Expanding File Folder with Eileen Hull Designs

Hi everyone and welcome. This year has already started with a bang as Eileen launched her new Chapter 1 2023 Sizzix Die and Embossing designs. Now Eileen's design teams are sharing tutorials for some of the samples shown during her FB Live and as part of the blog hop.

I've got a tutorial to share with you today for the Expanding File Folder which is made using the new Sizzix ScoreBoards Plus Frame Pocket Journal Die. It's the perfect place to store all those leftover die cuts, embossed pieces, extra stamped images and other scraps from previous Eileen projects. More importantly you'll know where to find them when you need things to create new pieces (including perhaps some ATC's!!)

Let's get started, beginning with the construction of the main body of the folder; cut two of the large panels (they are scored/hinged at one end) and one of the triangular wrap over closure sections from stiff card. I chose to use a 350gsm kraft card as it is still flexible but is also sturdy (I believe this is around 130lbs). Join the two main panels and closure section as shown below.

You will have spotted that I covered the hole punched scored spine sections with strips of card (6 1/2" x 1 1/8") - this is to add strength to the top and bottom of the folder.

Cut two strips of the same weight of card 8" x 4" and score/fold them at 1/2" intervals to create two concertinas (see the example shown below). You will see in the finished example I added washi tape to the top of each concertina piece - I recommend you do this at this stage to make the process easier.

Cut three inserts from the same weight card measuring 6 1/2" x 4". Stick the 4" short sides of the inserts onto the one of the concertina pieces as shown below - make sure to only stick the inserts to one side of the mountain folds so that the concertina can continue to open to its fullest extent.

Now stick the other sides of the inserts to the second concertina following the same spacing. You'll see below that I've clamped these together whilst the glue dries; note that I have repeated the process of only gluing the inserts to one side of the mountain folds as shown on the dry side.

Whilst the concertina insert section dries decorate the outside of the body of the file folder with decorative paper. I created some by using Eileen's new Sizzix 3D Tablecloth Embossing Folder, layering ink and paint over the embossed surface to create a mottled pattern. Once decorated add your closure of choice to the file folder; this could include ribbon ties, magnets or as in this case a folio tie closure.

Here's how that works to keep the folder contents secure when complete;

It's now time to attach the concertina structure to the main body of the file folder. Start by sticking the edge of one end of the concertina to the inside of the folder at the back as shown below. You'll see the bottom edges are aligned and there's a gap at the top.

Stick the second concertina piece to the other side of the folder to mirror what you've done with the first. When the two concertina pieces are secure at the back of the file folder add adhesive to the front of them and bring the folder front up to meet them and secure in place. It should look like this;

And from the side it will look like this;

And there's your finished expanding file folder, all ready to hold your scraps, die cuts etc. You'll be pleased to hear it can hold a lot!

Thank you for joining me today. Make sure to check out all the fantastic projects and tutorials from the rest of Eileen's team members - links to their posts can be found on Eileen's blog throughout the month.

For now thanks for visiting,

Jenny xxx