Explosion Book with Pockets

A project from our live show Create and Craft - Toni and Teresa Collaboration Product Launch Show 2 - Broadcast 19TH Nov 22 · 19/11/2022 · watch it from 50:15

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Create an interactive explosion-style book from a single 12 by 12 inch sheet of patterned paper featuring delicate florals in soft pinks, greens and neutrals. This clever folding technique creates multiple fold-out panels that open to reveal pockets and spaces for cards, vellum, photographs and embellishments. The finished piece makes a beautiful keepsake album or gift that unfolds to display your cherished memories and decorative elements.

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Step by step

1. 

   Score a 12 by 12 inch sheet of decorative paper at 4 inches on all four sides using a scoreboard and bone folder.

   ▶ watch this step (51:30)
2. 

   Score the paper again at 8 inches to divide it into three equal sections of approximately 2.67 inches each.

   ▶ watch this step (51:45)
3. 

   Rotate the pink paper 90 degrees on your cutting mat so the longer edge is now horizontal.

   ▶ watch this step (52:00)
4. 

   Rotate the pink paper 90 degrees. Score at 4 inches (approximately 10 cm) from the edge using your scoring board.

   ▶ watch this step (52:15)
5. 

   Rotate the paper 90 degrees and score at 8 inches to create nine equal sections in total.

   ▶ watch this step (52:30)
6. 

   Cut from the outer edge to the first score line on alternating sections of the accordion fold. This creates the pockets for your explosion book.

   ▶ watch this step (52:45)
7. 

   Fold the cut sections back and forth along the score lines to create accordion-style folds for the explosion effect.

   ▶ watch this step (53:00)
8. 

   Fold the bottom corners of the vellum pocket upwards and back to create triangular flaps that will help hold items in the pocket.

   ▶ watch this step (53:30)
9. 

   Apply adhesive to the edges only of your panels to create open pockets. This allows you to insert cards, photos or embellishments into the pockets of your explosion book.

   ▶ watch this step (54:00)

Tips from the show

• There is no right or wrong way to fold the explosion book; you can fold sections in different directions
• Use double-sided patterned paper to show different designs on each side
• You can add vellum, cards, or other embellishments into the pockets created by the folds

More from this show

• Acetate Envelope Box with Coordinating Cards
• Watercolour Card with Fussy-Cut Florals
• Vellum Flower Embellishments

Written up from the show itself. See every guide from our shows · free how-to guides · watch live on My Telly