FOLD A LITTLE SPACE
Make a Small Accordion Paper Journal
An accordion journal opens into one long strip, so a few observations can sit together without a sewn binding. Start with an ordinary strip of paper and make a practice version before attaching a cover. This small book is useful for a sequence of leaf sketches, color samples, or short notes. Keep the pages light: bulky additions make the folds difficult to close.
Start with your materials ↓
WHAT TO GATHER
Your starting kit.
- A strip of ordinary paper, about 10 × 60 cm
- Two card pieces slightly larger than the folded pages
- Ruler, pencil, and paper adhesive suitable for your materials
STEP 01
Mark equal panels
Place the strip horizontally and mark every 10 cm along the top and bottom. Connect the marks lightly with a ruler. Six equal panels will give a compact square journal; if your strip is shorter, use fewer panels rather than adding an uneven last page.
STEP 02
Fold in alternating directions
Fold the first line toward you, align the edges, and smooth it. Fold the next line away from you. Continue alternating mountain and valley folds so the strip collapses into a neat stack. Open and close it gently to check the alignment.
STEP 03
Prepare the covers
Cut two card covers just a little larger than the folded stack. Check for rough corners and trim them smooth. Decorate the outside before assembly, letting inks or adhesive dry fully so they cannot transfer to the pages.
STEP 04
Attach the end panels
Apply a thin layer of paper adhesive to the outer face of each end panel and attach a cover. Keep adhesive out of the moving folds. Follow the product drying instructions and protect your work surface from any excess.
STEP 05
Begin with a light sequence
Open the journal on a flat surface and add a pencil sketch or short note to each panel. Let wet media dry before folding it shut. Store the book flat and avoid forcing thick pasted objects between the pages.
Before you begin.
Do I need one long sheet?
A continuous strip is simplest. A taped join adds thickness, so keep any join within a panel rather than directly on a fold.
Can I use watercolor?
Only if the paper is suitable. Test a scrap and let every page dry before closing the journal.
Original editorial project guidance. Images are AI-generated concepts, not photographs of tested finished projects. Practice on inexpensive materials and follow tool and material instructions. Sources & approach.
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