The next step in my desktop organization makeover is complete! I picked up a desktop file sorter (like this
*) to keep my most frequently used files close by. But who wants to look at plain manila folders all day? Not me!
Like the binder makeovers, I started with the most inexpensive (aka boring) folders. You can get 100 of them for $9 on Amazon*
right now (that’s $0.09/folder)! So much better than folders that start out pretty but cost 10 times more. Saving that much money seems to spur my creativity, because I came up with three simple ways to upgrade my folders.
Option 1: Simple Striped Folder
This one is the fastest, cheapest upgrade AND it’s my favorite! I used dollar store electrical tape to add stripes. I didn’t bother measuring so the process was QUICK. I left about an inch on each side of the folder to wrap to the inside. I loved the stripes so much that I also made some using pink washi tape. Folders + Tape = Extreme Chic
Option 2:Gold Polka Dot
Next I grabbed a wine cork, paintbrush, and Liquid Leaf to stamp gold dots. After a little testing, I found that the best technique was to paint the cork versus dipping it into the gold.
Then I pressed the cork straight down and twisted it about a 1/4 turn before pulling it straight back up. This gave me pretty accurate circles. I did a little touching up with the paintbrush. It looks time consuming, but it was under 5 minutes to do an entire folder.
Option 3: Add Words With Vinyl
You guessed it, this option is also quick! I used my Silhouette Cameo
* to cut out my word of the year in brushed gold vinyl*. I do a lot of my goal planning on paper and now I have the perfect place to keep all those papers together!
The folders are all fun individually, but get even better as a group!
I’m always lusting after the pretty folders at Target, but I think I cured that obsession now that I found out how easy it is to make my own!
I put together a little image of everything I used below. For the tape & Liquid Leaf, you can most likely find it locally for less, but this way you can at least see what exactly I used before heading to the store!
Stay tuned for the full desktop organization reveal later this week. If you’re on Instagram, you can follow me for sneak peeks! UPDATE: You can see the full organized desk, including this folders in action here.
*Post contains affiliate links, which means any time you buy the products indicated with an *, you are helping to support my dream! The price you pay is the same, but I get a small referral fee. So, THANK YOU!!!
Post shared at: Pretty Preppy Party
Julie @ Life of Bliss says
Love these! And they remind me of Kate Spade– always a bonus!
Melissa George says
Thanks Julie! I thought the same thing after I put them all together! Maybe she needs to hire me.
Paige says
These are so super cute! You’re making me want to put my washi tape and file folders to good use!
Christy @ 11 Magnolia Lane says
Great idea, Melissa! I was just eyeing some today that were $1 each–this is a much better way to dress them up! Thanks for linking up to the Pretty Preppy Party.
Jessica says
These folders are beautiful! So creative! =)
Courtney @ Crafts by Courtney says
what a quick makeover. I have a ton of washi tape that I need to start using again. Thanks for the inspiration.
Mairi says
I love this the look – so clever. Great impact. Can I ask how you added the labels on the tabs – was it also with the cameo?
Melissa George says
Thank you! Yes – I also made the folder labels with vinyl & my Cameo. They are actually the same as the pantry labels I sell on Etsy here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/220444886/customized-pantry-labels-small-organize?
Kbar says
Great idea. Do you mind sharing what font you used to write focus?
Melissa George says
Sure – it’s call Motion Picture.
Kbar says
Thank you for responding. I did a search but a different font comes up. Do you have a link for this font?
Melissa George says
Sure – the personal version is available free for personal use at DaFont here: http://www.dafont.com/search.php?q=motion+picture&text=Focus or you can purchase the full license here: http://www.aringtypeface.com/?s=motion+picture&x=0&y=0 I have the commercial license since I use it on the blog, but if it just for something at your own house the free version should work for you.
Rhiannon Thomas says
Love the “focus” folder but o don’t have that machine. Do you sell the folders on Etsy? Would you??
Melissa George says
I would! I’ll email you so we can talk about what you need!
Kimm at Reinvented says
Such a cute and clever idea! I”m in love with all three ideas! I’m always oohing and ahhing over the decorative file folders at Target, but there’s always a few in each pack that aren’t my style. Problem solved!
Melissa George says
Yeah! I’m so glad you love all of them!