Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Making File Folder Portfolios


Hi Everyone! Sorry about the hiatus, but I finally found some time to put together another video tutorial. And heeeeerrre it is......


Supply List
  • (2) 9-1/2" x 12" pieces of book board or chipboard
  • (2) pieces each 9-1/2" x 12", 5-1/2" x 12", 1-1/2" x 12"of scrapbook paper
  • (6) standard size manila file folders
  • Various Embellishments or stamps for decoration
  • Liquid Adhesive like Mod Podge or Yes Paste
  • Double stick mounting tape
I found my book board at www.paper-source.com Look under book binding supplies on their website.

Other ideas for portfolios:
  • Travel Planner to hold packing list, itinerary, maps, hotel reservations, tickets, etc.
  • Party Planner for guest list, shopping list, recipes, etc.
  • Wedding Planner to hold guest lists, contacts, thank-you list, etc.
If you have other suggestions/ideas please share them with us in the comment section.

Thanks for looking!

20 comments:

Two Happy Stampers said...

Your tutorial is awesome! Very clear and easy to follow. It made me think, "Hey, I can do this!" I will give it a try sometime soon. This project is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing!

JAY said...

Thank for that great tutorial...I gonna make it!!!

Conniecrafter said...

These are so pretty and neat idea, tfs!

Cindy W said...

Awesome tutorial. I am amazed at the clever ideas you come up with. I have a question thought, Why do you use the foam tape instead of regular sticky strip? Thanks for the tutorial.

Michelle Wedemeyer said...

To answer Cindy's question; I use foam mounting tape because it gives the file folders more support, especially if you want to stand the portfolio up on your desk.

Deanna said...

This is very cool! I'm lovin' these little video's you can do on the blogs now! Thanks for the info! I will certainly be making these! Wave Hello to Southern Cali for me! That's where I grew up. Have a wonderful day!

charlene.herter said...

Great project! Great video! As someone else said - watching your video makes me think I can do this too. It's very easy to follow.

kimberly said...

I love the tutorials you do! Ditto to the above comments-you make things look like a piece of cake!

I have a few questions, if that's alright...

1. Is there a reason why you used mod podge over yes! paste or pva?

2. What do you think about putting mod podge over the cover and back to better preserve the paper from scratches or little rips here and there? Do you think it would help at all?

Thanks!

kimberly said...

Oh, another question...

If I want to put in 2 pocket portfolios (keeps the papers from falling out) then would I have to increase the dimensions of the bookboard? (the cheap pocket portfolios [i.e. the ones I want to use] are 9.5 by 11.5).

If I were to keep the dimensions at 9.5 by 12.5 (for the bookboard), do you think that would make the portfolios fall apart/wear out quicker because it would be so flush against edge and not have that extra bookboard border protecting it?

Thanks, again!

cyndi said...

very cool! THANKS for sharing

Michelle Wedemeyer said...

To address Kimberly's questions:

1. I used Mod Podge because that's what I had on hand. But I think Yes or PVA would work just as well.
2. Yes I do think a coat (or two) of Mod Podge would help protect it. Just be sure you apply it in thin coats so that the paper doesn't stretch (when wet) and then buckle when it dries.
3. And regarding using pocket folders inside. I think you'll be okay using the same measurements (9.5 x 12.) The manila folders I used measure 9.5 x 11.5 too. But before you begin your project, lay your folders on top of you book board to be sure they don't "hang over" the book board. If they do, you'll want to be sure and cut your book board a little larger.

Love to see your project when you're done! Send me a photo and I'll post it here.

Best wishes,
Michelle

kimberly said...

I have yet ANOTHER question

ahh! so many!

Here goes...

Which mod podge do you think would be best (matte vs. glossy) if I coat the outside covers with the glue?

I suppose it's a matter of personal preference, but I wanted to know what you thought...

Thanks a bunch!

*I ask too many questions*

Michelle Wedemeyer said...

Hi Kimberly,

Yes, I think what Mod Podge finish you use is a matter of personal preference. I prefer matte finish.

Amy said...

Oooooh, this is WONDERFUL!!!! I can absolutely see doing this with the pocket folders and using them as Christmas planners!!! Menus, gift lists, receipts, etc..........Thanks for the inspiration and for the video!

Anonymous said...

Hi Michelle, thanks for the tutorial. You asked for more suggestions. I am thinking I will make this as gifts for coworkers at the office. They will love them to organize paperwork at their desks.
Laura

The Mrs said...

This is such a great idea! I have so many file folders from working at a legal place. Now I can use them for school when I make this! Thanks!

Angela said...

I love these! I'm going to make them for Christmas! Wonderful tutorial and pretty paper selections.

Anesha said...

What a great idea and a fantastic video. Thank you

mom2maddy2000 said...

Thank you for a great tutorial! Very easy to understand!

Stacy said...

Thanks for sharing this great project. I've been looking awhile for something just like this. I am a mixed media artist and needed something to file my sketches and ideas. This is just the thing.