Interactive Pocket Album with Hidden Hinge System

A project from our live show FREE PAPER-CHAIN WORKSHOP - Join Toni for her latest paper album project - Broadcast 14th July 23 · 14/07/2023 · watch it from 12:45

A six-pocket mini album with a hidden hinge system that allows pages to flip open and closed. The pockets can hold small gifts like chocolates, tea, vouchers or notes, making it perfect as a personalised keepsake or gift box.

You will need

Stamps By Me - Classic Celebration 8 X 8 Paper Pack - 151122CSEE IT

DOWNLOAD THIS GUIDE (PDF)

Step by step

1. Cut an A4 sheet of white card at 3.5 inches using your guillotine or trimmer. ▶ watch 16:00
2. Score the 3.5-inch strip at 2 inches, then at 4 inches, then at 8.5 inches, then at 10 inches to create fold lines for your box structure. ▶ watch 17:30
3. Cut a rectangle of white card measuring 4.5 by 3.5 inches from the offcut and glue it to the base of your scored piece to complete the box carcass. ▶ watch 19:45
4. Cut three strips of patterned paper from your 8x8 sheets at 3 inches wide to create your hinge system pieces. ▶ watch 22:15
5. Score each hinge strip at half an inch down the left side, turn it around and score half an inch on the right side to create fold lines. ▶ watch 25:30
6. Trim away the bulk from the corners and edges of each hinge piece using scissors to reduce thickness and make them easier to work with. ▶ watch 27:45
7. Glue the hinge pieces inside each other in size order, largest first, spacing them evenly to create your hidden hinge system. ▶ watch 28:30
8. Cut six pieces of 8x8 patterned paper in half at 4 inches to create your pocket bases. ▶ watch 30:15
9. Score each pocket piece at 4 inches up from the base, then score half an inch on the left and half an inch on the right to create the pocket fold. ▶ watch 31:30
10. Trim away the bulk from the pocket corners and cut away one hinge on each side to prevent overhang when gluing. ▶ watch 36:00
11. Punch a decorative circle in the centre of each pocket using a 1-inch or 2-inch circle punch to create an opening. ▶ watch 42:00
12. Glue each pocket onto the hinge system in your chosen order, keeping them level and not gluing right to the score line so the book moves freely. ▶ watch 49:00
13. Glue the completed hinge system with all pockets into the base of your album box, keeping it straight and centred. ▶ watch 58:00
14. Create a closure by circle punching white card and patterned paper, gluing the patterned circle halfway so it protrudes and slots behind a matching circle on the front cover. ▶ watch 59:30

Tips from the show

• Don't glue your pockets right to the score line or your album won't move freely.
• Trim away bulk from hinge and pocket corners to prevent stress on the folds and ensure neat closure.
• You can embellish your pockets before or after gluing them into the album, depending on your preference.

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