Window Accordion Book

©Anne Rita Taylor 2016

I wanted to combine handmade paper with a Zig Zag book plus my carved images to make a gift for a friend going through health issues. I wrote some encouraging words alongside the printed images for her.

Supplies:

Arnold Grummer Paper Making

Handmade paper - 5 pieces:

1 x 7 inches, (2) 4 x 5 inches, (2) 2 1/2 x 6 inches
Arnold Grummer Mini Zig Zag Books
PVA or Mod Podge glue
Bonefolder, scissors, ruler
Carved images or rubber stamps

The Zig Zag book has 6 sides, begin by cutting slits on the 2nd and third side, then the 4th and 5th side, cut into one and 1/8th inches, leaving a half inch on the top and bottom, as pictured:

Fold in where you made the cuts to form your window, as pictured:

Paint the Zig Zag inside the covers and top and bottom with Tim Holtz Distress Stain: Peeled Paint. Adhere both 4 x 5 inch paper pieces to each cover.

Glue two pieces of 2 1/2 inch by 6 inches handmade paper together forming a long strip 2 1/2 by 11 1/2 inch piece. Print your rubber stamps in front of the openings, the windows. Glue 1 1/2 inches of each end inside the covers, and fold with the book.

Lastly, to make the band, fold around your closed book the 1 x 7 inch handmade paper and glue the overlapping half inch, not too tight because you want it to slide off.

Your gift is ready to write your heartfelt wishes inside for your recipient to enjoy!

Valentine Mini Zig Zag Book

I enjoy using accordions for greeting cards and was happy that Arnold Grummer sells Zig Zag books with six sides. When I fold my own accordions I fold eight sides, as I do below with the handmade paper accordion. Then I cut off two sides to use for another greeting card. 

Supplies:

Arnold Grummer paper making kit

Blender, strainer, sponges, towels

Mini Zig Zag Book with covers

Books are 3 1/2 by 15 inches; Covers are 2 3/4 by 3 3/4 inches

Two pieces of scrapbook paper to decorate covers, 3 1/2 by 4 1/2 inches each

Scissors

Two photos, 1 inch to 2 inches square

Valentine Stickers

Draw 2 inch heart out of pink paper and cut out

18 inch ribbon 

Double sided tape

PVA glue & 1/2 inch glue brush

OPTIONAL:

Arnold Grummer Standard Paper Press

Closed Valentine Zig Zag Book - 2 3/4 by 3 3/4 inches

• Follow instructions in the Arnold Grummer paper making kit.
• Attach handmade paper to form an 18 inch by 3 1/2 inch piece
• Fold the handmade paper into an accordion by first folding in half, then each half to the center, then the other sides folded up to make eight folds.
• Cut off the 1st and 2nd sides so now you have 6 sides which will make the tunnel in front of the Zig Zag book. Now you have a 3 1/2 by 11 inch piece of handmade paper.

 

• Fold the handmade paper in half, pencil an opening 3/4 inch by 2 inches long; cut along pencil lines, then unfold to check straightness
• Cut other sides as pictured; I cut diagonally to have a diamond shaped opening for photos
• Hold each opening of the handmade paper up to the Zig Zag book valley folds to determine where to place photos in the Arnold Grummer Mini Zig Zag Book.
• Tape or glue the photos into the valley folds; glue the heart into the center valley fold.
• Use double sided tape on the edge of the mountain folds - as shown - to hold handmade paper book in place. Use sparingly and tape one fold at a time.
• Finally, use double sided tape on handmade paper ends to stick handmade paper book to mini Zig Zag book.

  

•  Use double sided tape in the middle of the ribbon on inside of the back cover to hold in place.
•  Glue scrapbook paper to covers using PVA glue as shown.
•  Use PVA glue on back of mini Zig Zag book ends to glue the book to the covers.

OPTIONAL:  Place book in Standard Paper Press overnight

I have owned this Paper Press since 1998! It is a fixture in my studio. I use it to press all my books.