ATC CONCERTINA
This is a really simple, but effective idea, using just one sheet of 12" x 12" patterned paper - something most of us have lying around but don't like to use too much of.
Click to enlarge
SUPPLIES
One sheet of 12" x 12" patterned paper
Scor-it - or a Ruler, Pencil and Embossing stylus
Glue or double sided tape
Inks - I used Glimmer Mists, Adirondack inks and Stewart Superior Jet Black
Stamps (optional): I used I Brake for Stamps Sassy Ladies (1 & 2) plus a Simple Expressions Words background and the Tim Holtz Flourish from the 'Take Flight' cling set. On the second one, I used Time to Stamp 'Glamour Girls' plus JustRite words
ATCs to put into it!
INSTRUCTIONS
1 First of all, prepare your ATCs, if you haven't already done them. I used a non stick Craft Mat and, after giving them a good shake to distribute the mica powder, sprayed several toning colours of Glimmer Mists on it, keeping them separate so that the inks don't muddy. Since I wanted the background to be pretty pale, so that the stamped images would show, I chose lighter colours, then sprayed one of two A5 sheets of white card with water. Taking this, I turned it face down over the sprayed Glimmer Mists, to pick up the colour. Spray the other A5 card lightly, then lay down over the top of the one you've just added colour to, smoothing down with your hands. (It's messy, so if you're worried about your hands getting inky, wear rubber gloves!) Let the card dry or heat set. Use up the remaining Glimmer mists with other pieces of card, until the inks run out. Cut card to ATC size (3.5" x 2.5" - or 3.3/8" x 23/8" as I did here, then layered them onto ATC size backs) then add inks and stamp as you prefer. When they're completed, give another quick spray with the Glimmer Mists, to add a little more glitz.
2 The first step is to fold the paper in half, but before you do this, look at it carefully and consider the pattern. If it follows a definite direction, you'll need to bear this in mind when you fold it. If you don't want it to be upside down (particularly if it contains text), then it may be better if you fold across it, so that it goes vertically, rather than horizontally. Remember that you're going to fold the bottom flap up, so even though it may appear to be following the right direction on the front, it won't be on the inside pockets - or vice-versa. If the paper is thick, then you'll need to score it first, at six inches. Once folded, glue it together, so that you have a double thickness of double sided paper.
3 Measure and score again, across the length, at the two inch mark, then fold up to create the ATC pockets. Do NOT adhere.
4 If you're going to add more colour, then this is the time to do it. Spray with the Glimmer Mists and/or sponge with inks to customise your paper. I added Eggplant inks to blend the colours to those of the ATCs I was using. I then stamped with the text stamp, masking as necessary, and overstamped with the Tim Holtz Flourish. Having done that, I gave the pocket side a quick spray with the Glimmer Mists, masking the inside to keep it clear. I finished it off by running the top of an Adirondack Acrylic Dabber (Eggplant) around all the edges. Set aside to dry, or heat set.
5 To hold the ATCs in place, with the flap folded upwards, using a craft knife and a metal edged ruler, make two 1/2"slits at the top of the pocket flap, roughly 1/4" down from the top and 1/8" in from the outer edges, going through to the front of the concertina. Make two more slits in the same way, just inside the first folds on each side. Thread a length of ribbon through each pair of slits, going from the outer side to the inside and back again. This secures the pocket and keeps the ATCs in place but it also doubles up as a fastener. Fold the concertina and simply tie the ribbons together at each side for a nice finish. Look at the photo of the blue concertina, below, to see what I mean.
6 Attach another ATC to the front of the concertina and it's complete. If you have one of those photo corner punches, punch out four photo corners and attach to the ATC, then attach it by the photo corners only - the ATC can then be removed if desired.
