Mini "Album" Photo Folders

Christy Ink & Paper, Tutorials 13 Comments

This is one of my favorite crafts; I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do. The design is inspired by a card file make-and-take I did at a local craft store. I adapted the size to fit photos instead of cards, and I find it makes an amazing little “album.”

It’s perfect for those sets of pictures that you want to keep together, but don’t have the time or energy to put into a full-fledged scrapbook. I made one of these for each of my bridesmaids, as well as the ring bearers and flower girls in my wedding. It would also be perfect grandmother’s brag book. I’m experimenting with using plastic instead of paper to make it more durable.

Unfortunately, I made these before I even thought about starting a blog, so I don’t have pictures of the step-by-step process. If you have any questions, I’m happy to answer them in comments.

Step One: Foundation

  • Cut a sheet of cardstock to 10 1/8 inches by 6 3/4 inches. Score 4 3/4 inches from each end. I find that a light, solid color works best for the backing.
  • Cut 4 mats of coordinating cardstock to 6 1/2 by 4/14 inches. Glue to inside and outside covers of folder.
  • Cut 2 spine mats to 6 1/2 inches by 1/2 inch. Glue to inside and outside of spine. 
  • Cut 2 spines to 6 5/8 inches by 3/8 inch. Glue over spine mats.
  • Cut 2 covers to 6 1/4 inches by 4 1/4 inches. Glue over mats on outside of folder (the envelopes will go on the inside).  

Step Two: Envelopes (make 2)

  • Start with a 8 1/2 by 8 1/2 inch square of double-sided cardstock. 
  • Using a scoring board, create an envelope 4 1/4 inches tall by 6 1/4 inches wide by 1/4 inch thick. I use the scoring board from Martha Steward Crafts with the envelope plate. Instructions may vary with different boards.
    • Choose the corner you want to be the top flap of the envelope (corner A) and line that up at the top center of the scoring board. Corner B is now on the right, C at the bottom, and D at the left.
    • Make 2 score lines, 2 5/8 inches and 2 7/8 inches in from corner D.
    • Rotate paper so Corner C is at the top and A is on the bottom.
    • Make 2 score lines, 2 5/8 inches and 2 7/8 inches in from corner B.
    • Rotate paper so Corner B is at the top. 
    • Make 2 score lines, 3 5/8 inches and 3 7/8 inches in from corner A
    • Rotate paper so Corner D is at the top
    • Make 2 score lines, 3 5/8 and 3 7/8 inches from corner C
    • Cut out the 4 triangles made by the intersection of the inside score lines.
    • Fold on all score lines to shape the envelope. 
    • Cut the tip of corner C to create a flat edge where it meets with corners B and D.
    • Create a slit below corner C that corner A will fit into. Punch a small hole at either end.
    • Tape or glue the envelope together so that corners B and C are on the bottom and C is on top. I find it easiest to stuff the envelope with scrap paper before I seal it so that everything lines up right and I can apply pressure without bending the sides. 

Step Three: Embellish
Obviously, this part is up to you. Since my paper of choice was a repeating pattern, I cut out one of the purses from my scrap paper and stuck it on top of the paper with pop up dots for a 3D effect.
The sky is the limit here. I do recommend that you use no fewer than 3 layers of cardstock on each side just so the folder keeps its shape.

My Materials:
We R Memory Keepers Paper – Girls Night Out (5 sheets)
White Cardstock – from my stash
EK Success 3D Dots

Other Supplies
Fiskars Rotary Paper Trimmer
Martha Stewart Crafts Scoring Board
Glue Glider – Perma Tac adhesive