Accordion Sketchbook Art Project for Kids • Kids Activities Blog

School-aged kids will learn to make an accordion sketchbook in this fun project. We’ve included a free printable template to make this lesson easy for home or classroom use.

Why Make A Sketchbook?

Artists may choose to create their own sketchbooks for many reasons, including:  The freedom to create any size sketchbook, their choice of paper quality and binding, ability to combine multiple types of paper within one book, and so on!

Related: Try another easy method for making your own sketchbook!

Supplies Needed to Make An Accordion Sketchbook Art Project

• Paper – Preferably 18×24 Inches, But Any Size Will Work
• Scissors

Optional:

• Printable Template – Download Below
• Thin Cardboard – Such as Food Packaging
• Colored Paper
• Glue
• Ruler
• Binder Clip, Rubber Band, or String – To Keep Sketchbook Closed When Not In Use

Download the Accordion Sketchbook Printable Template Here

Print this template to have on hand for a quick reference on how to fold and cut lines when making this accordion sketchbook. Simply fold along the dotted lines and cut along the solid lines.

Directions to Make an Accordion Sketchbook

Step 1

First, hold paper horizontally and fold in half. Crease. Unfold.

Step 2

Next, fold both the left and right edges of the page into center line. Crease. Unfold.

Step 3

Then, turn the page vertically and fold in half, crease, unfold.

Step 4

Next, fold both the left and right edges of the page into center line. Crease. Unfold. Paper should now be divided into 4 horizontal rows and 4 vertical columns.

Step 5

Following the first horizontal crease line, cut across 3 columns. This should leave the paper attached along the bottom of the folded 4th column.

Step 6

Starting from the opposite side of the page, cut along the next horizontal line, across 3 columns. Alternate and cut along the last horizontal line and 3 columns. If done correctly, you should be left with a long zig-zagged strip of paper.

Step 7

Next, refold along crease lines using an accordion, or fan fold. This technique alternates folds front to back and then back to front to complete your sketchbook pages.

Step 8

If desired, begin creating a cover for your accordion sketchbook. Cut 2 thin pieces of cardboard slightly larger than your folded sketchbook page. Also cut 2 pieces of colored paper slightly larger than the cardboard pieces.

Step 9

Then, glue colored paper onto cardboard. Trim edges of paper at a diagonal before folding and gluing excess paper to the underside of the cardboard. Finally, glue to attach one cover to each end of the sketchbook.

Finished Accordion Sketchbook Art Project

I love how easy it is to make my own Sketchbook! These projects are now ready to use which allows us freedom to create art anywhere!

Our Experience Making this Accordion Sketchbook Art Project

We love making these accordion sketchbooks! Our personal favorite paper to use for this project is an 18x24inch sheet of watercolor paper, which creates a 4.5x6inch accordion page. The thicker paper is a bit trickier to fold, but we love the freedom that it allows us with our supplies. Also, the sturdier paper makes it a bit easier to draw on the go when a firm surface isn’t always available.

Accordion Sketchbook Art Variations

• Use a heavier bodied paper for a sturdier book. Note: Using a thicker paper does make it a bit more difficult to fold and cut.
• Explore various sized paper to create sketchbooks in multiple sizes.
• Explore different types of binding and cover options to create different looks for your sketchbook.

Fill Your Sketchbook With These Fun Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog

Did your kids like making these accordion sketchbooks? What are they going to draw in it first?