Hi crafty friends! Amber Mitchell here today to share with you an accordion-fold mini album that I created using Blooming Wild!
I created the base of this album using a few different materials: medium weight chipboard for the covers, patterned paper for the spine, and a sheet of acetate that wraps around the spine for added texture (this is optional). The covers of this album measure 4.25 x 4.5 inches. To wrap the covers, I used a sheet of patterned paper from the Project Pad (I chose a fun, pastel plaid pattern). I trimmed this sheet down into two smaller pieces that measured 5.25 x 5.5 inches. To create more texture, I machine stitched down the length of each plaid stripe. After wrapping the covers, I moved on to creating the spine. I used two sheets of patterned paper that measured 4 x 5 inches and taped them together back-to-back; this made the spine heavier, and in turn, sturdier. It also allowed me to choose the two patterns from the collection that I wanted the spine to feature. I scored this paper on the 5-inch side at 1.75 inches on both ends and then creased and folded along the score lines. This gives the album a spine that measures 1.5 inches in width. On the spine I added an "I love you" sentiment sticker from the Cardstock Stickers. On the cover, I created a cluster using a handful of flowers and leaves from the Floral Die Cuts. I added a "Sweet" sentiment from the Chipboard Stickers as a title. I also added a rainbow & butterfly sticker from the sticker sheet that is included in the Project Pad as finishing touches.
This next step was optional, but I just had to include it because I love the look of it! I used a sheet of acetate that measured 4 x 6 inches and wrapped it around the spine, adhering it down to the two tabs (panels) that I had previously scored. This is going to create a clear, rounded barrier around the spine. I love adding embellishments such as 3D flowers, stickers, or titles, under this acetate barrier. If you're the same as me in that regard, I recommend adding those embellishments to the spine first before securing the acetate down.
Once the acetate was in place, I added adhesive to the tabs of the spine and then attached them very carefully and as evenly as I could to the insides of both the covers. This part can be tricky, so I suggest using an adhesive that gives you time to make adjustments if needed. To line the inside of the covers, I used sheets of patterned paper that I trimmed down to 4 x 4.25 inches.
With the base done, I moved on to creating the pages. I wanted to leave the spine of this album free of any binding, so I opted for accordion-fold pages that I could attach to the back cover. To create these pages, I used 5 sheets of white cardstock that measured 3.75 x 8.5 inches. I scored these sheets on the 8.5-inch side at 4 and 4.5 inches. The pages will have a ½ inch gusset, which provides plenty of space for embellishments! I adhered the pages together, following the natural folds of each one to create the accordion-fold. I then adhered the back of the last panel to the inside of the back cover. To have my first page face the direction that I wanted it to, I cut off one panel & one gusset on the tail end of the fold. This also helps the pages to fit more nicely into the album as a whole. Next, I matted all of the pages with patterned paper from my scraps pile (great way to use up this smaller pieces) and then I moved onto embellishing!
The pages of this album fold out in two directions: left and right, thanks to the accordion folds. When pulled out right, 4 pages along with the title page are featured. I used these 4 pages to create a fun, large sentiment. I used the Chipboard Alphabet Outlines with Patterned Paper Backing Pieces to spell out the word "LOVE". I then added smaller embellishments around the letters including bits from the Mini Puffy Flower Stickers.
When pulled to the left there are a remaining 4 pages. I added photo mats to three of these pages and embellished with bits and pieces from the Puffy Phrase Stickers, Cardstock Stickers, Sticker Book, Mini Flower Puffy Stickers, Chipboard Stickers, Chipboard Frame Stickers, Floral Die Cuts, Ephemera Die Cuts, and Journaling Spots.
I love how colorful and happy this project is! There's also something so fun about accordion-fold albums - I just love flipping through them! Thanks so much for stopping by my post today!
SUPPLIES: Patterned papers, die cuts, stickers, embellishments: BLOOMING WILD
Location: California, USA / Blog: Happy Crafty Studio / Instagram: @bambidearr / YouTube: bambidearr / Pinterest: bambidearr
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