Folder How-To
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(Click on the pictures for an enlarged view - 
scroll to the bottom for new detailed pics from 2/3/2000)

 

myfolder_front.jpg (13837 bytes)1. Teal colored folders (no prongs - just the basic model) from Office Depot, Office Max, wherever. 10/2.99 at Office Depot. Open it up to lay flat, fold down the top all the way across about 2 inches. This will make it slightly taller than the catalogs. A plain ordinary glue stick works best for coating & securing this folded portion down, and the folding leaves a nicely finished edge on all sides.
A tip for the folding process: Use the rounded back of a tablespoon to press the crease as you fold, instead of your fingers! Makes a nicer finished edge, and less strain for you!
 
myfolder_trifold.jpg (17406 bytes) 2. Now fold the right & left sides across the center, creating a 3 section layout. I purchased an extended reach stapler and am stapling my catalog in, but last year I 2-hole punched it & the folders, and tied ribbon through to secure it. Either way would work, stapling seems quicker & a little more secure, but I did like the look of the ribbon in last year's folder. Kinda gave it a festive look. Secure the catalog in place on the left-most fold, so that it is between the 1st & 2nd third of the folded folder.
 
myfolder_trifold_back.jpg (13527 bytes) 3. I place the order form, folded in half, behind the catalog, and fold the right-most side over the order form, but under the catalog. Then the front folds over the catalog. Candle Care Tips in the front pocket. I used to put door prize slips in the folders, but recently I have found that I prefer to have someone hand them out when we are ready to do them. There's almost always a child with at least one guest, so I let them be my assistant through the show, passing out things & collecting them.
 
4. I am gluing one of my business cards on the inside front pocket, this is because folding it in thirds puts the business card pocket off-center - and I guess I'm kinda silly about things being symmetrical & centered LOL...this way they know who to write the check out to...and I give away business cards with all my door prizes & sponsor packets, so anyone who wants to take one usually ends up with one! Also, a nice sticker from any of our great sticker sources, on the front...for specific sources go visit Business Links!
 
myfolder_trifold2.jpg (17386 bytes) 5. When the Spring flyer comes out it will get tucked into the front pocket (assuming it fits...which could be a big assumption LOL!) or stapled in front of the regular catalog, and the Holiday catalog, if it is the same size as the regular one, can be stapled or tied between the second & third section.
 
This was the best of the three methods I worked out - since it made nice finished edges with no cutting & really not too much hassle. I love the idea of permanent 3-ring binders & sheet protectors, but I needed a more inexpensive way to go immediately...till all the fabulous income starts rolling in from January shows!
 
Good luck - hope these instructions are a little clearer than mud!

folder3.jpg (7399 bytes) folder2.jpg (9007 bytes) folder1.jpg (11499 bytes)

Belinda, webmaster

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This page last updated  July 06, 2005