A flexible article is provided having a core formed from a plurality of laminar panels that are inter-connected to provide an expandable structure upon movement of the panels away from each other. Opposite ends of the core terminate, in a pair of end panels whereby the end panels may be moved apart to expand the expandable structure. Each of the panels are made from wood material. The panels, for example, include two wood sheets with longitudinally oriented grains and a flexible backing sheet that is sandwiched and adhered between the two wood sheets.