We've been creating accordion books recently, inspired by Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord's new book, Handmade Books for a Healthy Planet.
Handmade Books for a Healthy Planet is filled with book projects based on different formats (scroll, accordion, comic book, slat book), with historical background and how-to information. She especially encourages using recycled materials for the books, including
newspaper, paper bags, used wrapping paper, and cereal boxes.
First, we made a couple of accordion books (it was a joint effort) with newspaper, which was a lot of fun and involved the hole punch. Always a big hit! Then I thought of trying it with Maia's large easel paintings (with her permission) both to keep to the spirit of Susan's recycling message as well as to give new life to a couple of Maia's many paintings.
We folded the paintings in half lengthwise, then into the accordion, following Susan's instructions. I cut out the covers from a cereal box (for one book) and from cardboard in our paper remnant box (for the second book). We decorated the covers with fabric collage then glued them onto the fronts and backs of the books.
For one of the books, Maia dictated a story, and for the other, she dictated a get well message. Both were made for friends. I think this four page accordion format is about our (her) speed right now. Just enough space, but not too much.
But I'm also looking forward to trying other book formats and projects from Handmade Books for a Healthy Planet. I feel like a whole new creative avenue is opening up for us through making books!
