Close To My Heart Clementine File Folder Mini Album

The post that I did in September, highlighting the file folder mini album has received so much positive feedback, that I decided to make another one; this time using the Clementine collection from Close To My Heart. 

I've been highlighting this paper pack in several of my recent posts as I want to share how many different paper crafting projects that can be made using just one paper packet, a coordinating sticker collection and a coordinating ink pad; just a total of $21.15 in supplies!  

This time, I've used a standard manilla file folder to create an adorable mini album that can be used to document a friendship, a special occasion, or just highlight favorite photos.  Take a look...

Close To My Heart (CTMH) Clementine File Folder Mini Album

Inside of CTMH Clementine File Folder Mini Album

Outside of CTMH Clementine File Folder Mini Album

This album is super fun to make and it is a great way to use up extras of papers and stickers, and embellishments that you have on hand.  Here are the instructions:

Step 1:

Open a letter size file folder so the tab is in the top right corner

Step 2:

Fold the bottom of the folder up, so that it matches up with the bottom of the tab and the left curved edges meet up.  This will start to form your pockets.

Step 3:

Fold the right side of the folder so that the long straight edge meets the original fold of the file.  The tab will extend in to the left over the line. 

Step 4:

Measure the distance from the original center fold to the fold that you just made.  This should be approximately 4 ½ inches. Using your paper trimmer, cut off the excess folder about 4 ¼ inches left of the center fold.  The reason I trim it slightly shorter is so there is room to fold it in easily.  Now you have a tri fold folder.  Fold the left side in and then over one more time, so that the tab is in the top right corner.

Step 5:

Decorate and embellish.  You will need:

2½ feet of ribbon that you will adhere to the front left panel (pocket side down) just underneath the tab underneath the paper.

Six 4¼ inch by 7½ inch pieces of patterned paper

Three 4¼ inch by 3¾ inch pieces of patterned paper

Coordinating stickers and embellishments

Your folder may differ slightly, so measure each section first.  I’ve left about 1/8 of an inch short, which gives it a nice border.

Step 6:

To make a decorative finish on your pockets, before adding adhesive, you may want to fold down the left corner into a triangle and cover with a coordinating solid color cardstock.  If you have a circle punch, you can use it to cut out a half circle in the top of the center pocket.

Step 7:

Use a strong adhesive and adhere the left and right sides of your folders to complete your pockets.

Step 8:

Cut 3 tag shapes approximately 3 inches wide by 5½ inches tall.  Embellish to match.

In addition to the Clementine Complements Canvas Shapes stickers, I used a few extra supplies to embellish the album.  All the cut edges of paper were inked using Saddle; the buttons came from the Green Assortment; and the brads are Antiquated Copper.  I tied it all together with Color Ready Seam Binding Ribbon the magical ribbon that can be inked in any color to match your project (I used Sorbet). The stars were cut out on my Cricut using Clementine paper and the CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge.

Go right now and make a file folder mini album!!  They are a easy and make a really great gift.