Accordion Memory Book

comments icon 5 comments

Memory Book for Your Spouse

Have you seen this super sweet video that chronicles an entire relationship on gum wrappers?! I’m seriously swooning over how sentimental and beautiful it is!

I am always looking for a fun way to chronicle all the memories that I make with my spouse! This year for an anniversary gift, I created a super fun accordion-style memory book that is filled with all sorts of nooks and crannies to place pictures, loves notes and more! Today I will share with you how to make your own Accordion Memory Book in just 3 easy steps – it’s even cuter than gum wrappers!

Accordion Memory Book

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. To learn more about ’em, click here.

Not only is this Accordion Memory Book super fun to look at it – it is super fun to make! PLUS with our designer Crystal’s help making your own memory book is super easy and decorating is a breeze!

Just 3 Steps:

STEP 1: FOLD

Accordion Memory Book Template

Our printable design makes it easy to make all the correct folds for this accordion memory book! The colored squares show exactly where you need to fold! Accordion Memory Book Instructions

First, fold your square in 1/2, open it up and then fold it in half again the other way.

Accordion Memory Book Folding Instructions

Next, fold along the diagonal line – from corner to corner.

Accordion Memory Book Visual Instructions

When you open up your paper you should now have folds that make a plus sign and a diagonal fold through the center. You can see how the printable design colors visually show you where to fold – makes it easy right?

STEP 2: ATTACH 

Accordion Memory Book Ideas

Take your newly folded papers and lay one of the squares on top of a square from another paper. Use adhesive to attach the two squares together.

Accordion Memory Book Directions

You can use this same method to connect as many papers as you want. For my book I connected 3 papers and it provided plenty of spaces for adding pictures.

Accordion Memory Book Example

Your last and final step to make the book fold together is tricky to explain but luckily I found this easy-to-follow video tutorial from Crafty Nest that shows you visually how to fold the whole book together.

[youtube]https://youtu.be/__9_KZi_tpE[/youtube]

STEP 3: DECORATE 

Accordion Book Gift Idea

Now it is time to decorate your book with all of your special memories! You can cover all of the unique folds with pictures, quotes, love notes and more!

Accordion Book Memory Book Photos

Start by cutting your pictures into various square and triangle shapes to fit inside the folds of your book. If you’re looking for an excellent paper trimmer to help cut your pictures into the perfect triangle shape we love this one!

Accordion Book Design Embellishments

Then select your favorite printable design elements that fit with your vision for your book!

Accordion Book Gift Idea

You can then mix and match which pictures and embellishments you want to pair together!

Accordion Book Anniversary Book

With so many adorable embellishments – there are so many possibilities!

Accordion Book Anniversary Gift Idea

Finally, use adhesive to place your pictures and embellishments throughout the folds of your accordion memory book.

Accordion Book Memory Book Gift Idea

Don’t worry too much about all of the pictures and quotes facing the same direction. Part of the fun of this book is all the unique folds and directions! There isn’t a “right” or a “wrong” way!

Accordion Book Instructions

When you open the book – it should explode with pictures, memories and more! Each fold has a special story or memory – fun right?

COVER

If you REALLY want to go all out you can even create a cover for your book.
Accordion Memory Book Cover

Start by cutting a 4.5 x 4.5 inch  square out of some sort of hard cover surface. For my book I used some white foam board but you could use cardboard from a cereal box or even real book binder’s board.

Next, place the cover design face down and fold the edges up and over your square cover. Tape the sides of the paper down to the cover (if doesn’t have to look pretty – it will be covered up soon!)

Accordion Book Connecting the Cover

Finally use adhesive to attach your accordion paper folds to the inside of your cover! Do this for both ends and that is it!

Accordion Book Anniversary Gift Idea

To decorate the front cover I added my favorite photo and an embellishment that said “Memories” – perfect for this anniversary gift!

Accordion Memory Book Gift Idea

For the backside I kept it simple and just added a cute embellishment – easy!

Accordion Book Anniversary Gift Idea For Spouse

And there you have it! Your very own Accordion Memory Book – the perfect gift for so many occasions! You can tie it together with some cute baker’s twine and you have one FABULOUS gift!

To get your free printables and make your own accordion memory book – first stop by Crystal’s shop A Well Feathered Nest and let her know you are grateful for her sharing this beautiful design with you!

Then, download your Printables here:

Free Download

ACCORDION MEMORY BOOK PRINTABLES

Printables Designed By Crystal @ A Well Feathered Nest Exclusively For The Dating Divas

Sarina

I met my husband, in a beginning ballroom dance class at the age of 15. He was my first crush, my first date, and twelve years (to the day) later we married. Together we enjoy traveling the world, and, of course, going on creative dates! I am a former theatre teacher who now stays at home with a spunky little boy. I love dancing, hosting parties, photography, organizing & chocolate!

Learn more about Sarina
Free 7-day Program

One week to a better marriage.

Sign up now and get our 7 Days of Love Program absolutely free!

Husbands or Wives
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

You Might Also Like

diamond iconWe love your comments

We LOVE hearing from our readers! Thanks for leaving us some love!

Recent Comments

  1. I just made this for my boyfriends Valentine’s Day care package (he is currently deployed). It was seriously SO easy and I kept with a Valentine’s Day theme on each section, putting random pictures of us, quotes, a sappy message, and even conversation hearts with sweet things on them! My only requirement for him and this care package is that he FaceTimes me when he opens it because I can’t wait for him to see this! Thanks for the awesome tutorial!!!!

  2. The website looks great! This accordion memory book will be a great stocking stuffer. I started it already, now all I need is the pictures, and it’s easy to do. Love it!