Accordian tote file tutorial

So today I am about to go through a tutorial for a gorgeous tote I created as a gift for a friend of mine who is in the corporate world but who loves to show her funky trendy side. This tote holds A4 sized paper and files very nicely.  Please be warned, I took these photos at night so the lighting is a bit poor in some shots.

What you will need for this project:

-Darling Damask Stamp set

 -3 Chipboard 12x12 sheets which you can purchase through RBD

-binding or hockey tape, Scor-tape or adhesive

-4 sheets 12x12 designer paper or cardstock, 2 12"x2.5" piece of cardstock or Designer paper

-2 12"x9" pieces of cardstock for acordian sides

-12"x9" pieces of cardstock for file divider (one is required more are optional)

-scraps to decorate with, ribbon (optional)

-craft knife, trimmer, Scor-Pal

cut one sheet of 12x12 chipboard into 12" x 2.5" keep the other scrap for Monday's project *wink*

Take the other two sheets of 12x12 chipboard and cut handle holes at the top center of each sheet by cutting one first and then tracing it onto the other one and cutting that one. If you have the Cricut Expression with the deep cutting blade, this would be PERFECT for this job... I do not... so my handles leave a lot to be desired. Perhaps I can validate buying one now?  tee hee.

Then lay the pieces out with the small 12"x2.5" in between, handles facing outwards. Tape these together with binding tape on both sides of the sheets. I used pink hockey tape (what Canadian mom doesn't have hockey tape!?haha) so that you could see it.

Here's a picture of what it looks like closed with both handles at the top. You may want to paint the raw edges of your chipboard that wont get covered with paper, or to cover up your pink hockey tape. he he

Now take your designer paper or cardstock and cover the inside of your tote. I used a separate piece for the center.

Flip your tote over and cover with your cardstock, paper and scraps as you like. I used the Darling Damask set and used the largest image repeatedly on my center panel, alternating rows vertically with the stamp facing upwards and then downwards.

I also added a textured paper (it's actually a piece of a gift bag I had received!) stitched with my machine to appear like a leather or pleather accent.

Now take your two 9"x12" pieces of cardstock and lay them on your Scor-pal so that the longer edge is at the top (sorry I forgot to get a picture of this). Now score at every half inch all the way down the paper. Repeat on second piece.  Now fold your cardstock on the score lines back and forth in an accordian fold.

Now take your divider piece (s) of cardstock 12"x9" and score it along the 12"side at 1/2". apply scor tape to the small flap all the way along. Remove the paper backing and adhere this across the bottom of the tote in the center of the 12"x2.5" section. You've just created your center divider.

Now apply a strip to all four ends of your accordian pieces (the 9 inch sides) and attach to either side of the tote (the pieces with the handles cut out) at the bottom 'L' where the bottom and sides meet.

Now apply more scor-tape along the edges of your file divider... this divider should now fit within two "peaks" of your accordian sides. Remove backings and adhere so that the divider(s) are supported. This helps your sides stay steady as well.

Here is what your file should now look like inside from the top. I've punched holes at the back and front under the handles to thread ribbon through to keep the file closed when not in use. I've added paper inside to demonstrate the size.

I added a co-ordinating tag to the front which can be removed after she recieves it.

Voila! Your finished file! Now wasn't all that work worth these FABULOUS results!?

This could also be done in more masculine colors and textures and given to dad for Father's day! Cut off the handles and make it just an accordian for another variation!

Stay tuned... on Monday I'll post the tutorial for the MATCHING accorian file box!!!

Thanks for stopping by, have a great weekend!!!

~D

 

Comments

[melissa (javagirl984)]

This is a very cute project. Thanks for the tutorial.