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Thursday, 9 April 2015

Altered file folder part 1

Hello everyone and thanks so much for dropping by here.
While on a trip to the States recently I purchased some Manila file folders with the idea of altering them.So today I want to share the first one with you:
Just by the way, I would LOVE to know why it is not possible to get these Manila folders here in the UK, while in the US you can get them just everywhere.... I have searched and searched for them, so if anyone knows of a place where to get them here I would love to know. These are so much fun to do, and you can turn them into tag books, journals, mini albums or whatever you want. There are a ton of tutorials on how to do this on you tube, so I am not going to bore you with how I made mine, but as you will see, it has 4 pockets on the inside, which I am going to use for some tags.
The whole thing was coloured with a mix of Distress products, inks, stains and sprays using Peacock Feather, Faded Jeans and Walnut Stain. I created several layers, the top one being water colour paper and using Tim's Flower Garden stamps set. I stamped one, masked it and then stamped the other and coloured with Distress markers.
One of the butterflies from Tim's Water Colour set, stamped on water colour paper, fussy cut and then again coloured with Distress Markers.
This is the back of the folder, done in a similar way. This time the butterfly is from the Butterfly Duo Die and matching embossing folder. I added Decoart Crackle Paint to it and then coloured it with Decoart Media fluid acrylics in matching colours. I then highlighted the raised bits, first with Walnut Stain ink and then with Treasure Gold.
The cracks don't really show up, but I still quite liked the way it turned out.
Below are some pictures of the inside pockets.

I over did it rather with the Walnut Stain Distress Stain Spray, and they turned out a bit too dark, so I decided to lighten it all up a bit by stamping and gold embossing some swirls. This one is my favourite swirl stamp from La Blanche.

The tags are in process, but I'll show you those in another post...
Spring is in full swing here in the Northern Hemisphere, so I thought I would stick with a flower and butterfly theme.
I am going to add this to the new challenge blog Stamps and Stencils, the theme is anything goes and I used stamps and stencils through out this project.

Hope the weather is kind where you are, and thanks so much for visiting like always.

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56 comments:

  1. Maryanne9 April 2015 at 00:13

    What a great file folder! I love what you've done with it! One thing we do with them here is to use them for mail art. It's another fun thing to do with them. I die cut tags out of them all the time. I' looking forward to seeing your other folder projects.

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  2. Patty O'Malley9 April 2015 at 00:21

    This folder is beautiful, Astrid! I love the colors and the butterfly. The flowers are so pretty! I can't wait to see the tags.

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  3. georgina9 April 2015 at 00:57

    Goodness, they are gorgeous Astrid , it is a shame we can't get them here,perhaps someone will take note and stock them, I'm sure it would be a good move.

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  4. Marisa Job9 April 2015 at 01:43

    This is absolutely beautiful!! I love the color palette and texture!!

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  5. Samra9 April 2015 at 04:26

    Gorgeous colors and textures, so many pretty details. Love it!

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  6. Rosie9 April 2015 at 04:57

    Wow, this is absolutely gorgeous, Astrid, as always !!!

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  7. massofhair9 April 2015 at 05:21

    What size are the manilla folders please Astrid, are they A4 or A5 ish size? Might have found some but not sure if correct size.

    Stunning transformation, gorgeous colours and the swirl is sensational! Looking forward to seeing your tags very soon:-) xxx

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    Replies
    1. Karen K.9 April 2015 at 21:54

      This may be the tutorial you are looking for... http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/accordionfilefolder/
      The file folder fits 8.5x11 paper.

