Gifts from your Stash

 June is Small Gift Ideas 

Project 2 

Birthday Card File

For this project I thought I would combine using some of my 12 x 12 stash and my collection of cards made. Most of us have a box of cards made and ready to use, as well as spare, or perhaps we sell our cards for Charity or at craft fairs. I thought I could put the two together and make a gift that would include a pretty folder filled with Birthday cards in the 6 sections  (2 months in each), all ready for the recipient to use. The list of birthdays can be put into the front of each section and the organiser will ensure birthdays are not forgotten. I made my first folder and then adjusted the sizes to make it as neat and sturdy as possible, so ended up with 2 folders. The finished folder is 8” wide and 6” tall. So will accommodate most size cards that crafters make. I usually like 6 x 6 or 7 x 5, so these will do nicely.

The first folder made slightly tall so adjusted for my next folder  (instructions below)

First the Folder 

6 sheets of 12 x 12 

1. Front: Cut One sheet to 8”H  x 12W  score 2” both sides, turn and score 2” at the base

2. Back: Score at 2”, 10” on the width, turn score at 2”, 8 1/2”, 8 5/8”, 8 3/4”, 8 7/8”, 9

3. Sides: Cut one sheet into 2 pieces 5 3/4” x 12” and score at every 3/4 inch along the 12” width.

4. Cut the remaining 3 sheets down to 7.5” wide and then into 2 to give you 6 pieces 7.5” wide by 6”  High. For the six dividers. 

Score each divider at 1/2” from the top

Put the spare pieces aside as they will make another project I have in mind. 

Putting together

Front: cut the bottom corner sections way and fold the score line, glue down the side panels

Back : cut the bottom corner sections and fold over the score lines. Glue the sides done 

In the bottom photograph you can see the glued areas 

Once the sides are glued down line up the bottom panels and glue together.

Before gluing the sides of the file on, decide on your closure. The first file I made my closure was a folio tag, from this first file I made any adjustments necessary and decided to make the fastening on the second file  press-popper, so using the corner pieces cut off the front and back I cut 4 1” circles to reinforce the popper. 

Stand the file up to mark the centre  Add a circle to the front and back of the popper before attaching.

Next take the sides and fold all the score lines

TIP: fold the score lines all one way and then fold again backward and forward to concertina, by folding them this way it helps to stop cracking.

Glue one side of the concertina and attach to the middle section of the file a fraction above the score line 

Repeat the other side

Then glue the top of the concertina and lift up the front of the file, ensure the sides are level at the base of the front and then matchup the top edge with the top of the front. Repeat on the other side. Set aside to dry. 

With the 6 dividers, fold down the 1/2” score line  and glue down to reinforce the top. 

Once the sides are dry and set in place push them together so they line up and sit tight and neat as a folder. Then glue with a very small line of wet glue down each side and slide each piece into one of the folds. Press down and hold until firm. 

Your file is now ready to take your cards.

Personalise your gift by adding a mini folder of family dates for celebrations.

Would make a lovely gift for a teacher or busy working mum.

Back next with what to do with you off cuts from this project.

Dee