"MAGAZINE" FILES DOWNSIZED INTO "CARD FILES"

I belong to several stamping email lists and one cute idea that's been shared lately has been a magazine file holder which has been downsized into a card holder.  Well, I saw the instant place for that in my stamp area or on my desk.  I decided I wanted to make some of them!  After I figured out just how to do it of course.

Here is my first attempt:

And then the whole bunch of them that I made for my Stamp Club members:

And, a close up of the ones with the cards---those are mine and hold the cards I've prepared for the upcoming month's birthdays and other occasions.

I hope you'd like to try this out.  They ARE easy to make.  Just proceed slowly on the first one and then let the assembly line begin if you'd like to make more!

What you'll need:

12" x 12" cardstock, trimmed down to 11" x 12"

Designer Series Paper to coordinate with the 12" x 12" CS

Personal Paper Cutter with both cutting and scoring blades

How to do it:

Along the 11" side:  score at 4-1/2" and 6-1/2".  This will create a 2" spine and 2 4-1/2" sides

Along the 12" side:  score at 6" and 10-1/2"

Here's what your scored and cut 11" x 12" CS will look like.  I'll explain the diagonal cut in a minute.

 

Here are a few 'files' scored, cut, and loosely put into shape before securing with adhesive:

 

The next step is to adhere the side pieces creating the supportive base.

I wish the quality of this picture was better.  AND I wish I could create arrows for pointers.  (Someday I'll learn how to actually use my PhotoShop Elements application!).  But, on the 'flaps' on the left and right sides of the file, place SNAIL adhesive along the outside edge and the cut edges, left and right.  Those 'seams' must be closed tightly or you'll just be seeing a gap where the edges fold over.

Place the sides of the file into their finished position, holding each side close to the base you just created.  Make a small tick with a pencil where the front of the side meets the base.  Then make a pencil tick 1/2" from the corner, on the side, where it meets the spine.

 

In the picture above, the tick marks should be at the lower right corner, just above the fold line and the upper left corner, 1/2" from the edge.  You can't see the 2" spine portion (on the left).

Pull out the side portions and cut a triangle piece out, from tick mark to tick mark, creating the side of the card file.  I marked and cut this one before I glued the base.  Photo below:

 

Here's that scored and cut photo that you saw above.  Hopefully it makes more sense now.

Fold cardstock into position, creating the base.

 

Photo below:  On the right you are seeing the BOTTOM OF THE BOX.  Adhere your SNAIL adhesive as shown.  Turn the magazine file over and tuck the sides to the inside walls.

And there you have your almost finished magazine file.  Cut a piece of Designer Series Paper, 1-3/4" x 12".  Make a fold/score line 1/2" from one end. Wrap it around the file base, making little crease marks where it will have to be folded to fit.  Each box is just a little bit different so you can't just score these fold marks and have them be right.  The DSP will not wrap all the way around the back of the file.  Cut another piece, approximately 2" x 2", a adhere it over the gap.

 

You could add a length of ribbon over the DSP if desired.  Use some Hodgepodge Hardware in the front on the box as a label with or without the ribbon trim.  

 

I hope you've enjoyed this little tutorial and that you attempt to make your own card files.  Several of them sitting side by side on your desk top are just so cute---and efficient!  Now you'll know right where your ready-to-mail cards are located.

Contact me (blythe@stampinwithblythe.com) if you'd like to order any of the componenets to create your own card file OR go to my Stampin' Up! website to order online, any time of the day or night; just click on 'shop now'.

I'm looking forward to seeing you again soon!

Comments

[Alex]

Thank you for this tutorial, I can't wait to try out your instructions to make some cute files myself!

Have a good day,

Alex from England x

[Fran]

These are really cute. TFS how to make them! I'm eager to get making one!

[Kim]

Wow! These are too cool!! I will be making these. Wonderful idea! thanks for sharing your talent!

[Sherri]

Thank you for sharing these instructions! I found your site through Dannie's post and I made one of these this morning. I have posted it on my blog and have linked your blog! I'll definitely be back to visit your blog again:)

[Rebecca]

Great project, have bkmkd it! Tfs

[Renee]

I just found your blog via a link from Dannie's Blog. These are awesome! Thanks so much for showing exactly how to make these! Love them. & The pictures "REALLY", really help. TFS!

[Tasha Hickert]

Hi Blythe,
I bookmarked your blog a while back but haven't been hopping around lately. I love your tutorial for these card holders. Can't wait to try one!