Yesterday I decided I was in the mood for crafting. I’ve seen people make plain file folders into works of art. I wouldn’t go that far on my rendition of this. But I had a lot of fun nonetheless.
This is my work area. I work on the computer here, and also make crafts when the mood strikes me.
And this is what I chose to store my finished file folders in. Yep, that is a Walmart dish drainer. Cheap too. And the utensil holder is a nice place for my pencils!
Here they are individually.
By the way, that glass tabletop they’re sitting on is an old school desk I picked up at an antique store years ago. The top got kind of ragged, so I decoupaged wallpaper over it. Then ordered a glass top to fit it.
This is how I made them. First, I picked out some scrapbook papers I liked. I adhered the scrapbook paper onto the fronts of the file folders with glue. I then used a hole punch on some to add a few holes to tie ribbon in to hold the sides together. I knew I’d probably store vintage images and scraps and such in these folders, so I didn’t want things falling out readily. The others I stapled shut in a few places at the sides with various colored staples.
Then I used some stickable paper ribbon at the tops. I found this at Michaels on clearance a few weeks ago. I then went through my stash of vintage images and quotes. I adhered these to scrapbook paper to give them strength and a degree of thickness. Then I just added stickers and whatever immediately struck my fancy to embellish the folders. (By the way, you can find these images free on certain websites. Just type into Google “free vintage images” or something similar and they will come up. Then just print them off.)
I have decided I kind of like them! Beats plain old manilla folders, for sure. And they look pretty sitting on my decoupaged child’s school desk in the red dish drainer.
What do you think?
What a wonderful idea! Especially love the way you used the dish drainer! Wish I had time to make file folders like this. I barely can find the time to file my paid bills!
very cute and the ideal of using the dishdrain is very clever
OK..I love everything about that project! That’s exactly what I need in my laundry room for all the rogue papers. The dish drainer is adorable. Love the red!
Such a great idea. I might need to “steal” this idea, would you mind?
I think you’ve just added one more project to my list
These are great!
The file folders are wonderful and I love the dishdrainer! Brilliant!!
Brenda, what an incredible and super creative idea for fies. The folders are soooo pretty and so cute in the drainer. You are one smart cookie! Love your work area. I’m still working on getting mine put together since my move. I have so many ideas, but little time to pull them together. ♥
I love your personalized file folders and your work area! I figure if you have to spend a lot of time on something or somewhere, you might as well fill with things you enjoy!
You are just too clever!
Scribbler
I love that. Too, too cool!!
I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How adorable! I have seen this idea before but, I think you did the best job I have ever seen with this! Thank you so much for sharing. AND the dish strainer idea is genius! LOVE THIS! Thank you so much for sharing.
How adorable AND fun!
Well, if this isn’t the most fun idea I have seen for file folders!!! Love what you did w/ the vintage theme and of course, the dish drainer:-) Sue
i can see that a lot of love has gone into each of these. and i am amazed by the number of identical pencils you have!
How inspired! I might have to try this when I get my craft room set up.
What a great idea! I love it!
Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment on my blog.
Blessings,
Sandra
Good morning Brenda
I think that is the coolest project I’ve seen in a long time. I love the folders and how you used the drainer… brilliant!
xo,
rue
love this project and I’d like to have a go myself, though not sure I am patient enough
Sarah
WOW Ms. Brenda! J’adore them all! You’re so crafty…this is the kind of stuff you can sell at Etsy. Thanks for giving us such lovely inspiration!
-marie
ADORABLE!!!
Yes, you should sell those items on Etsy! They are fabulous!
Melissa
How clever and beautiful! I would never have thought to use a dish strainer as a file holder!
The dish drainer is a winner.
Pretty is exactly the word I was thinking. This site, what you like to immerse yourself in, the pretty.
Hi Brenda…
Just read the sweet note that you left for me on my little French girl bust! Thanks so much for visiting and your sweet comments!!!
My friend…I sooooo love coming to your house!!! As soon as I see your pretty header pic of your dining area…I just smile!!! I just love your decor!!! It’s so fun, festive, and cheerful!!! Which brings me to your craft project…Girl, I love what you did with those plain-jane folders!!! Ohh yes, and I would call them a work of art!!! They turned out beautifully and I bet they were lots of fun to make! And the best part…is how you chose to display those pretty folders!!! If that little red dish drainer isn’t the coolest idea ever!!! I love it!!! You are so creative and talented…what a joy to visit at your place!!!
Have a wonderful week, my friend!
Chari
Sweet, adorable, cute, fun and just LOVE your idea!! Thanks for sharing it with us!!
Deb
How adorable! I absolutely love your file folders and your dish rack! I’m not crafty at all, but this is something I would love to try. You always amaze me and inspire me.
Blessings, Sonia
Thank you Thank you for this idea! I have this EXACT dish drainer and have been storing it not knowing what to do with it but not wanting to throw it away either. You are amazing and perfect timing too!
Hi! My first time visit! I enjoyed the browse through your creative pages. Loved your creative file files and their stylish dish rack with roomy pencil holder!
I think you may have solved my dilemma on how I was going to keep the boys school papers neat!
Yes, these are very artistic. Well done!
Quite creative. I love the idea that you can create these to match any decor. Thanks for sharing!
Now I know what I’m going to do with last year’s garden catalogs! They are too pretty to throw away and I’ve just been holding onto them! I love the dishdrainer idea too! How clever! Thanks so much for the inspiration!
RaShell
I think they’re awesome!
I love them! What a great idea. Can’t wait to try…
…like the dish drainer idea a lot
I am using one at school as an ‘easel’ for directions and activity info when kids are working in small groups.
The file folders are splendid, but the dish drainer as a holder is Unbelievably clever! LOVE IT!!! And you are RIGHT!!!!! Red IS a neutral! LOL
Hi Brenda,I am slowly getting back on the computer, still blurry, but from what I can see, this is so great! I love the dish pan idea. So cute in red. xo
What an ingenious idea! I love the folders and the dish drainer.
I love it. I live in a small apartment and my mail tends t0 collect in the kitchen. I’m going to make one to hold all the mail. I think it’s perfect for the kitchen!
What great ideas! I have at least 5 dish drainers in storage, waiting for inspiration on how to use them. I think I’m inspired!
That’s the cutest way to dress up a desk I’ve seen! Love the dish drainer – genius!!
Kelly
I can’t wait to get some dish drainers! I think they will work very well to hold materials when I set up math centers!!!
Neat! Neat! Neat! I will definitely use this year–somewhere in my classroom.