Three-Envelope Accordion Album with Pockets

A project from our live show STUDIO 3 - Industry News - Join Toni LIVE broadcast 10th April · 10/04/2022 · watch it from 7:45

Transform three everyday envelopes into a sturdy accordion-style album with hidden pockets and decorative flaps. This project creates a beautiful gift album perfect for photos, postcards, or memorabilia, using simple folding and gluing techniques with no complex measuring required.

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Step by step

1. Carefully tear or open three envelopes along the side seams, separating the front and back panels without creating holes if possible. ▶ watch 11:30
2. Trim away any excess paper from the opened envelopes to neaten the edges. ▶ watch 12:00
3. Apply glue down the short side of the first envelope and line it up with the flap of the second envelope. ▶ watch 14:45
4. Fold the first envelope over and press it down firmly to connect it to the second envelope. ▶ watch 15:00
5. Repeat the gluing and folding process to attach the third envelope to create an accordion structure. ▶ watch 15:30
6. Cut decorative paper pieces (approximately 5 by 7 inches or just under) to fit inside each envelope section. ▶ watch 17:00
7. Glue the decorative paper pieces into each envelope section, positioning them close to the inner edges. ▶ watch 19:30
8. Turn the album over and glue coordinating cardstock pieces to the back cover. ▶ watch 24:15
9. Mark cutting lines on the back cover with a pen, then trim to size using a guillotine to create even edges. ▶ watch 29:30
10. Create side pockets by gluing strips of paper down the sides and across the base of the front cover. ▶ watch 43:00
11. Add decorative embellishments such as die cuts, images, or postcards to personalise the album covers and pockets. ▶ watch 45:30
12. Optionally add a belly band or closure mechanism such as a hidden magnet or clasp to keep the album shut. ▶ watch 48:00

Tips from the show

• Do not throw away the off-cut triangles from your A4 paper pieces—these make excellent pockets, sliders, and belly bands.
• If you have a corner punch, round off the corners of your cardstock to match the envelope shape.
• You can use envelopes in different colours and patterns; black and craft-coloured envelopes look particularly good.

Written up from the show itself. See every guide from our shows · free how-to guides · watch live on My Telly