Project of The Month

Squash Books

As shown in Extravaganza 2001 by Dawn Eichsteadt and Diane Martin

Supplies Needed: ~Three (or any odd number) square pieces of cardstock or B&T paper ~Stamps and inks of your choice ~Scraps of coordinating cardstock and/or B&T paper ~Adhesive ~Mat Board (1/4 the size of your squares, plus 1/4") ~Ribbon ~Paper Trimmer

Assembling the Squares: *Start by layering your squares out on the table the follwing way* ~Lay the first folded square with open end pointing up. ~With the square still folded, apply glue to the exposed area. ~Stack the next folded square on top of that with the open end pointing down. ~Apply glue to the newly exposed areas. ~Repeat, alternating open points "up" and open points "down" until you have the desired amount of squares.

Square Squash Fold Steps: ~Fold a suare in half, from bottom to top.  If you're using B&T paper, fold with the pattern facing out.  ~Open the square and fold it in half from side to side. ~Re-open the square and turn it over. ~Fold diagonally, just once.  Re-open and turn square back over. ~Hold it in the palm of your hand, mountain fold, facing up, with your thumb on one end along the diagonal fold and your forefinger on the other end along the diagonal fold.  Use a finger on your other handto press down in the centerwhile pinching in on the diagonal fold, bringing the fold up and together while it collapses/squashes into a little square. ~Repeat with all squares.

Front and Back Cover Assembly ~The front and back covers of the book are made with a square piece of mat board that is cut 1/4" larger than the finished size of the folded squares.  ~Cover the mat board with a piece of B&T paper that is cut 2" larger than the size of the mat board.  Miter al four corners to the backside of the board and glue.  ~Stamp and decorate cover as desired.  You can add beads, charms and other trinkets as well. ~Add a ribbon inside of both covers to have your book tie on the sides. ~Glue the pages of the book inside the covers.  The ribbon is tied on the sides (or front) to keep the book closed shut.

Tip: ~When making a smaller size book, pages made out of B&T paper are fine, but you will want the extra stability of cardstock with a larger book.

Artwork by Sandi Dempsey

Outside View of the Squash Book unfolded.  Partial view.

Inside view of the Squash Book unfolded.  Partial view.

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