I've long admired the mini masterpieces I've seen done on Artist's Trading Cards (ATCs). They prove that good things can come in small packages, 2.5" x 3.5" to be exact! To date, I haven't made any myself but since I've been having so much fun with other paper crafts and painting lately, I figure it's time to take the plunge.
If I'm going to create, collect and trade ATCs, I'll need a place to keep them! That's where this folio comes in. It was so quick and easy to make, I want to craft up a dozen more! I'm actually a little afraid that I'm going to have hundreds of ATC folios and no cards to fill them with :)!
Step 1: Gather up your supplies
- Brown packaging paper
- 2 postcards or pieces of card stock (these will be your covers)
- Glue
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Ribbon
- Sewing machine (optional)
Step 2: Cut
Trim both post cards (or whatever you'll be using for your covers) to 3.5" x 4.5" and set them aside.
Cut a piece of brown packing paper 5"x25". This size will give you 6 pockets in your folio. If you want more than that, add 8" to the length. For example, if you want 8 pockets, cut a piece of paper 5"x33".
Step 3: Score and Fold
Score the length of the paper in two places - the first at 1/2" in and the second at 2" in from the right side.
Fold the 1/2" side under at the scored edge and then the 2" scored edge. Make sure your folds are as crisp as possible!
Step 4: Secure the 1/2" fold
Secure the 1/2" fold down by either gluing it or using a sewing machine for an extra detail. This is just like hiding a raw edge when sewing!
Remember, you're making a pocket so don't accidentally sew or glue the 1/2" seam to the other side of the paper strip.
Step 5: Score and Fold - Accordion Style
To make the pages of the folio, you'll need to score and fold your paper at regular intervals.
Score and fold each end (the short sides) 1/2" under. This will just give you a nice edge on the first and last page.
Starting from the first 1/2" fold, measure a distance of 4" and score. From that score mark, measure another 4" and score again. Repeat this a total of 5 times (more if you added length for additional pockets).
Once all marks are scored, fold the paper accordion style.
Step 6: Glue the First and Last Pages to the Covers
Before gluing, double-check that your cover pages are facing the direction you want them. I had to rip and re-glue my back page because I wasn't paying attention :).
Glue the backs of the first and last pages to the inside of your cover pages. I used a quick drying craft glue but glue dots or double-sided tape would also work well.
Step 6: Fill it
You're nearly done! Now you just have to fill it with miniature art! The pages of my folio are currently filled with blank canvases but I hope to have some colorful ATCs in it soon.
Step 7: Wrap it Up
To keep your folio secure and compact, you can simply tie a ribbon or piece of twine around it like you're wrapping up a present.
You can also make a simple band to slide over it, like this one! If you do make a band, be sure to measure it a bit longer than what's needed to cover an empty folio. You'll want to leave a little extra room so the band will still fit once your folio is crammed with ATCs!
If I subtract the time I spent working out the measurements and the time I spent running around the house trying to find decent light for photography on a rainy Seattle day, this folio only took about 30 minutes to make. With different measurements, I could see these being used for business cards, photos, travel memorabilia or even inchie artwork. Oh my gosh, I totally need to make an inchie folio now! Stay tuned for that :).
