Art Folio

Here’s a photo of an art case that I designed for my calligraphy samples when I was teaching a class. The glossy paper I was using was great for using on my demo board in class. However the problem with glossy paper is that it is very slippery and sometimes hard to handle. So I designed a case for it that it fit the paper perfectly and kept it contained. It’s basically a big rectangle with score lines where the folds are.

You will need:
a piece of matboard for your project (this is 18″ x 27″)
scrap foamboard strips equal to length of sides and depth of fold
ribbon
magnet pieces
craft knife
metal straightedge
tape gun

1. Cut matboard to size of desired folio. Score to create bends where box will fold. Use craft knife to cut down about halfway through the matboard to make a clean score line. Make sure you score on the RIGHT side of the project.
2. Fold box into folder shape.
3. Measure and cut strips of foamboard and layer to create sides to the folder. Adhere layers to each other with tape gun. Adhere to sides of folio.
4. Cut slits in sides to allow ribbon through. Thread ribbon around box and tie in front.
5. Adhere magnets to folder flap and front.
6. Punch two holes with Crop-a-dile on top of folder. Add eyelets if desired. Thread ribbon through for handle and knot.
7. Insert artwork and take it in style!

It would be very easy to go to town embellishing this, but I loved the pattern and colors of the matboard and didn’t want to add too much. Plus I probably decided to make this about 10 minutes before class! Hope you can use this idea to create your own art case.