How to Make a Paper Folder

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Craft & decorate your own folder with this easy guide

Co-authored by Amy Guerrero

Last Updated: February 10, 2025

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You will learn how to make a 2 colored folder that you can decorate!

DIY Paper Folder: Quick Steps

Layer 2 sheets of paper on top of each other and staple the edges together.
Repeat step 1 with 2 new sheets of paper to make the other folder cover.
Fold a sheet of paper in half and staple only the short sides closed.
Repeat step 3 with a new sheet of paper to make the other pocket.
Staple the pockets (open side up) to the bottoms of the folder covers.
Staple the covers together along one long edge to bind your folder.
Decorate the front cover if you wish.

Steps

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^{[1]
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two pieces together, leaving the top unstapled. This will be the folder part.

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^{[2]
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one piece of construction paper^{[3]
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the shorter sides together, leaving the top (longest edge) unstapled. This will be the pocket in the folder.
^{[4]
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in the "pockets" to both "folders". Make sure the "pockets" openings are facing up.
Make sure the "pockets" are inside.
your folder! You now have an awesome homemade folder.

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Question

Will it work if I use cello tape?

Andriy Kuzmenko

Community Answer

Yes, it will work. It's especially good if you want to keep documents inside or other A4 pages because this way they will fit inside.

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Question

How can I make my simple folder beautiful?

Community Answer

You could draw on it using bright coloring pens, or you could try sticking on nice things, such as pom poms or springs, or just add bits of patterned paper.

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Question

Do I have to use paper or cardstock? Will sugar paper work?

Community Answer

Cardstock is better, but sugar paper could also work.

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Tips

Color it in and be creative in your coloring.

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Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
Using sturdy paper will look and feel great.

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Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
Make sure the paper is folded straight, otherwise it may not hold papers right, and won't look great.

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Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1

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Warnings

This folder won't last forever, so be prepared to make a new one. (Keeping a spare on hand helps).

Thanks
Helpful 17 Not Helpful 4
Don't use super glue cause if you get it on yourself it's hard to take off.

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Helpful 24 Not Helpful 10
Don't use a hot glue gun because it goes everywhere and it's really hot and stings when you get it on yourself.

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Helpful 20 Not Helpful 9
Don't staple yourself.

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Helpful 17 Not Helpful 12