Happy Wednesday! I was happy to see such positive comments on the Monday Challenge, I had intended to do a basic tutorial on making an accordion fold mini album, but I thought I'd incorporate the idea of doing a monthly "Currently" into the project as well. I've made this album twelve pockets large, perfect for on "Currently" sheet and photo each month. At the end of 2012, I'll have a snapshot of me throughout the year.
First off, you'll want to score a 12x12 piece of cardstock into thirds (at 4 inches and 8 inches), then you'll cut that 12x12 in half, so you have two 6 inch pieces. Fold them accordion style and glue together by overlapping two of the flaps. A 12-pocket album will use six–6 inch strips glued together.
Once your accordion is glued together, cut twelve 3 " x 4" rectangles and punch a half hole on one of the 4 inch sides. Then glue a rectangle to the right side of each two page spread. To get all twelve, you'll also be using the back of the accordion to house your pockets and photos.
I then printed off the questions and cut them into 3" x 4" rectangles. I also cut up a sheet of calender bingo cards from the Year•o•logy collection from Simple Stories (all patterned papers and stickers are from this line). I slipped the questions and the calendar in the pocket. When I answer my questions, I'll circle the date on the calendar, clever, no?
The final step is adding the cover. I cut a 6" x 12" piece of paper, scored it at 4.5" and 8.5" then glued the back page of the album to that scored part. Then I scored at 3.5" and 9.5" so the cover would fold up and around the accordion.
Decorate as desired, you can add a ribbon to hold it all together if you'd like. And there you have it, an accordion mini album, waiting to be filled.
Good luck! ~ Emily
Awesome idea! Where did you get your "currently" questions? I need to do this. Thanks for sharing, honestly!
Posted by: Laura Church | November 16, 2011 at 10:38 AM
This is cute! Would make a great present for a friend!
Posted by: Barbara Staradumsky | November 16, 2011 at 10:45 AM
LOVE LOVE L.O.V.E. it!! Can't wait to do my own!!
Posted by: Dena Kasner | November 16, 2011 at 10:55 AM
What a GREAT GREAT idea to capture a year! Love it! Thanks for a great idea!
Posted by: Kathy P | November 16, 2011 at 11:16 AM
Very cool! I am going to make two of these for my DIL who is having another baby. This will keep her up to date on pictures to be sure she gets one each month of each child! Thanks for the idea!
Posted by: Cindy Lou | November 16, 2011 at 11:29 AM
What a fantastic project, I love it.
Posted by: Betty Anne Orr | November 16, 2011 at 11:29 AM
laura, the "currently" questions are from my friend tina, if you look back to monday's post, there's a link to her blog.
Posted by: emily pitts | November 16, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Love this. Where did the questions come from though? I want to make some of these for gifts for Christmas for my nieces.
Posted by: Lisa | November 16, 2011 at 11:38 AM
What a fantastic mini!:)))
Posted by: Gisele | November 16, 2011 at 12:01 PM
What a great idea.
Posted by: bunnyfreak | November 16, 2011 at 12:50 PM
Love this mini book! Thanks so much for sharing this. It could be used for birthday reminders, event dates, etc. Its a adaptable idea and we all know how essential that is when you make cards, paper crafts, etc!
Posted by: Abigail Torres-Soto | November 16, 2011 at 12:57 PM
I love this idea! And it seems fairly quick to do which is a big consideration in my life!
Posted by: Jeannine H | November 16, 2011 at 01:07 PM
questions are here in this post from monday :)
http://j.mp/uBVc7E
Posted by: emily pitts | November 16, 2011 at 03:05 PM
Great idea! I will definitely have to make one of these for myself and a few as gifts. What a wonderful memory to leave behind someday.
Posted by: Jenny Kozar | November 16, 2011 at 03:32 PM
This ROCKS!
Posted by: Kathy Martin | November 16, 2011 at 03:50 PM
What a great idea. I love the look of the whole book. Might even give this one a try.
Posted by: Beneta | November 16, 2011 at 04:29 PM
Fantastic project! Thanks for the great directions :)
Posted by: Rosie N. | November 16, 2011 at 04:44 PM
Awesome idea and wonderful to have i ready to go for pictures and journaling as desired!
Posted by: Colleen | November 16, 2011 at 05:09 PM
So darned cute!
Thanks for sharing :-)
Posted by: Barb in AK | November 17, 2011 at 02:20 AM
Splendid course!
Certainly I will use it:).
Posted by: Niebiesko_Oka | November 17, 2011 at 02:42 AM
Super project and an awesome tutorial.I can see many uses for a project like this-thanks so much for sharing this with us.
Posted by: NanaBEthW | November 17, 2011 at 06:23 AM
How cute is that? I think I am going to make one and do an Advent calendar for Christmas. Then tuck fun holiday things in each pocket! ex. bake cookies, go carloing!
thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: sanrda E | November 17, 2011 at 11:09 AM
very cool!
Posted by: cort | November 17, 2011 at 11:36 AM
So cute! and Simple!
I'm also wondering where the currently questions are from?
Posted by: NinaN | November 17, 2011 at 11:48 AM
so very cute ...
Posted by: Gisela | November 18, 2011 at 11:09 PM