Accordion Card Making

In honor of my Dad's 90th Birthday I recently made him a huge accordion card with 90 candles.

These accordion style cards are fun to make and can be created in different sizes and shapes. I decided to try and use items that were currently in my art space since it is so hot here in Texas, and I was not looking to go out and shop when it is 105 degrees. The only thing I ended up buying were the pictures I had copied at Walgreens.

So how did I make it?

I started off with a bronze colored card stock that came in an assorted package from Michaels. It was just in my stash!

I selected a sheet of 11" x 8 1/2" card stock and cut it in half to 4 1/4" x 11"

I scored and folded each piece in half.

I used a decorative tape that was about 1 inch wide to join the pieces together.

I also applied the tape so that it would show on the back only.

This is where you have to decide how big your card or booklet will be. I ended up putting 9 candles on each page and wanted a front and back cover so I used 12 panels according to my needs.

Next, I used assorted papers and old birthday cards to make the candles. I used a small Fiscars paper cutter to make them 1/2 inch by 3 inches. I used a glue stick to place them on the card stock.

There is a free candle with flame on Cricut Design space if you want to cut them out on your machine.

When adding the flames, I considered just painting them on.. but I had left over glitter iron on vinyl scrapes, and I ended up making a flame on Canva. I uploaded it to Design Space

and cut them out on my Cricut.

Yes you can use iron on vinyl on paper... just heat lightly with an iron.

You could also use card stock or whatever you have handy.

If you have students making a book, they could use magazines or anything from your scrap box.

This could also be a great way to create a mini sketchbook or Book about Me!

Finally I added covers on the front and Back... again to keep my theme cohesive I used my Cricut and regular vinyl for the front and back lettering as well as scrap paper.

Here is the final card!

My dad and my stepmom were pretty excited since cards are a big deal to them. It also put into perspective how many years 90 really is. My husband has a significant Birthday coming up so I may have to make him one as well. Have fun creating!

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