Make a Sweet File Folder Portfolio Folio - DIY Craft Tutorial

Making a Sweet File Folder Folio

A file folder folio is a fun and easy craft to create a cute little portfolio for storing notes, lists, photos and other small paper items. Also called a file folder journal or file folder scrapbook, it can be customized in endless ways to suit your personal style. This sweet folio project is perfect for crafters and artists looking for an outlet for creativity during a sleepless night!

Gather Your Supplies

To start this easy DIY file folder folio, you will need:

• File folders - pick out a variety of patterns and colors
• Scrapbook paper - coordinate with your file folders
• Washi tape
• Stickers
• Rubber stamps and ink pad
• Hole punch
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors or paper trimmer
• Adhesive - double-sided tape, glue stick or glue dots

Gather all your supplies together in one place before you begin your crafting session. This will allow you to work seamlessly as the creative ideas start flowing.

File Folder Prep

Start by taking your file folders and trimming them down using a paper trimmer or scissors. You want the finished folio to be smaller and more compact. Trim the folders down to about 5 inches wide across the bottom. Then trim the tabs off the top of the folders so they are evenly rectangular. Now use the hole punch to punch holes near the left edge of the file folders. This allows you to connect them together into a little book later on. You can punch 2 or 3 holes, evenly spaced.

Decorate the Folders

Here is where you can really tap into your creativity! Use scrapbook paper, washi tape, stickers, stamps and more to decorate the file folders however you please. Some ideas include:

• Gluing cut-outs of patterned scrapbook paper onto the folders
• Layering strips of coordinating washi tape across the bottom
• Stamping words or images with ink
• Adding stickers of your favorite themes like flowers, animals or inspirational words
• Using patterned paper punches to make shapes from patterned paper and gluing them on
• Collaging magazine cut-outs in a patchwork style

The options are endless! Feel free to cover the folders completely with your decor or leave some of the original colors and patterns peeking through.

Assemble the Portfolio

Once your folders are trimmed down and fully decorated, it's time to assemble them into a folio. You can use ribbon, string, paper clips or metal rings to connect them together. Simply thread your connector of choice through the holes you punched earlier and tie, clip or ring them together. For a more polished look, cut pieces of cardstock that match the size of your folio. Adhere the cardstock pieces to the inside covers with adhesive to make the folio feel more like a little book.

Fill Your Folio

Now the fun part - fill your file folder folio! Look around for any small paper items you can tuck inside. Here are some ideas of what to add:

• Lists, notes or recipes written on notecards
• Photos and other memorabilia
• Quotes, lyrics or poems you love
• Magazine clippings related to your interests
• Stickers, washi tape or punched paper scraps
• Blank note cards and envelopes
• Anything small and paper!

Get creative with how you compile and arrange all the little details inside your folio. Change it up anytime you feel like by switching out items or rearranging.

Display Your Folio

Now that your file folder folio is complete, how will you display it? Prop it up on a desk or shelf so the pretty cover is showing. Or store it in a bookcase with other treasured books and journals. When insomnia strikes, pull out your folio for some late night crafting or list making. It also makes a thoughtful gift for a friend or family member. No matter how you use your file folder portfolio, it will provide hours of enjoyment and inspiration. So unwind, get crafty and unleash your creativity with this easy DIY folio project. Crafting is a calming activity and your unique file folder creation will be a sweet memento you can treasure.

FAQs

What can I use to decorate the file folders?

You can use scrapbook paper, washi tape, stickers, stamps, magazine cut-outs and more to decorate the file folders however you like. Get creative with different colors, patterns and textures!

How do I attach the file folders together?

After punching holes near the left edge of each file folder, you can use ribbon, string, paper clips or metal rings to connect them together into a little portfolio book.

What are some ideas for decorating techniques?

Some fun techniques for decorating include layering patterned washi tape, gluing on cut-outs of scrapbook paper, stamping designs or words with ink, adding stickers, using paper punches to make shapes, and collaging magazine clippings.

What types of items can I include inside my folio?

You can fill your folio with lists, recipes, photos, memorabilia, quotes, lyrics, poems, magazine clippings, stickers, punched shapes, note cards, envelopes, and any other small paper items you want!

How do I display my finished file folder folio?

Prop up your folio on a shelf or desk to show off the cover, or store it on a bookcase with other books and journals. You can also gift your handmade folio to a family member or friend.