I had great fun doing an art stamp demonstration at Bellevue Art & Frame recently. They are one of the newest retail locations that offer my new art stamp line, Layers of Color art stamps. I demonstrated how to use clear art stamps, stamping techniques like masking, and sharing many creative project ideas with other artists. Being surrounded by so much enthusiasm was uplifting!
This week I’m sharing my demonstration with those of you who couldn’t make it to the store in Washington state. Today, I’ll show you the accordion book made to showcase Layers of Color art stamps.
This folded accordion book features various cut-outs on each page which create decorative pockets to hold tags, ATC’s, etc. It’s made with 28″ X 22″ poster board, which can be purchased at office supply, art supply and some pharmacy stores.
Pretty designs are revealed on the inside of the pockets when they are empty. This book uses Layers of Color Royal Birds, Old World Flourish, Beaded Frames, Fleur Heart, Nature Walk, Architectural Blocks and Dotted Delights art stamp sets. All inks used in this project are by Tsukineko. I’ve added color by rubbing ink pads on the poster board and highlighted with white opaque gel pen. Details are created with studs, eyelets, brads and decorative scissors. The scalloped circle on the left pocket turns like a wheel with a brad as the pivot. As it turns it reads, “Hip Hip Hurray!”, “Yippee!”, and “LOL!” (Polka Dot Parade art stamps).
The back side of the accordion book is also decorated with direct-ink-to-paper technique and stamped with Layers of Color Nature Walk, Creative Flourish, Dotted Delights, & Renaissance Hearts art stamp sets. The covers are made with recycled cardboard edged in foil tape (hardware stores). The tape was cut with scalloped decorative scissors, applied to the edges, embossed with a pencil and then the indentations were colored in with a black Sharpie marker.
This shows the pattern for the accordion book. It’s fan-folded. Some of the pocket edges were made with punches, one was a torn edge and others were cut and folded.The full width of the paper is 19 1/4″. Each pocket section is 3 1/4″ wide and 4 1/4″ tall. This means that the entire poster board needs to be cut 19 1/4″ X 8 1/2″. Fold in half lengthwise, then make five even fan folds (alternating folding left to right at 3 1/4″). Punch, cut, fold, and tear top of each pocket.
Decorate both sides with inks, stamps, embellishments and fold lengthwise to close. Glue ends to decorated cardboard covers that are a quarter inch larger than ends, (3 1/2″ X 4 1/2″covers) . Be sure to sandwich some ribbon between them if you want to tie the book closed.
This would make a fabulous gift filled with love coupons, photos, ephemera, or verses & scripture for a special occasion. The tags and ATC’s that I made demonstrating various techniques, will be posted throughout the week.
This is a fun project with many creative possibilities! Enjoy, and may you have a colorful week!
