How to Create Zig Zag Landscapes
- Aanchal
- Jun 29
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 30
Accordion fold paper craft is a fun technique where paper is folded back and forth in a zig-zag pattern to create a unique base for your artworks. I created this landscape a while ago and posted it on my socials, but I was totally blown away by the response it got on Pinterest! A lot of people requested for a tutorial, so here it is! :D
Materials Needed
2 A4 Size Sheets (or a 50 x 21cm long sheet)
Coloured or Scrap Paper
Paints, Crayons, or Colour Pencils
Scissors
Glue
Tweezers (Optional)
Cutting Mat (Optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Plan your landscape and create a rough sketch.
Start by sketching your idea roughly on a sheet. Think in layers (background, middle ground and foreground), we'll be creating 5 visual layers in total for this collage style landscape.
Step 2: Measure and Cut Your Paper
We need a sheet that’s approximately 50 x 21 cm cm long. Start by taking one A4 sheet and trimming it to 20 cm along the longer side. Then, glue this trimmed sheet to another full A4 sheet along the shorter edge to create one 50 cm long strip.
Step 3: Marking the Folds
We want 4 folds to create 5 panels, hence each panel should be 10 cm wide.
Fold your strip in an accordion (zig-zag) style: fold one way, then flip and fold the opposite way, and so on.
Find free template at bottom
Step 4: Trimming the paper.
Here's how I divided my landscape into 5 layers:
Layer 5 (Back Panel): Sky (leave this as is, this is our background)
Layer 4: Clouds (cut the top edge in cloud shapes)
Layer 3: Distant houses, grass, and trees
Layer 2: Flowers and a house
Layer 1 (Front Panel): Tall grass
Step 5: Paint!
Start painting or colouring your base. Colour each layer using your chosen medium. Let them dry before moving on.
I painted all 5 layers and added lots of texture.
Step 6: Time to add all the fun details! I
Add all little bits and bring It to Life. Cut and paste trees, birds houses, flowers, or anything else from your scrap paper onto the respective layers. Use tweezers to help with tiny pieces.
And it's ready!!
Free Downloadable:
TIP: You can use the same concept to make more fun things. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials, like brown paper, textured sheets, or even old magazine pages and try out various art mediums.