Using folders is one of the most basic ways of organizing things, especially if you have several files or projects to keep separate and organized. If you're tired of the same old manila-colored folders, or feel like making something yourself, then from just a few sheets of paper you can easily create your own folder.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Creating a Simple Pocket Map
Step 1. Take two pieces of 43.2 cm x 27.9 cm cardboard
This method requires two pieces of 43.2 cm x 27.9 cm cardboard. If you have a larger sheet, you can cut it to the size you need.
Step 2. Fold the first sheet in half
Take the first sheet of your cardboard and fold it in half along the length. Once this sheet is folded, you will have a sheet of paper that is approximately 21.6 x 27.9 cm.
Step 3. Place the second sheet in the fold of the first sheet
Now take the second sheet of cardboard and place it inside the fold of the first paper. You must place the long sides parallel to each other when placing the second sheet.
Make sure that the bottom side of the second sheet fits snugly into the fold you made in step 1
Step 4. Fold these two sheets of paper in half
With the two sheets placed together, you should now fold them both on the wide side. This means you'll need to make a fold that divides the long side of the second piece of paper that's still intact as well as the wide side of the first sheet that was folded earlier.
Once you've folded it, you'll get a large sheet that is about 20.3 x 27.9 cm plus a small sheet that will form a set of small pockets at the bottom
Step 5. Use staples for each side of the bag
Once you've folded these two pieces of paper in half, the center crease will become the "backbone" of the folder, and the first sheet you folded in step 1 will form the pocket. In order for these two papers to stick together, you only need to staple the pocket to the larger part of the folder on the edge of the cover.
- You can also use staples along the bottom of the folder cover to reinforce the bottom of each pocket.
- This map will actually have four usable pockets, two on the inside of the folder and one on each of the outside covers.
Method 2 of 2: Creating a Durable Pocket Folder
Step 1. Take three pieces of paper measuring 21.6 x 27.9 cm
This method uses three sheets of 21.6 x 27.9 cm paper to create the folder. In general, the heavier the paper you use, the more durable the folder will be. Business card paper is a better choice, followed by cardboard, but you can also use plain HVS paper if you have to.
- With the paper sizes used here, you're assuming you'll be keeping most of the lined/notes paper in the folder. If you need to save a printed document that is paper that is 21.6 x 27.9 cm in size, then prepare three sheets of slightly larger paper to create a folder. However, of course the paper size has no effect on the process of making the next map.
- If you must use regular HVS paper, you can use six sheets instead of three and use paper glue to duplicate each sheet.
Step 2. Align the two sheets of paper
Take your two sheets of paper and align them so that they are completely flush with each other. If you choose business card paper with a design on only one side, then make sure that the design on each sheet is facing out as this will be both the front and back of your folder cover.
Step 3. Glue the two papers together
With the two sheets of paper side by side aligned on the sides, use long tape to glue them together and create the "backbone" section of your folder.. Use the tape on the first sheet of paper so that half of the tape's width extends from one of the long sides of the paper, and then fold the tape over to stick the second half of the tape on the second sheet of paper.
- Try to stick the tape to both sheets of paper without creating creases or air bubbles in the patch.
- Make sure the two sheets are aligned and even when you glue them or the folder will not close symmetrically.
- To strengthen your folder, you can also apply additional tape on each side of the cover above the edge of the first tape.
Step 4. Glue the inside of the "spine" folder
After you've glued the outside with the tape, open the folder and apply another piece of tape in the same place but along the inside of the fold. this will strengthen your folder, and will also cover any excess of the tape from the other side so it doesn't stick to the contents of your folder.
Step 5. Cut 0.6 cm from the third sheet of paper
To start making the pouch, you will first need to cut about 0.6 cm from the width of the third sheet of paper. This means that you will be trimming along the direction of the paper. The end result will be a sheet of paper measuring 20.9 x 27.9 cm.
Step 6. Cut the third sheet of paper in half
You will use this one sheet of paper to make the two inner pockets on the folder, so you will need to cut it in half. This cut will be perpendicular to the previous cut to the side of the paper and you will have two sheets of paper that are both about 13.9 x 20.9 cm.
Step 7. Glue the pouch
Take one of the smaller pieces and align it with one of the lower inner corners of the map. You will place this small sheet so that the 20.9 cm side aligns with the 21.6 cm side on the cover of the folder. Once you have the corners perfectly aligned, apply tape that folds over both edges of the paper, just as you did in step 3.
- Again, try to keep the tape straight with no creases or air bubbles underneath.
- Like the tape on the spinal cord crease, you should reinforce these pockets with additional tape overlapping the edge of the first tape. This will at least increase the age of the map even if a little.
- Repeat the process for the second map on the other side.
Step 8. Customize the map to your taste
If you choose plain paper instead of business card and patterned paper, you can easily customize your folders with stickers, pictures, or even pictures of specific subjects.
Tips
- Try decorating your folder with shaped pieces of cardboard, stickers, photos, or anything else that evokes positive thoughts.
- Reinforce the folder using extra tape or staples.
- You can turn your map into a masterpiece. Create a set of folders each for each different file type.
