Camera Series #1 Accordion

 Good day all,

Still deep into winter here in Northern Alberta, one moment its -40, the next a blizzard, then +4 and melting.  That's right Alberta can have all seasons in one day- its charming....right?

I have decided to start a camera series and here is #1 Accordion.

Figuring out the accordion fold took me 2 days, 10 sheets of cardstock, and a trip to Staples for a protractor but I got there in the end.  

I made the camera box out of foamcore then covered with textured cardstock, you can't paint foamcore directly because it will warp.  I also used paper hinges to hold everything together so gluing paper on top also hide the paper hinges.  Paint the camera box with brown acrylic paint, once dry sand.

Next ink with black soot distress ink, the ink settles into the sanded portion and wipe off the excess ink.  I let that sit overnight then painted with gloss gel, I wanted it to look like varnished wood.

I made file folders for the camera box, covered with paper, inked then cut out the center for a photo.  To add flare I added pattern paper, tags, and paper die cut elements around edges of photo cut out.  Next added some painted chipboard, the key was to glue the chipboard on the paper on the inside of photo cut out so no extra height is added to the file folders and they still lie flat.

I used a paper hinge on the bottom of two file folders, one you add the photos, glue the file folders close.  Picture will be on front and back.

Once you add a photo you can't see the back of the file folder, the paper and chipboard make a fun funky frame.  I realized after my photo wasn't the best choice considering chipboard tree rings and leaves.

I designed the lens with several layers of chipboard shapes once painted and glued together BOOM camera lens.  I painted the inside of the lens dark blue then covered with dimensional mod podge once dry it looks like glass.

I made the base with foamcore rails then the chipboard supports are glued in to hold the paper accordion in place.

Next put it all together and it looks amazing!!! Very happy will it.  It is going to be baby shower gift for a friend- she told me she likes antiques.  I also distress and ink chipboard pieces makes it looks older and also hides and painting and construction imperfections.

The hinge base is glue into the rails on the base and along the side of the camera box.  The lens support are glued onto the lens base, and attached with brads then the supports are glued into the rails.

Added some brads, metal ruler, metal porthole frame around lens, metal handle, and metal coin.  I added a panel at the top of the camera box then brads along the edge.  The foamcore worked really great, the thicker material is more realistic, sturdier, and the brads stick into the foam portion; all around win.

The file folders fit in the back of the camera box, use the tabs to pull out.

Next I think will be a vintage movie camera.