For this version of a mini book folded from one sheet of paper, the following diagram represents a normal sheet of 8.5 by 11 inch paper, which will make it about the same size as my Halloween book. You can use any size paper, though, as long as it's rectangular. A square piece of paper makes a square book.
1. Fold in half from top to bottom, and then in half again. Unfold.
2. Fold in half from side to side, and then in half again. Unfold.
3. Now you see the 16 blocks of the diagram, divided by the fold lines. Each of these blocks will be one page of your book.
4. There are 3 BOLD horizontal lines on the diagram. These are your cutting lines. It doesn't get much easier than this. Cut in 3 blocks from the left on top and bottom fold lines, and cut the center fold line 3 blocks in from the right.
5. When placing text or art on your pages before cutting and folding, you'll want to note that every other row is upside-down. Pay close attention to this model so that when your book is accordion folded, everything will be where you want it.
If you cut and fold a blank piece of paper, this will work out all by itself. You will have a blank book which can then be decorated as desired, page by page.
NOTE: This book only works with paper decorated on ONE side. Any pictures or text on the back side will be completely hidden by folding of pages.)
6. (folding) Hold the paper so page 1 is upright and begin accordion folding: Fold 1 over 2 and continue. When you get to page 5, it will fold UP underneath page 4, and so on. (Because this changes directions during folding, I believe this has been called a "meander" book.)
7. Adhere your book cover to the top side of page 1 and the back side of page 16.
Okay, was this easy enough for you? I whipped the Halloween books up while watching TV one afternoon.
Have fun. Feel free to E-mail me if I've left out something important or if you have questions in general.
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