Are you the designated crafter in the family, among friends, at the office? Have you ever been asked to make a group card and making it BIG so that lots of people can sign it? Easy at first thought but when you think of a 12 x 12 piece of paper then folded in half, you end up with an awkward size and with no envelope to fit the card. You probably so wished you had a 12 x 18 piece of cardstock? Been there, done that! … no worries, a solution is available and it’s no surprise it involves Martha Stewart.
I was recently at Staples oohing over her office line collection and these file folders caught my eye. Who can resist being organized with these Tiffany blue coloured folders- yummy! Thinking beyond pretty file folders I thought these would make fantastic card bases. These folders come plain or patterned in various colours, are very sturdy, and best of all the finished card will fit easily in a standard over-sized office envelope.
Here are some ways I made the card less office-y looking. Like a standard file folder, there are score lines close to the spine so I just used a pretty border to cover it up. I also cut the tab off on the right edge. The theme of my big card is wedding or engagement and will fit lots of personal messages. It is very practical because the card can be re-purposed back as a folder for the bride to organize her notes or momentos.
Supplies: Martha Stewart, Me and My Big Ideas pattern paper, American Crafts thickers, Memory Box dies.
Hope this inspires you to make a BIG card too!
~ Virginia
what an awesome idea. thanks for sharing
Posted by: susan s | June 12, 2012 at 09:02 AM
This is such a great idea! I have struggled with large cards and never will again thanks to you!
Posted by: Carol Hartery | June 12, 2012 at 09:12 AM
Cool idea, never would have thought of that! Thanks Virginia :)
Posted by: Renee VanEpps | June 12, 2012 at 09:19 AM
This is such a smart idea! Thanks:)
Posted by: Diane | June 12, 2012 at 09:24 AM
BRILLIANT! I got an idea from this too...They would make a GREAT scrapbook album...not so mini but I love to scrapbook 8.5 x11 and these would have the backgrounds already done! Great coffee table book! Thanks for the inspiration! :)
Posted by: Michelle Liimatainen | June 12, 2012 at 10:38 AM
Wonderful idea, I have some colourful file folders just waiting for that!!! Tks for the motivating idea:)
Posted by: Gisele | June 12, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Beautiful idea! ANd it would be a great way for the bride to store all the other cards she receives!
Posted by: NinaN | June 12, 2012 at 11:27 AM
I love this idea!! I made a mini album for my purse (new granddaughter) out of file folders & it really holds up well.
Posted by: Karen conner | June 12, 2012 at 12:19 PM
Love love love this!!! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Judi Church | June 12, 2012 at 12:59 PM
I have some victorian looking file folders with roses on them. These would be great to use a few of them for. I am always looking for sturdy card stock, this is a great solution for some projects. I love what you did with yours, and thanks for the tips and inspiration.
Posted by: Rea Custer | June 12, 2012 at 01:34 PM
fabulous idea! love it!
Posted by: Aly Dosdall | June 12, 2012 at 02:26 PM
What a great idea. Thanks for sharing
Posted by: dogmatix | June 12, 2012 at 03:17 PM
Great! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Paula DeRuntz | June 12, 2012 at 07:25 PM
So creative. Love this idea.
Posted by: Brenda B | June 12, 2012 at 08:30 PM
Awesome idea...thanks!
Posted by: Lisa N | June 12, 2012 at 10:20 PM
What a great idea! I make large birthday cards for my daughters office (22) of them and need lots of space for everyone to write a message from the whole staff and this will do the trick, plus my uncle is celebrating his 100th birthday next month and needed a large card to place photos and thoughts about what all has taken place in the last century in his life.
Posted by: Florence Unrau | June 12, 2012 at 11:08 PM
Love your idea. I have wanted to make a large card and couldn't think of a way. So now I know. Thanks
Posted by: Beneta | June 13, 2012 at 07:58 PM
Wonderful idea!
Posted by: Creative Mine by Maria G | June 13, 2012 at 09:00 PM
great idea...i made one last night
http://leokc34.blogspot.ca/2012/06/best-wishes-judy.html
Posted by: Kimberly Clark | June 13, 2012 at 09:45 PM
Great idea... Love the memory box die, too!
Posted by: Rona | June 13, 2012 at 10:01 PM
Terrific Idea! thank you for sharing..
Posted by: Peggy | June 13, 2012 at 11:32 PM
What a great idea and so practical. It's gorgeous. Great job. TFS
Posted by: Dorina D | June 14, 2012 at 01:42 AM
Very inspired to do my own big card! So many people to sign at my work, seems there is NEVER enough room for everybody!
Posted by: Christine Kiehl | June 14, 2012 at 11:35 AM
Gorgeous transformation of a file folder! TYFS! ;o)
Posted by: Ruza | June 15, 2012 at 10:33 PM
TOTALLY! i love making big cards, sometimes folding an 8 1/2x11" in half! this is lovely. more in depth instructions coming soon!
Posted by: betty-annmanghi | June 21, 2012 at 11:53 PM