I love paper, books, albums, and blank journals. I used to buy dozens of blank books and then just keep them because I was afraid to use them and “mess them up” with a mistaken word or the wrong image. But, as a paper crafter, it was only a matter of time before I started to make my own by trying out bookbinding!



Books by Hand, a division of Lineco, is a well-known name in bookbinding and papercrafting. I received their Three Accordion Albums kit and I had to try it. Now, I was prepared to spend hours working on this, as it was my first time with this kit, but the simple directions, pre-cut papers and chipboard, and the pre-folded accordion pages made my part of the job easy! Within 45 minutes, I had three new accordion albums/journals that I could be proud to work in.

With pre-cut Yuzen paper to cover the chip board, scissors, a bone folder, pre-cut and pre-folded cardstock, and some gel medium, I was set to go.



The instructions took me step-by step through the process, and I have to say, after the first (small) album was completed, I felt like a pro!

These fun books can be stamped in, used as brag books, or even mini journals. Now that the shell is complete, I wonder how I’ll use the insides? Well, that’s for another article.

Try Lineco for additional kits to bring out the bookbinder in you!