Make a Pocket Accordion Journal for First Signs of Spring
Give the first muddy walks of spring a place on paper. This little journal unfolds into one long view, so you can sketch a line of buds across several panels or give each walk its own dated page. It closes to roughly 7 by 10 cm and needs neither staples nor a sewn spine.
Cut the pages and covers
- Two 10 by 28 cm strips of drawing paper, about 120 gsm
- Two 7 by 10 cm rectangles of cardstock for covers
- Ruler, pencil, scissors, glue stick and a smooth spoon for creasing
- Optional: 45 cm of narrow ribbon for a loose wrap
Mark each strip at 7, 14 and 21 cm along both long edges. Bring each pair of marks together across the width with a crease, alternating the folding direction each time. Rub gently along each crease with the back of the spoon. Stack the folded panels and check the edges before applying glue.
Join two strips into seven panels
Open both strips on the table. Overlap the last panel of the first strip and the first panel of the second strip completely. Before gluing, fold them together to confirm that the creases on either side of the overlap bend in opposite directions. Flip the second strip over if they do not. Coat one overlap face thinly with glue stick, align the edges and press the two panels together.
Collapse the accordion and attach a cardstock rectangle to each exposed outer face. Keep the glue within each panel so it does not bridge a fold. Leave the closed journal under a heavy book until the covers lie flat and the glue is dry.
Make the folds work for you
If a cover prevents the first page from opening fully, it probably crosses the crease. Lift it before the glue sets and align it with the panel edge. Keep wet paint off the folds; a pencil or colored pencil travels better. Date entries on one side and reserve the reverse for longer sketches. Tie the ribbon loosely around the closed booklet rather than fastening it through the paper.
