbed section. Fold your book up along the 6" score, pressing each of the 4" scored lines to ensure a good bond. You will also need to place a sparse line along the edge of the last square of your book, to form the pocket. Let your book dry.
11.) While your book is drying, decorate the 5 cardstock tags for journaling or pictures.
12.) Now you can finish off your book by accordion folding it back and forth, starting with the front page. It may pucker a bit, but that is normal. Once you have it all folded, crease each edge again and manipulate the book in areas that may not be folding together "just right." Work the folds back and forth a bit so that they will move easier.
13.) Attach a ribbon around the closed book making sure that it ties to the right or tabbed part of the book.
