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| Reproduced from the May/June 2002 issue of Expression Magazine. | ||
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Accordion File Folders
by Lenna Andrews Foster |
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This project is not only beautiful, but also extremely useful. With an endless array of decorating possibilities, these easily created folders can serve as organizational tools for your own paperwork, including coupons and receipts. Perfect for holding gift certificates, tickets to shows, even money, these folders also make wonderful gifts. Originally an idea developed by Gaye Medbury, Lenna Andrews Foster has modified the project’s size to fit larger-sized envelopes. | |
| Materials |
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| One plain manila file Five A-7 size envelopes (5-1/4" x 7-1/4"), light in color, invitation style (pointed flap) Double-stick tape Ruler Pencil Scissors 1/8" OR 1/4" paper punch Adirondack dye-based inks (Ranger) |
Stipple brush or sponge Bone folder (optional, but helpful) |
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| Ideas Suggested Files and Labels |
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| Postal Keeper File: Stamps Mailing Labels Postcards Postal Stickers Stationery Receipts File: Groceries Clothes Travel Stamp Store Miscellaneous Welcome Neighbor! File: Good Restaurants Library Information Banks Groceries Local Stores |
Photographs: Family Friends Vacation Our Pet(s) To Send or Give Gift Idea File: Birthday (Family) Birthday (Friends) Anniversaries Weddings Just Because Stamps and Supplies File: Markers Ink Pads Stamp Images Embossing Powders Embellishments |
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| Instructions |
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1. To make a cover template, take a manila folder, keep it folded and using a pencil, measure a rectangular cover, 7-1/2" wide by 11-1/4" tall. Add a tab to the top of the rectangle (where it measures 7-1/2" across) by tracing a tab from another manila folder. Measure down the long 11-1/4" side and mark at 5-3/8" and 5-3/4". Measure down both sides of the folder and draw lines to connect. These will be the fold lines for the cover. In the middle of the tab, mark a spot to punch a small 1/8" hole for the ribbon. (See photo 1) 2. Cut out your cover. You will have two covers—one for use in the project and one to be reserved as a template. |
 Photo 1 |
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| 3. Punch a hole in the top tab, and using the cutting mat and craft knife, cut two horizontal slits (about 1/2" long) right in the middle of the fold lines. This will later accommodate the ribbon. Score and fold on the fold lines, to create a space that will accommodate your envelopes.
4. Using your choice of rubber stamps and dye-based inks, decorate both your cover and all five envelopes—don’t forget to decorate both sides and the flaps. Use a stipple brush or a sponge with some of the same inks to add a light stippled background to all of the pieces. (See photo 2) When the envelopes have been completely stamped, fold the flap to the inside of the envelope and seal it so that the envelope remains open. |
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| 5. On your work surface, place your envelopes in the sequence that you want them to follow inside the file cover. Use a small 1" piece of double-stick tape to affix the envelopes to each other, in the middle of each envelope, just under the flap. (See photo 3) BEFORE placing the envelopes inside your folder, thread the ribbon through the punched hole at the top of the file, over the back of the cover, through the two slits in the bottom and around to the front of the folder. |  Photo 3 |
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| 6. With double-stick tape, attach the last envelope to the inside of the back cover by placing one long strip of double-stick tape across just the very top of the back envelope. Then attach the first envelope to the inside of the front cover by placing double-stick tape along the “V” of the opening of the envelope. (See photo 4) The envelopes are attached to the cover in only these two places—the bottom of the envelopes are free to expand. Admire your work, place file labels on if desired, and enjoy! |  Photo 4 |
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| Order Your May/June 2002 Issue Here! | ||
