Poured Accordion Fold: Bookbinding for Imperfect Enthusiasts

Pour, fold, and release - explore consistency through paint, paper, and fresh perspectives

In this class, we’ll embrace the power of consistency through an accordion-fold art journal, created from a massive sheet of paper transformed by paint pouring. This process mirrors the creative cycle - first, we release blockages by letting the paint flow freely, then we fold the paper into something new, discovering fresh perspectives along the way. Through journaling, we’ll further explore the themes of flow, repetition, and adaptation, proving that showing up doesn’t mean doing the same thing over and over - it means allowing yourself to evolve while staying in motion. Just like creativity, consistency isn’t about control—it’s about letting go, shifting perspective, and showing up anyway.

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Consistency in creativity can feel like a paradox - how do you show up again and again without things getting stale? The answer: by letting go. In this class, we’re going to literally pour it all out, fold it into something new, and discover fresh perspectives in the process.

We’ll start with a massive sheet of paper (because why think small?), flood it with glorious, unpredictable paint pours, and then - when it’s all dry - we’ll fold and cut it into a modified accordion journal. This method naturally creates unity across the pages, but thanks to the folding, each section forces you to zoom in, crop, and view the piece from a different angle. It's like turning your life into a flipbook—same story, new perspective.

Just like with art, consistency in life means making space to release what’s in the way. Think of this as a creative exhale (or, if you will, a nose-blowing of artistic blockages). And at the end? We’ll add journaling through a cathartic release. Because sometimes, the best way to keep showing up is to get the words out of your head and onto the page.

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This is part of the Get Messy Plus 2025 series:

Bookbinding for Imperfect Enthusiasts

Your journal is more than just pages - it’s a container for your creativity, your experiments, and your beautiful mess. In Bookbinding for Imperfect Enthusiasts, we stitch together stress-free, handmade journals designed to hold your art, your thoughts, and everything in between. No perfection required - just curiosity, play, and a love for the process. Whether you’re binding your first book or your fiftieth, this is a space to explore, embrace imperfection, and go deeper into your art.

Come as you are, leave with a journal that’s perfectly imperfect.