A few sheets of paper with some precise folds are all you need to create this wonderful keepsake. And once you fill it with precious photographs and memories, it becomes a very special gift for friends and family.

Tools and Materials
1 sheet of 18-by-24-inch watercolor paper
Ruler
Bone folder
Utility knife
Twin Tack double-sided tape
Mat board
Decorative paper
Grosgrain ribbon
Fabric glue
Photo corners
Scissors
Marker
Sponge

Album How-To
1. To create the pages, turn the watercolor paper so it's horizontal, and measure and mark every 7 inches on both long sides. Using the ruler as a guide, score lines connecting the marks. Fold the paper accordion-style along the scored lines. Cut off the remaining length of paper, leaving a 1/2-inch-wide tab.

2. Turn the folded paper so it's horizontal, and measure and mark every 5 inches. Using the ruler as a guide, cut the paper into 5-inch-wide strips, yielding three sections.

3. To assemble the sections, cut a strip of Twin Tack, and adhere it to a tab. Join the tab to a nontab end of another section, making sure that the folding pattern is continuous. Repeat with the third section to make a nine-page album.

4. To create the front and back covers, cut two pieces of mat board about 1/8 inch larger all around than the album pages. Cut two pieces of decorative paper about 1 inch larger all around than the album pages. Back the decorative paper with Twin Tack, peel off the protective backing, and adhere it to the mat board. Use a utility knife to trim excess paper.

5. Back the front cover with Twin Tack, peel off the protective backing, and center the accordion pages on the mat board. Press with bone folder to secure. Repeat for the back cover.

6. To make a ribbon slip to tie around the album, wrap a piece of grosgrain ribbon around the book to find the length you need; make it a little loose so it's easy to remove once the pictures are in place. Fold in the ends, and use fabric glue to secure them together.

7. Place photo corners on the photos. Wet the backs of the photo corners with a damp sponge, and press them firmly in place on the page.

Resources
Strathmore watercolor cold press paper, mat board, Twin Tack double-sided tape, and photo corners are available at art-supplies stores. Marbleized paper can be purchased at Kate's Paperie.

Special Thanks
Special thanks to Martha Kostyra for demonstrating this craft.