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    2. rkramadh18 April 2015 at 15:52

      Karen, Thank you so much for the link. The tut to make these pockets is very clear and easy to follow. Now, decorating them as gorgeous as Astrid has done is a different matter :)

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  8. froebelsternchen9 April 2015 at 05:59

    This is sooo beautiful! A wonderful Astrid project !
    Love it!
    xxx
    Susi

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  9. Vintagehandmade9 April 2015 at 07:15

    Amazing creation, Astrid! Beautiful colors, great textures and fabulous coloring! I love all the details there! Awesome!
    Branka xxx

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  10. Valerie-Jael9 April 2015 at 07:27

    Wonderful makeover, the look really good! Valerie

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  11. chrissie9 April 2015 at 08:08

    Amazing folder Astrid. Will look out for some of them and let you know if I find any

    Love Chrissiexx

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  12. Ruth9 April 2015 at 08:14

    I'm intrigued by how you've transformed these manilla folders and will be off to check out some tutorials, but back to this delight...I always love your colour blending and this is so beautiful, love all the details and the gold highlighting is perfect following your happy accident with the walnut stain. Wonderful! Ruth x

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  13. Deborah Wainwright9 April 2015 at 08:28

    Oh wow love this A lot Astrid. Wonderful colours and texture. Looking forward to seeing the tags xx

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  14. Diana Taylor9 April 2015 at 08:40

    Wow, this is stunning - I love the different textures, and the beautiful flower stamps. The gold swirl on the dark background is particularly stunning. Thank you so much for your visit to my blog earlier - I have really enjoyed discovering your work and will be back to see the tags you are currently working on.

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  15. Anneke9 April 2015 at 10:56

    Wonderful Colors. Great texture. Love your design.
    It's so real Astrid. You have such a own styl and I love it.
    Thanks for showing and I love to follow your artisticefforts Astrid.
    Love Anneke

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  16. Irene9 April 2015 at 11:37

    This is just so gorgeous love it!!!! Hope you find some folders here in the UK, do let me know if you do, I'd love some too!!!!! xx

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  17. Renee Stien9 April 2015 at 11:54

    This is just stunning! I have a huge box of these folders that I got a few years ago and am always looking for creative uses for them so I love this idea too.

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  18. rachel9 April 2015 at 12:07

    such a beautiful make Astrid - i adore this coneflower stamp - its gorgeous - wonderful work and so very inspirational - thankyou x

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  19. Pamellia9 April 2015 at 12:19

    Wow Astrid, this is such an amazing idea and I really love how you altered it! The flourishes on the pockets are brilliant and I love all your wonderfully blended colours! Another fabulous mixed media piece that I have rightfully pinned!! hugs :)

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  20. Ros Crawford9 April 2015 at 12:35

    Really lovely!! I'm not sure which ones you are looking for but Staples, Viking and various other office suppliers do them ... Even Ebay do them.

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  21. Rupa Swaminathan9 April 2015 at 12:48

    This is beautiful. The X colors are do vibrant and those golden swirls are a lovely add!

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  22. Maryann Laursen9 April 2015 at 14:24

    Wauw absolutely gorgeous work here again Astrid, and now I can see, theres one more thing I need to find here before we leave here on the 21st. I just love, what you have done here, it looks fabulous as always hun. Hope you had a wonderful trip here too, and that you were just as lucky with the weather, as we have been here øall the way around, and now we are heading to the really warm places here today, so it is getting great, I am sure.

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  23. Dorthe9 April 2015 at 15:06

    Your folder is gorgeous, dear Astrid, I love the flower stamp, and you coloured it and the butterfly to perfection. Love the golden touches and beautiful background you created !!
    Dorthe, xo

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  24. Juliz Design Post9 April 2015 at 16:26

    Stunning makeover, love the touches of gold.
    Julie xx

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  25. Barbara Rankin9 April 2015 at 16:28

    Hi Astrid. I just went to my local office supply store yesterday and bought a pack of file folders to do the very same thing. I've been seeing these all over the internet and wanted to try it out, too. You have surely inspired me to get "off my duff" and make one for myself. Yours is absolutely gorgeous !

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  26. Alie Hoogenboezem-de Vries9 April 2015 at 18:39

    Love this makeover of the file folder Astrid...you're so talented...gorgeous details!
    Greetings, Alie :-)

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  27. Lys9 April 2015 at 19:35

    I won't help you about your supply question... In France we can find so few items you can have in UK!
    But your make is so gorgeous! I love the blending colours and the vintage atmosphere of your artwork is still here, lovely!

