A Do It Yourself Accordion Folder
Accordion folders let you separate a file into several categories while keeping all the information in one folder. Accordion folders are useful for work, school or just keeping household receipts. Make large folders for bills and smaller folders for keeping coupons organized. Once you have the basic format, your folder can be made to whatever size you need. Vary the materials and colors for different contents. Make the folders out of clear plastic to easily see inside.
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Things You'll Need
- 8 1/2-by-11 inch heavy paper stock
- Ruler
- Pen
- Scissors
- Glue
- Hook-and-loop tape
Instructions
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Organize the paper into stacks. You need 2 pieces for the front and back of the folder, one piece for the bottom of the folder, one piece for the flap, one piece for each file section you wish to make and one piece for each 5 accordion sections you will need. The instructions will be based on 6 sections.
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Cut twelve 8 1/2-by-2-inch wide strips from the paper to make the accordions. Fold each piece in half lengthwise then fold the edges back to meet the middle fold. You will see an "M" shape when looking at the folded paper from the edge. Cut one 3-by-8 1/2-inch wide strip and fold it in 1-inch segments into a "U" shape to make the bottom edge. Use the rest of this piece or paper to create a flap. You also need seven full sheets of paper.
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Spread glue along one side of the first accordion piece. Line it up with the short edge of a full sheet of paper so the "V" in the middle points in toward the center of the paper. Press down to seal the two pieces together. Repeat on the other end of the paper. Continue gluing and layering the pieces until you have used all 12 accordion sections and 5 full sheets of paper.
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Spread glue along the outside of one edge of the "U" shaped piece. Line the bottom of the "U" up with the long edge of one full sheet of paper and press them together. Repeat on the other side of the "U." Spread glue along the inside top edge of one side of your folder. Line up the edges of the piece that was left when you cut out the bottom flap and overlap about 1-inch. Press the pieces together to create a top flap.
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Set the folder sections inside the folder. Glue along the outside edge of the two accordion pieces. Line the pieces up with the edges of the front piece of the folder. Press them together. Repeat on the back side of the folder. Place a small piece of hook-and-loop tape under the top flap and on the front of the folder to create a front closure. Once the glue is dry your folder is ready for use.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a hole punch on each end of the folder and loop a ribbon through the hole for extra security.
Use patterned paper for a decorative folder.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Dynamic Graphics Group/Dynamic Graphics Group/Getty Images
