Folders are the easiest way to organize things, especially when you have different topics or projects to keep separate and tidy. If you are tired of the usual folders or if you like to use your creativity a little, you can easily create your own folders with just a few sheets of paper.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Create a Simple Folder with Pocket
Step 1. This method requires two sheets of 28x43cm wrapping paper
If you have larger sheets, cut them out to size.
Step 2. Take the first sheet of wrapping paper and fold it in half along its length
With the sheet folded, you should end up with a measurement of 14x43cm.
Step 3. Then take the second sheet and place it inside the one folded in half
Line up the 43 cm long corners when inserting the second sheet.
Make sure the bottom corners of the second sheet fit snugly into the crease you created in step 1
Step 4. Fold the two sheets in half
With the two sheets together, now fold them both to the width. This means making a fold along the 28cm side of the whole sheet, which would be the 14cm side of the previously folded sheet.
Once folded, this larger sheet should be 21.50x14cm, and the smaller one will have pockets on the bottom
Step 5. Use the stapler on the sides of the pockets
After folding the sheets in half, the center fold will be the rib for the folder, and the first sheet you folded in step 1 will form the pockets. To keep everything together, use a stapler to close the pockets along the side of the folder with the stitches.
- You can also close the bottom of the folder with the stapler, in order to strengthen the pockets.
- This folder comes with four pockets - two on the inside and one on the outside of each cover.
Method 2 of 2: Create a Durable Pocket Folder
Step 1. This method requires three sheets of 21.60x28 cm paper to create the folder
In general, the heavier the paper you use, the stronger the folder will be. Card stock is preferable, followed by wrapping paper, but regular printer paper is fine too if you can only use that.
- The dimensions in this case assume that you will use the folder mainly for storing protocol sheets. If, on the other hand, you want to use it to store printed sheets that are already 21, 60x28 cm in size, then you will need to use three slightly larger sheets. However, the size of the sheets has no influence on the rest of the process.
- If you have to use regular printer paper, use six sheets instead of three and use glue stick to double each sheet by joining them in pairs.
Step 2. Take two of the sheets of paper and align them so that they perfectly overlap each other
If you choose paper that is decorated on one side only, make sure that the decoration of each sheet is oriented outwards so that it becomes the cover of the folder.
Step 3. Join the sheets with tape
With the two sheets together, use a long strip of scotch tape to create the rib and stick them together. Attach the strip of scotch tape so that it runs halfway along the 11 '' side of the first sheet, and then fold it to attach it along the other side.
- Try to make the tape adhere without creases or air bubbles.
- Make sure the two sheets stay aligned as you attach them, or the folder won't close symmetrically.
- To reinforce the folder, you can add two more strips of scotch tape along the edges of the first strip, one on each side.
Step 4. Stick some tape inside the rib
Once the outer rib is secured, open the folder and add another strip of scotch tape in the same place, but on the inside. This will strengthen the rib of the folder, and will attach to the tape on the outside so that it doesn't stick to what you put in the folder.
Step 5. Trim the third sheet of paper by half a centimeter
To prepare the pockets, you first need to cut a little over half a centimeter in width from the third sheet. Width means cutting the sheet from the shorter side. Eventually you will find yourself with a sheet of about 21x28cm.
Step 6. Cut the third sheet of paper in half
You will use this sheet to make both of the inside pockets of the folder, so you need to cut it in half. Cut perpendicular to the previous cut, so that you end up with two sheets of about 14x21 cm.
Step 7. Tape the pockets together
Take one of the two pieces and line it up with the bottom edges inside the folder. Place the smaller sheet so that the 21 cm side runs parallel to the 21.60 cm side of the cover. Once the corners are perfectly aligned, attach a strip of scotch tape that folds from both sides as in step 3.
- As before, the scotch tape should not have any creases or air bubbles.
- As with the rib, you should reinforce the pockets with other strips of tape to stick over the sides of the first. This way you will get a stronger folder.
- Repeat the process for the pocket on the other cover.
Step 8. Customize the folder
If you choose paper without decorations, you can easily customize it with stickers, drawings or even photos.
Advice
- Try decorating the folder with scraps of wrapping paper, stickers, photos, or anything else that will cheer her up.
- Reinforce the folder with more tape or staples to make it more resistant.
- You can use your folder for a creative project. Create a series, one for each topic.
