File Folder Albums

One of my favorite things about artists is how ingenious they are. Scrapbookers, stampers, and paper artists of all shapes and sizes have been stepping outside the box lately, and coming up with newer, cooler albums and mini books. One of the ideas I love is to use file folders as the base for a custom album.

One of the best things about using file folders is that they are readily accessible. You can use standard file folders from your office supply store, mini file folders from your local scrapbook store, or you can use one of the numerous templates on the market to create your own custom sized folders that suit your needs. Many scrapbook suppliers are now creating custom mini kits that include file folders and/or file folder albums.

The Baby's First Year album shown here used a pre-made file folder album and kit purchased at a local retail store.

This larger album was created using full-sized file folders from the office supply store. It will hold my children's artwork and awards for the 2006 school year. This album was bound using Making Memories Book Binding Tape to attach three file folders together.

Once you choose the size folders you want to use you will need to decide on a binding method. If you are not using too many folders I suggest you try opening them all up and stacking them on top of each other. Then using a nice strong thread and a sewing machine stitch your file folders together. Other binding methods include:

• Stitch the seam by hand.
• Punch holes and attach ribbons.
• Staple shut with either a standard stapler (good for mini albums) or large decorative staples.
• Create a half-inch spine by using a bone folder and folding each binder half of an inch in from the spine, then using eyelets or brads to assemble your album.
• Use book-binding rings.

Not only can you customize the size and binding style of your file folder album, but you can also be very creative as to the materials used and the shape of these albums. Don't feel limited to store-bought manila folders. Try creating a custom file-folder album made from patterned papers, chip board, or other materials. This baby album was created to hold my daughter's ultrasound pictures. It has tabs in the same manner that file folders do, but it is semi-circular to copy the shape of a pregnant belly. I bound this album by punching tiny holes and attaching large diaper pins to the spine. Ribbons were added for extra appeal.

There are so many wonderful ways to incorporate file folders into your scrapbook and stamping projects. I hope you'll scoop some up the next time you see them and give it a try. Some ideas for albums or projects are:

• recipe books
• handprint and footprints of baby
• "All about My Job/School"
• pet albums
• albums to hold letters or awards
• mini albums on scrapbook pages to hold journaling
• vacation albums
• teacher appreciation gift
• sports-related albums for photos and stats
• "My Hero" album
• garden journals
• wedding planner
• birthday party album (specific events like Sweet 16)

So take a cue from the adventurous artists that have come before you and step outside the box. We can't wait to see the creative ways you use file folders to make custom albums.