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  28. Jane9 April 2015 at 19:54

    A really gorgeous make Astrid, lovely colours and texture. Looking forward to seeing the tags. Thanks for the shout out re the new challenge, I shall pop on over....xx

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  29. Kathy Bradley9 April 2015 at 20:10

    Astrid,
    You've turned a boring manila folder into a beautiful piece of art! It really is gorgeous and can't wait to see the tags! Please let me know if you need any more folders - I will be more than happy to send you what you need from here in the U.S.

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  30. Unknown9 April 2015 at 20:39

    Astrid,
    These folders used to be made by 7Gypsies, who stopped making them. What I did was saved one as a pattern and made my own from scrap card stock. But sadly they never turned out as fantastic as yours.
    But I will keep trying...... Sharon xx

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  31. Joan9 April 2015 at 21:05

    Just fabulous!

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  32. Words and Pictures9 April 2015 at 21:24

    Absolutely beautiful, Astrid - I love your watercolouring of the flowers, and the wonderful ocean green shades throughout. The flourishes inside look just glorious too.
    Alison xx

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  33. Corrie Herriman9 April 2015 at 21:34

    Beautiful project Astrid ! Love how you coloured the flowers.
    Corrie x

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  34. Meggymay9 April 2015 at 21:53

    Absolutely gorgeous project Astrid. I think we are all going to be on the lookout for some of these.
    Yvonne xx
    p.s. Forgot to say thank you for joining us for our first challenge at Stamps and Stencils.

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  35. Redanne9 April 2015 at 22:27

    Absolutely stunning Astrid, I love how you used the cone flowers and the manila folder has been transformed into a beautiful piece of art - just beautiful. Hugs, Anne xx

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  36. Anonymous10 April 2015 at 00:03

    Hello Astrid....

    Manilla Folders ... I've tried to work out the size you've used in your project here (fabulous by the way) but I can't get any clues as to measurements, but ... I've got a gazillion of these, and like you, I love to use them for various things because they seem to take anything you throw at them and don't complain.

    The ones I have are A4 sized (you can put A4 papers into them) and I originally bought them for some certificates and other paperwork, but I could only buy them in batches of about 50 (or maybe even 100, can't quite remember) and I bought them in this country. However, I don't think I've seen them smaller than these, but enquiries could be made.

    Back to this project ... an adorable piece of beautiful art, from an adorable, beautiful artist. Can't wait to see the tags. I'm very much a tag kinda girl, so always look forward to seeing tags - especially so yours.
    Sending love ~ Cobs. x

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  37. Terry10 April 2015 at 00:19

    I guess I never looked at a manila file folder as a thing of beauty! Actually I bought some to use for tags, but they did not have the coating and so did not work in the same way. Love what you have done here and the altered file folder is gorgeous! The texture and colors as always amazing! Love this!

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  38. Jackie PN10 April 2015 at 13:38

    Gorgeous Astrid! I especially love the butterfly on the back- he looks real!!
    I am going to have to give these folders a try- never thought to use them this way! heehee
    And when and where were you in the states?!! If we were close we could have met for coffee or tea!!
    Love and creative wishes xo

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  39. Felix the Crafty Cat10 April 2015 at 14:44

    Love it too bits Astrid. I have never seen them here quite like that but something similar in A4 at Staples. I have made something similar using Tim Holtz On The Edge File Tabs die to create the sides. Happy crafty hugs, Angela x

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  40. Nikki Acton10 April 2015 at 15:26

    Gosh I love this - it is sort of elegant and grungy at the same time - super artwork. Nikki xx

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  41. Belinda Basson10 April 2015 at 16:39

    Where did my comment go? I think Google ate it! I love your folder and I think you should enter it into Tim's April tag cos I like it even better than his version. Yours is so rich in both colour and texture.

