Accordion Pocket

Hello!

Today I have making some accordion pockets to go in scrapbooks I am making, so I thought I would show you how to make them.

The one I will be showing you is one I am making to go on the inside cover of a scrapbook but I have also made another one this morning with file tabs in to keep in my handbag, all I did was cover the back with paper too so it didn't look messy. 

You will need:

• C5 Sized Envelopes
• 6''x 6'' Decorative Papers
• Paper Cutter / Ruler & Scissors
• Scoring Tool
• Adhesive (Double sided tape is easiest for this)
• Magnets (Optional)

I am using magnets for my closure but you can use any type of closure you want. These also look really cute with the string closure.

First you need to cut your envelopes at 4 1/2'' from the bottom, like in the picture.

You can cut as many envelopes as you want, but you want at least 4 otherwise there isn't enough stability and it might rip when you open it. I am doing 5 today.

Next you need to stick all of your envelopes together to create an accordion. I find that double sided tape works the best as it gives you straight lines so your pocket opens neatly. Place the tape on pockets as I'v shown in the picture, making sure to leave about an inch at either side. Line all your envelopes up together making sure the openings are all at the top.

Using the top part from one of the envelopes, seal it shut and from this edge you want to score at 2'' and then at 2 1/4''. This will give you enough depth for up to approximately 8 envelopes with photos in. If you are wanting it deeper just change the score line. So, instead of 1/4'' between, you could but 1/2''. Then on the open edge, cut diagonally down from the score line. This will make the finished pocket look neater.

Now you can stick the flap you just made on to the back of the pocket. Make sure to line it up with the edges of your pocket so you don't end up with a wonky flap.

If you are using magnets, you want to stick them on now so you can hide the tape under the decorative paper. I just use duct tape to secure my magnets on, because it is quick and strong enough that they won't be pulled off when I go to open the pocket. Make sure your magnets line up and that the positive side of one is to the negative side of the other, otherwise you won't be able to close your pocket.

Now you just need to add you decorative paper. The piece on the flap is 6''x 1 3/4'' and the larger piece is 6''x 41/4''. I also add a piece on the inside of the flap to hide the magnet which is also 6''x 1 3/4''. If you covering the back you will need a piece that is 6''x 4 1/4''.

Then add any embellishments you like and voilà! 

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial and get creative with it. 

Stay Inspired

Amy

xxx

No Cut Gift Bag

Hello!

The other day I made some bath bombs for a friend a work and I wanted a bag or box to put them in for her, to make them look more professional rather than just giving them to her loose. So I've come up with a gift bag that is really easy to make... literally a 3 year old could make one. I've tried to take photos showing how you make it but my photography skills aren't that good so bare with me and I will explain all.

You will need:

• A4 Paper / Card
• Ruler
• Scoring tool (optional, you can just fold)
• Adhesive
• Hole Punch
• Ribbon

First of all, you need to score or fold your paper at 1 3/4'' down each side length ways. And then turn your paper so its horizontal and score or fold at 3/4'' and 4 3/4'' from both directions. You should end up with something looking like this...

Then this bit is slightly tricky to explain but I'm going to try my best. You need to fold in the long side panel and bend it back on itself at the 4 3/4'' fold so the edges of the paper lines up... something like this. And you need to do this on all four score lines.

Now you need to add your adhesive to the long edges of paper and stick down. It doesn't matter if you use wet glue or double sided tape, as long as you don't go over the diagonal score line and you only keep to about 1/2'' from the edge it will still work. 

Now fold those two long panels into the center and bring the two ends up to meet at the top. You can either leave it here and close it with a pretty sticker over the top, or add Velcro to the inside to Velcro it shut. Or you can add some holes with your hold punch and thread a ribbon through and tie it off with a big bow just like I have.

There are so many possibilities with this bag and once you've made a couple and got the hang of it, you can start experimenting with sizes by folding at different measurements like I have. You just have to make sure that where ever you fold on one side is mirrored on the other side, otherwise you end up with a wonky bag! :)

So I hope you have fun with this and go crazy making loads like I did!

Stay Inspired

Amy

xxx