How to Make a Paper Fold-Out Book (Easy Kid Craft)
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Looking for a simple paper craft that kids can personalize and make their own? This paper fold-out book project is an easy, creative way for kids to make their own mini books — perfect for storytelling, journaling, or art projects.
We first made this years ago around Thanksgiving as a gratitude book, but it has since become one of our favorite all-purpose crafts. It’s fun, colorful, and gives kids endless ways to fill the pages — from drawings and poems to stories or nature sketches.
Supplies You’ll Need
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5 pieces of paper (different colors look great!)
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Scissors
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Glue stick
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Ribbon, yarn, or rubber band (optional, to tie it closed)
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Markers, crayons, or colored pencils for decorating
Instructions: How to Make a Fold-Out Book
1. Prepare the Pages
Start by folding each piece of paper into a perfect square. To do this, fold one corner diagonally across to the opposite edge, then cut off the extra strip of paper.
Each square will become one “page” in your book.
2. Make the Creases
Fold your square in half from side to side, then unfold. Repeat the fold in the opposite direction.
Next, fold corner to corner in both directions, unfolding between each fold.
Press in the corners gently to make all the creases flexible. This gives the book its accordion-style folds.
3. Assemble the Fold-Out Strip
Once all your pages are folded, overlap the corners of each page slightly and glue them together with a glue stick.
You’ll end up with one long, connected strip of colorful paper squares — your fold-out book!
4. Decorate and Fill the Pages
Now comes the fun part! Kids can:
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Write stories or poems
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Draw pictures of favorite things or family memories
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Make an art journal
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Record nature finds or travel adventures
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Write kind notes or affirmations
Originally, my kids made these as “Thankful Books” — each page had something they were grateful for. My daughter drew and wrote about family, home, and nature. You can easily adapt that idea for any season or theme.
5. Add Finishing Touches
Fold up your book accordion-style. You can tie it closed with ribbon or yarn, or just let it pop open for display.
Add a title to the front and the author’s name — it’s their very own handmade book!
Why We Love This Craft
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Great for storytelling, gratitude, journaling, or art
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Uses simple supplies you already have
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Perfect for classrooms, homeschool, or family craft time
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Encourages kids to express their thoughts creatively
See More Paper Crafts and Activities:
Six Paper Tricks That Seem Like Magic!
How to Make a Book With One Piece of Paper
