How To: Make an Accordion File from Envelopes

Accordion files are a good solution for small pieces of loose paper: receipts, business cards, handwritten notes. It's fairly easy to make your own accordion file with a set of envelopes and some glue. Click below for the how-to...

Paper Source

step-by-step instructions with photos

Choose a set of flap-opening envelopes in the same size and style.

Glue the flap of the first envelope to the front of the second envelope. Repeat.

After your project dries, fold it up into an accordion file.

Paperama

Photos: Small Memo Pockets Book from Paperama, A2 Accordion File from the Paper Source

Comments (6)

Okay, but this seems like a lot of work for something you can buy at the Dollar Store.

Lisa,
In case you need disposable ones?

*shrug* I gave it my best shot. I'm more in line with you.

It would be a good way to recycle envelopes received with junk mail. Reuse! The Dollar Store may seem cheaper at first, but there's a cost to the carbon footprint.

If it was reusing old envelopes, I guess I could see that. But you can't. Not easily anyway.

You have to glue the flap of one onto the other. Used envelope flaps (glued down already) are really difficult to lift off in one piece!

Actually, you can get up flaps by steaming. It takes patience. I think this would make a fun project for kids with some supervision. Kid's like things with pockets. Great way to use up Christmas card envelopes.