Flagbook

Background
The Flagbook is a kinetic concertina structure invented by Hedi Kyle. As you will see, she has created many concertina book structures! The first slide below is one of hers, made from mica! Other artists featured in the slideshow are Sarah Matthews (D.C.), Susan King (CA/KY), Dea Fischer (Canada), and Karen Hanmer (IL).

Materials
  • Concertina accordion paper strip 6"x16"
  • Twelve strips for flags: 1 and 15/16" x 7.75"
  • Cover boards: 6.25" x 4.25"
  • UHU glue, book paste

Examples in ASU Rare Books & Collections ​
Guidelines
  • Fold in 4" on either end of concertina strip for endsheets, then fold the middle section into eight 1" sections
  • Fold flag strips in half and glue together with UHU glue
  • Glue two flags onto the left side of the first mountain fold, lining the first one up to the top of the concertina accordion, and the second to the bottom.
  • Glue a third flag to the right side of the first mountain fold, centering it between the first and second flag. There should be about 1/16 of an inch between the flags.
  • Continue to glue the rest of the flags to each mountain fold, gluing two in one direction on one side of the fold, and one in the opposing direction on the other side of the fold.
  • Cover your two boards with either book cloth or paper each individually. 
  • Glue the endsheets, one at a time, and carefully center onto your covered book board.
  • Press book in nipping press or under weight at home.
Artist Examples & Class Demos