If you’ve ever held a pop-up squash book in your hands, you know it’s full of charming surprises. This playful, interactive structure—sometimes called a “dragon book” for the way it folds and unfolds like an accordion—is small in size but big in creative impact. With their fold-out, origami-style pages and pop-up appeal, these books are endlessly fun to make and even more fun to fill.
Whether you’re a bookbinder, a parent, a collage artist, or simply someone who loves a good DIY project, this unique structure opens the door to so many creative ideas. Below, you’ll find eight inspiring ways to use a squash book, plus a free tutorial at the end so you can make your own.
What Is a Squash Book? A Fun and Foldable Handmade Book Structure
A squash book is a handmade structure created by folding and assembling squares of paper into a collapsible, interactive form. It “squashes” closed when folded but pops open to reveal layers of pages that unfold like a surprise. Part book, part origami, it’s a delightful format that invites exploration and play.
This versatile design is perfect for both beginners and seasoned makers, and it only takes a few simple materials to get started. Whether you use it as a journal, an art piece, or a thoughtful gift, the magic is in how it opens—revealing a world of creative possibilities with every fold.
Mini Album: Turn Your Squash Book Into a Pocket-Sized Memory Keeper
Looking for a fun and compact way to preserve special memories? A squash book makes the perfect mini photo album. Print small square photos and adhere one to each page. You can theme the book around a vacation, a birthday, or even a “day in the life.” Add hand-written captions, stamps, or washi tape to personalize each fold. It’s also a wonderful handmade gift idea for loved ones.
ABC Book for Kids: A Creative Alphabet Learning Tool with Beginner Words
A squash book is a charming way to help little learners explore letters and sounds. Turn each page into a visual flashcard featuring a different letter of the alphabet and beginner words like apple, ball, or cat. Add simple drawings or use stickers and collage to bring each word to life. This project is especially fun to make with kids or to gift to new parents as a personalized keepsake.
Use a Squash Book as a Mini Art Journal for Daily Creativity
Sometimes, a small space invites the most creativity. Use your squash book as a mini art journal where each panel becomes a pocket-sized prompt. Fill the pages with collage, quotes, tiny watercolors, Zentangle tiles, or doodles. Because the format is compact and informal, it’s perfect for breaking through creative blocks or keeping up a daily practice with minimal pressure.
Showcase Gelli Prints and Paste Paper in a Pop-Up Art Book
If you’re a fan of gelli printing, paste paper, or any kind of surface design, a squash book is the perfect way to showcase your artwork. Use the square panels as tiny canvases to highlight your favorite prints, textures, or patterns. Arrange them by color, mood, or theme, and let the pop-up format add an extra layer of surprise and delight. This is a great way to turn your stash into something special.
Interactive Greeting Card or Gift Card Holder with a Handmade Touch
Tired of giving plain store-bought cards? Transform a squash book into a meaningful, interactive greeting. Each fold can reveal a personal message, a photo, or even a pocket for a gift card. Decorate it with the recipient in mind—think birthday wishes, a retirement note, or even a proposal! It’s a keepsake they’ll treasure long after the occasion has passed.
Create a Travel or Nature Journal Using a Fold-Out Squash Book
Take your squash book outdoors! It makes a wonderful field journal for quick sketches, pressed flowers, or written reflections from a walk, hike, or trip. Each folded square can capture a single moment: a leaf you found, a view you sketched, or a quote that grounded you. It’s small enough to tuck in a pocket or daypack and makes a beautiful memento when you return home.
Make a Swatch Sampler: Display Fabric, Stitches, or Handmade Paper
Crafters and book artists: this one’s for you. Use your squash book to organize and display swatches of fabric, embroidery stitches, or handmade paper samples. The folded structure allows you to create themed or color-coordinated collections in a tidy, portable format. It’s also a helpful tool to bring to classes or workshops.
Tell a Visual Story: Turn Your Squash Book Into a Mini Zine or Storybook
The unfolding nature of a squash book makes it ideal for storytelling. Use it as a mini zine or storybook—each fold becomes a page in your tale. Write a poem, illustrate a scene, or tell a visual story in sequence. This is a fun project for kids, writers, and zine-makers alike. You can even use pop-up or cut-out elements for added surprise.
Try Our Free Watercolor Squash Book Project—Perfect for Beginners!
Feeling inspired? Let’s make one together!
We’re offering a free tutorial that will walk you through how to make a watercolor squash book from start to finish. It’s beginner-friendly, requires just a few supplies, and includes creative tips for making it your own.
Click here to sign up for the FREE Watercolor Squash Book project!
(No prior experience needed—just your curiosity and a little time to play!)
Whether you use your book for art, memory keeping, or storytelling, this project is a joyful way to explore creativity through paper and paint.
🎨 When your squash book is complete, feel free to share it with us on Instagram! Just tag @vintagepagedesigns—we’d be thrilled to see your work and share in the joy of your creativity.
HI! I’M ALI MANNING
Years ago, I learned about handmade books, and ever since then, I’ve been hooked. I love creating new designs, learning about different techniques, and expanding my collection of paper. But what I love most about bookmaking is the community.
Through Vintage Page Designs and the Handmade Book Club, I’ve met thousands of other passionate bookmakers, mixed-media artists, and crafters. We all share a love of book arts and crafting, just for the joy of it.
I believe that bookbinding and book arts are for everyone, regardless of skill level or equipment. All you need is a little creativity and, of course, paper!
It won’t let me sign up for your emails.