There’s something uniquely delightful about working in a handmade journal and letting creativity spill across the pages. Lately, I’ve been diving into my very own and first, accordion-concertina art journal, that is part of the Art Sparks online course by the ever-inspiring Joanne Sharpe (@joannesharpe). If you’ve ever taken one of her classes, you already know how her imaginative approach fuels fresh ideas and brings your creative energy to life. If not, I can’t recommend her courses enough—every lesson feels like a personal invitation to play.

My first few journal pages are coming to life with vibrant layers of color, cut-out flowers, and collaged whimsical shapes—all brought together with two delightful little pockets tucked into the left and right sides. While I might go back and add a few more details here and there, I’m giving myself the gift of time—letting the ideas simmer, evolve, and grow organically. This slow, joyful approach is a beautiful reminder that art doesn’t always need to be rushed. It’s not about the finish line; it’s about what we learn along the way.

What’s stood out to me in this process is how art journaling builds a daily habit of learning. Each time I sit down, I discover something new—about color, composition, or even my own creative moods. Sometimes it’s a technical insight, like balancing a busy page; other times, it’s simply about letting go and enjoying the moment. Art journaling invites constant exploration, and the accordion format makes it all the more playful and satisfying as it unfolds.

If you’ve never tried working in an accordion-concertina journal, I highly recommend giving it a go. The continuous flow of the pages invites new perspectives and ideas that just don’t happen in a traditional book layout. There’s something magical about seeing your artwork stretch and connect across folds—it feels alive.

Have you ever experimented with this kind of journal? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s chat!

Wishing you a wonderfully creative weekend, thanks for stopping by!

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