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  42. experiments in paper10 April 2015 at 23:30

    Wow, Astrid - this altered folder/tag holder is exquisite!! In addition to all the textured bits, I absolutely love your butterflies, particularly the fussy-cut one - I am not patient enough for that but you tempt me, lol! And I love your flowers - we are still waiting for spring weather, but hopefully next week it will actually feel like it! I'm curious about the size of these mini-folders to begin with.... 9" x 6"? I think that might make sense given what they look like after your alterations. Can't wait to see your tags!! Thank you so much for your recent visits and wonderful comments - always love reading your posts and your comments as well! Have a great weekend - xxxx Lynn

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  43. Unknown11 April 2015 at 16:57

    Gorgeous, Astrid!! LOVE your manila file folder transformation :) I buy a box of heavy duty manila file folders to use as my manila stock--I cheat (and am cheap) that way because it's so much more economical than buying 'manila stock' and the heavy duty file folders are thick and smooth, and then I don't feel guilty about any waste :) I can't wait to see the tags that you're going to fill this folder with :) Happy Saturday, Astrid!! XOXO-Shari

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  44. Deb12 April 2015 at 23:42

    Beautiful Astrid, love your colour palette and I think you used the perfect amount of walnut stain ☺ I have boxes of new and used file folders, know I know why I kept them all! Can't wait to see your tags.

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  45. Lin13 April 2015 at 07:31

    Wow Astrid this is gorgeous!! love all that texture and he colours are beautiful!! off to see the tags now xx

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  46. Marjie Kemper13 April 2015 at 12:22

    This is absolutely gorgeous inside and out, Astrid!

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  47. sarascloset14 April 2015 at 11:24

    Beautiful pockets for those lovely tags! (I've been playing catch up!) Your textures and colors are scrumptious, and I especially enjoy looking at those butterflies and coneflowers! I wish I had them in that color in my garden, and I have the stamps on my wish list, too! You are one incredible artist! Thank you for sharing with us!

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  48. Kerstin F.15 April 2015 at 11:48

    Brilliant, I love it!!

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  49. Margaret Mifsud16 April 2015 at 01:49

    Oh my Astrid, this is a fabulous little project!!! Definitely have to pin this one, I can see so many possibilities. Of course you have decorated it to perfection. I love the swirl stamp on the pockets, looks so elegant and your colours and textures are simply to die for!! Love, love, love this!! xx

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  50. Dagmar16 April 2015 at 04:53

    Oh Astrid, was für eine fantastische Arbeit!!!! Ein traumhaftes Album, das du Sucher mit genauso traumhaften Tags füllen wirst!!!! Ich liebe deine Arbeiten - sie wecken meine Kreativität wieder auf :-)
    Ganz liebe Grüße, Dagmar

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  51. Jenny Marples17 April 2015 at 13:26

    A fabulous altered folder project Astrid! I'm with you - we should be able to get those manilla folders over here in the UK. Jenny x

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  52. rkramadh18 April 2015 at 16:02

    Astrid, I am blown away by your creations each time I visit your site! You up the ante each time and come up with amazing, gorgeous creations. I have run out of superlatives to express how beautiful your art is. You have such a unique style in creating backgrounds and blending layers so seamlessly!! I am lucky to have lots of letter size ( 8.5x 11) Manila folders at home, used for filig papers at home. Yours is a much more fun use for them! Just want to mention that in the US, these folders are available at the $ stores ( 4 for 1$ ). The lady in the video tut says the cheaper the better for this project....

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  53. Kazza27 April 2015 at 21:41

    I love your beautiful creativity Astrid. I have been looking at your work for ages and am so in awe!! I have been wanting to get more into this type of work. Have done a little but just getting my head around it all! Thanks for all the tips. Gosh.....I even made one of these folders from You Tube. Must find it. Totally love this file tab folder of yours. K xx

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  54. Sandy7 May 2015 at 02:26

    Everything you do is always so gorgeous Astrid and usually very romantic too!
    Sandy xx

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