Tutorial: Accordian Spine journal

The inspiration for this is actually from the “envelope accordion journal” in Decorative Journals by Donna Downey. I made this 12-page journal for Abby’s 1st grade teacher with envelopes decorated by Abby and some of her classmates. The other supplies I had on hand. Each envelope contained a card with a quote from students saying why they liked their teacher (i.e. “I like Mrs. Smith because…”).

So here we are, my first tutorial. It’s not too complicated, I hope.

What you need:

  • 6″ x 18″ cardstock (I took two pieces 6″ x 12″ and overlapped the ends, then cut to proper size)
  • (2) 6″ x 9″ pieces of bookboard or heavy cardboard (I used the end of a legal pad)
  • (2) 8-1/2″ x 11″ pieces of decorative paper/scrapbook paper (for cover)
  • (2) 5-3/4″ x 8-3/4″ pieces of decorative paper/scrapbook paper (for inside covers – I used black)
  • label holder/bookplate and hardware (optional)
  • 12 envelopes (Size A9 which is 5-3/4″ x 8-3/4″) (to be decorated however you like)
  • 12 pieces of plain cardstock, trimmed to 5-1/2″ x 8″ (also to be decorated)
  • Other supplies: glue stick, drill (hand or battery), twine, holepunch, ribbon

Take your 6″ x 18″ cardstock and fold back and forth like an accordion every 5/8″. It was easy using a scoring edge on my paper cutter, and marking every 5/8″ first. Make enough valleys for 12 pages, cutting off extra paper if you need to. Set aside. Cover your cardboard pieces with the 8-1/2″ x 11″ decorative sheets, folding at corners first and then edges.

Accordian spine book

Before you attach the accordion spine and covers, place your label holder on the front cover… punching holes and using the appropriate fasteners.

Front cover

Lay the covers backside up. Make sure you have them in the right position if your paper has a definite “direction”. Attach each end of the accordion to the covers… one at the front, one at the back, and then adhere your black cardstock to cover all edges and seams. Set aside.

Attach accordian to covers

Prepare your envelopes by sealing the flap, and them trim 1/4″ off the right hand edge. My envelopes were already decorated, so at this point, you can draw, paint, rubber stamp all over your envelopes. Attach the envelopes into each valley with a little glue to keep in place. I tried to glue towards one side of the fold.

Attaching pages in valleys

Now for some fun…Drill two holes through the front cover, accordion and back cover. You might have a crafting hand drill… clearly, I do not. I’m using my power drill on low, and a block of wood underneath the book. (I love my Makita!) Use a drill bit that’s slightly larger in diameter than your twine.

Drilling holes for binding

After drilling the holes, feed your twine through and tie into a knot in the front. It’s a little tricky, but twisting the twine while threading it through, will help.

Twine binding

Looks like a book

Take the plain cardstock and decorate or embellish how you wish, or leave blank for you to fill in as you journal. The children’s quote were printed in one font and in similar styles. (Quote shown is for example only.) Punch holes in the cardstock on one side, middle-ish, and attach decorative ribbon or string. I fold ribbon in half, feed the folded side through the hole, which makes a loop, and then pull the “tail” end through the loop that was just made.

Inside pages

You can see one decorated envelope a little better here. Slide the finished cards into the envelopes, and your journal is done.

Completed journal

The envelopes were actually recycled. I had the students submit their favorite recipes which turned into the cutest scrapbook-cookbook for their teacher (other part of the class gift)! They sent their recipes back in the envelope which I provided for them. Basically half the class participated in this one and almost everyone participated in the cookbook. Such nice projects!

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