A Pocket Museum of Almost-Nothings

Fold a small museum for overlooked everyday treasures.

Time: 15–30 minutes

Your exhibits can be drawings or descriptions. Use ordinary paper; the tiny treasures can stay where you found them.

What you need

• paper
• pen

Try this idea

1. Fold a sheet into four accordion panels, alternating the direction of each fold.
2. Choose three almost-nothings: a shadow, a good wrinkle, a crumb-shaped island, or a remembered detail.
3. Give each of three panels a simple drawing or short description. Add a tiny exhibit title.
4. Use the remaining panel as the museum entrance. Name your museum and stand it up or fold it closed.

A smaller version

Draw a museum title and one exhibit on a flat sheet.

A good place to stop

A cover and one exhibit are enough to keep; empty panels can wait.

Make it work for you

Skip the folds and divide a page with three lines. Use large lettering or dictate exhibit labels.

Another way in

Fill the museum with three sounds described in words.

Keep exploring

• Find another small starting point: The Creative Starter Kit
• Share your museum in the community!