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

Matchbox DIY

Hello!

Today I have a matchbox tutorial for you.I know there are tutorials out there already but they all seem to be videos which a lot of people out there can't keep up with including me!
I get sick of having to stop and start the video every 30 seconds and then I lose track of what I'm suppose to be doing.
So I thought I would make a tutorial myself that you can follow at your own speed. This one will have a lot of photos but I've tried to make it easy to follow and I will even show you how to make a bow at the end. :)

You will need:

• 2 x A4 card (2 colours)
• Glue
• Scoring tool
• Scissors
• Envelope Punch Board
• Gems / Diamontes

First to create the box tray, you will need to cut one piece of card stock to 6'' x 6''. Then you need the envelope punch board and punch at 2'' on one side and score down the guide. Rotate your card 90 degrees and punch at 3'' and score. Rotate again and punch at 2'' and score. Rotate again and punch at 3'' and score. Your card should look like this...

Next you want to line up each of those score lines that meet the edge of the page with the pointy bit that comes out of the punch. Punch and score at each of these points. Here's a picture to help you line up your score lines.

You should end up with a rectangle in the middle, with two large flaps at either side and two small flaps at the top and bottom. On one of the small flaps, you need to fold the first score line and punch a notch in the center of that fold to create the little pull hole so you can open and close the box.

Now you need to fold all of your score lines and also makes another fold by folding the triangle into the rectangle as pictured below...

Once you have done this on all four sides your card should look something like this... 

If you look at your card, you will notice that in between each triangle there is a little square in each corner. You need to cut down one side of each of these squares. These squares with become little glue tabs to keep your box together. 

Now you have finished with all the cutting and scoring on this part, it needs to be all stuck together so apply glue to the triangles and between score lines and fold into center of box making sure to secure the squares inside the long edges of the box as shown... 

Now this part is optional, you are going to make a base for your box tray to make it look a bit neater. If you are putting tissue paper in or anything like that, I wouldn't bother with this bit as the bottom will be covered anyway.

To make the base, you need to cut out a piece to 2 1/4'' x 3 1/2'' and simply glue to the bottom of your box tray. 

Now that's the hard part over, now you just need to make the wrap around bit to slide your box into. All you need to do for this part is cut a piece of card to 6 3/4'' x 3 3/4''. Score at 1 1/4'', 2'', 4 3/8'' and 5 1/8''.
Fold along all of these score lines to make it easier to wrap around your box. Then add a line of glue to one end and fix to the opposite end. Sometimes its easier to do around your box. 

Now you can either leave it plain like this or you can embellish with whatever you like. I am going to put a bow on mine and I will show you how to make one that's fits perfectly using the envelope punch board again.

You need to cut a piece of card to 1'' x 71/8''. Punch each end using the envelope punch board to make it look like the ends of ribbon. 

Now you need to punch down each side at 1 1/2'' and 3 1/2'' then flip it over and punch each side again at 1 1/2''. It should look something like this... 

Curl the two sections in the middle with a pencil or a bone folder to help bend them like a ribbon. 

Now add a small amount of glue into the center of the bow and if you are using patterned paper, the glue needs to go on the back. Bend the other two thin sections to meet up to the middle making sure you bend the ends out again. It should look like this...

Apply some glue on the back of your bow and stick it to the top of your box. I have added 3 pearl gems into the middle of my bow but you can put anything there from diamontes to a small embellishment or even add a tag if it is a gift. 

You can use these match boxes for anything from gifts to storage for paperclips and little things like that, even advent calenders with 24 of them glued together.
I will post a blog one day showing you all the different things I have made with these matchboxes to give you some inspiration. 

Hope you've enjoyed this tutorial and find it easy to follow and have fun making matchboxes!

Thank you so much and if you have any requests or help with anything just comment below and I will try my best to help. :)


Stay Inspired
Amy
xxx