I came up with this really cute and super fast project, which, I think would make great Christmas gifts.  It’s called Accordion 4 x 6″ Mini Album and as a SUPER THANK YOU to all my followers (blog and YouTube), I am providing the tutorial for free, which is below. I also made a Video Tutorial which has all the measurements and materials needed to make this project (also below).  So this post might be lengthy, but worth it.  These albums are addicting and I plan on make more, but I might try one smaller to hold 3 x 5″ photos.

This album holds a dozen plus pictures.  It has a pocket for photo mats, of which I only made two mats, but it can hold more.  You can always use baby paper and turn it into a brag book.

ACCORDION 4 X 6″ PHOTO MINI ALBUM

 

The first one uses the Graphic 45 Raining Cats and Dogs paper collection
The second one uses the Graphic 45 ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas paper collection
Inside: The top part has a pocket with two photo mats.
The pocket is magnetized so the photo mats don’t fall out.

 

Inside: The bottom part is the accordion page for photos.
Front Side

 

Back Side
TUTORIAL
Material List:
(1) 8 1/2 x 11″ Lightweight Chipboard
(3) 8 1/2 x 11″ Card Stock for Pages
(1) 8 1/2 x 11″ Card Stock for Pocket
(2) 8 1/2 x 11″ Card Stock for Tags (Makes 2 Tags)
(3) 1/2″ Magnets (Basic Grey)
(2) 1/4″ Magnets (Basic Grey)
(1) Tim Holtz Elastic Loop
(9) to (10) 12 x 12″ Pattern Paper (8 x 8″ paper will work also, but might need more than 10 sheets)
 
COVER
Cut the 8 1/2 x 11″ Lightweight Chipboard to 10 1/4 x 7″ and score at 5″, 5 1/8″ and 5 1/4″
Use a ruler to hold down your chipboard and then fold the chipboard on all three score lines.  I used a bone folder to run along the chipboard against the ruler to help with the folding.
Optional: Use a 1/4″ Corner Chomper on the corners of the chipboard.
Ink edges.  I used Tim Holtz Distress Ink “Black Soot” for this album.
PAGES
Cut out of Card Stock:
(2) 6 3/4 x 10″ – Score at 1/2″ and 5 1/4″ on the long (10″) side.
(1) 6 3/4 x 5 1/4″ – Score at 1/2″ on the short (5 1/4″) side.

 

Fold on the 1/2″ score line on 3 pieces, taper corners (which means to cut a corner at an angle up to the score line) and add tape to the tabs (1/2″ sections).

 

Inside the cover, we will attach one of the long pages (6 3/4 x 10″) to the bottom half of the inside cover.  Place the taped tab about 1/8″ from the score line and attach to cover.  Then fold on the second score line upwards.

 

Then take the second long page (6 3/4″ x 10″) and attach (with the first page folded shut) at the top of the first page.  Then fold on the second score line upwards.
Then attach the last piece (6 3/4 x 5 1/4″) just as you did before.
POCKET
Cut out of Card Stock, 4 3/4 x 7 3/4″ Score 1/2″ on the short (4 3/4″) side and then score 1/2″ and 7 1/4″ on the long (7 3/4″) side.  Fold on score lines, taper corners and add tape to your tabs (1/2″ sections).

 

Optional: Cut out a 2″ thumb notch or whatever thumb notch you prefer.  I used a circle die to do mine.
I like to remove the tape off the tabs and attach the sides to the bottom piece first and then attach to the inside cover.  Attach pocket about 1/8″ from the score line on the inside cover.

 

MATTING THE COVER
Cut out of pattern paper:
(2) 6 3/4 x 4 3/4″
Ink edges.
Cut out your embellishments for the front cover as well.
Optional: Corner Chomp with 1/4″ on the bottom 2 corners of both mats.
 Attach to the cover.

 

MATTING INSIDE BACK COVER
Get a 1/2″ Magnet and attach it to the back inside cover at 1 3/4″ from the top and centered (3 1/2″) from both sides.  Add a piece of tape over the magnet.

 

Cut out of pattern paper 6 3/4 x 4 5/8″, corner chomp with 1/4″ on the bottom corners.  Ink edges.  Then attach to the inside back cover leaving a 1/8″ border all the way around.
ELASTIC LOOP
You will need 1 Elastic Loop.  On the inside back cover, measure 1 1/2″ from the bottom, centered (3 1/2″ from either side) and punch a 3/16″ hole.

 

 

 Slide the metal part of the elastic loop into the hole from the back side and pull through.

 

 

MAGNET/POCKET/MATTING
Add two 1/4″ magnets to the front pocket.   Attach one magnet to the front of the pocket 2 1/2″ from the bottom of the pocket, centered (3 1/2″ from either side). (Second magnet is in a later step.)
Cut out of pattern paper: 6 1/2 x 4″ and cut a 2 1/4″ thumb notch.  Again, I used a circle die.  Ink edges and add embellishments (now or later).
To attach the 2nd magnet, add tape to the side that will attach the magnet to the front inside cover.  Then place the magnet inside the pocket (which will catch from the magnet on the pocket) with the tape facing away from the pocket.  Remove tape backing and close the pocket to attach the magnet to the cover.  Cover magnet (on the cover) with either tape, paper or a sticker.

(Ignore the larger magnet underneath, that comes later)

 

MAGNETS ON PAGES

The pages require (3) 1/2″ magnets, which you have already placed one on the back inside cover.  Starting from the back, place one section down.  Place the second magnet down on the page and add a piece of tape to the top of the magnet, if not already there.  Remove tape backing and close the opposite page to attach the magnet to it.  Then add a piece of tape over the magnet to secure it in place.  Then close all the sections and place the third magnet on the front page and add a piece of tape to it to secure it in place.

 

 

 

 

MATTING PAGES
Cut out of Pattern Paper:
(11) 6 1/2 x 4 1/2″
I used 1/4″ corner chomper on all 4 corners.  Ink edges.  Then attach all mats to pages, centered, leaving 1/8″ borders.

 

TAGS
Cut out of Card Stock:
(2) 6 1/2 x 4 1/2″
Cut out of Pattern Paper:
(2) 6 1/4 x 4 1/4″
I used 1/4″ corner chomper on all 4 corners.  Ink edges.  Then attach all mats to the tags, centered, leaving 1/8″ borders.

 

 

Here is the finished project, just wrap the elastic loop around the album to close it.

 

VIDEO TUTORIAL
The video tutorial shows you how to make the album and also gives you the material list and measurements.

 
 
HAPPY CRAFTING!

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