Cottage Style File Folders

I have been busy these last few days organizing. 

I don't know what it is about beginning a New Year, 

but it always makes me want to put things in order. 

One organizing project I have been working on

 is filing all the craft, recipe and decorating ideas that I rip from magazines. 

You know what I mean. 

You see that perfect recipe and you rip it out, 

and then it gets mushed in the cookbook collection somewhere

 and you can never find it when you need it.

Or, if you like to write the recipe down on cute little recipe cards,

 those can get lost, too.

My magazine files were out of control, 

So I came up with a way to organize them using basic supplies

and scrapbook paper. 

Plain manila file folders from the office supply store

make excellent recipe files. 

I used small, oblong stickers to cover over the tab headings with my own categories. 

Twelve inch square scrapbook paper is a perfect match for the standard 12" wide manila file folder. 

A paper cutter is a very nice tool to have.

I chose small, graphic prints that coordinate with each other and with my kitchen.

I experimented with different adhesives and found that plain white glue worked the best. 

Use a thin, steady line around the edges with a little extra in the corners, 

but remember -  not too much! :)

Pay attention to how you will place it before you glue.

White glue allows you to have some sliding room. 

Carefully press from the middle outward and then lightly smooth around the edges.

Wipe any drips with a dry piece of paper toweling. 

Glue the front, the back and then the flap. 

I used two different patterns on this flap. 

Here, above, one pattern is already applied. 

To cover the seam between sheets of paper, I used ribbon or rick rack.

1/4 inch wide seems to be the best size.

Apply the glue to the ribbon, not the file.

You can also use scrapbook tape. These come in pretty colors and designs. 

Cut the length with a little extra to fold underneath (about 1/2 inch each side) 

Use simple clothespins to hold in place - only a few minutes! 

(Approx. 10 min. or until the glue is set)

You don't want to glue clothespins to your file! 

When you remove the clothespins, wipe any visible glue off clothespin with a wet cloth,

then pin them to the top of a jar until they dry. 

This will keep them from sticking together! 

For top of the file, use strips of paper over each joint. 

Glue ribbon or rick rack to only one side of each joint. 

This will allow ease of opening and closing. 

I used self adhesive Velcro tabs for the 'clasp' 

A simple, embroidered rose applique' was glued on to the center front for decoration. 

You could use charming buttons, too. 

Use colors that will coordinate with the manila folder, as the sides will be visible. 

Small graphic or floral papers are much more forgiving than solid colors. 

Don't forget to cover the back!

Now I will know exactly where that special recipe or craft idea is! 

And my files coordinate perfectly with my kitchen! 

Plain wooden recipe boxes from the craft store can be done the same way. 

By choosing your own papers, 

you can have something special that will coordinate with your style. 

(I removed the little clasp to paper the box, but if you can't,

 use a razor knife to cut around the clasp.

Soft felt is glued to the bottom.) 

Remember, nothing has to be perfect. 

That is the charm.

Keeping the files in a handled basket makes it easy to transport them. 

And they are so much prettier than plain ones! 

I hope this inspires you to make your own Cottage Style File Folders. 

xoxo

Supplies needed:

Standard 12" wide Manila Accordion File Folder with Flap Front. 

4 pieces 12" sq. Scrapbook Paper per file

White or Clear Craft Glue

Pencil, Ruler, 

Paper Cutter if desired

Close-pins or other small clamps

Approx. 1 and 1/2 yds ribbon, rick rack, or scrapbook tape per file 

Self-Adhesive Velcro Closures

Button or Embroidered Motif Medallion

xoxo

Have fun! 

xoxo