DIY File Folders

These fun to make colorful DIY file folders will keep paper clutter at bay and keep you organized!

Even though we’re in a digital world, I still find the need for simple paper organization systems. Whether it’s handouts at Declan’s preschool, paper invitations, or just random mail, paper enters my home on a daily basis.

To prevent paper from piling up, I have a pretty easy system at our entry way that allows me to quickly organize, file and throw paper as needed. We’ve been using this process for a couple years now and it’s truly been a game changer.

No more papers laying on the counters.

No more panicking before I leave the house because the keys are “missing”.

No more junk mail sitting around the house.

The list could go on.

If you don’t already have an entry way command center, I highly recommend it. (Click that link for my DIY one) Here’s another post on how I’ve been using my command center to keep the papers organized. It’s a pretty simple process to follow and has been a game changer.

In addition to the plastic folders shown in that post, I also like to have several file folders on hand for more specific projects: pre-school co-op exec board meetings, my weekly MOPS mom’s group handouts, a fundraiser I’m organizing, to name a few.

Because I’m always finding new things to store in folders, having extra manila folders at our entry command center is very helpful. It also prevents the ‘miscellaneous papers’ pile from occurring. It’s a slippery slope once too many papers turn to ‘miscellaneous’. You know what I mean.

I like my organizational systems to be pretty and my file folders are no different.

This is a really simple project to add a punch of color to paper files.

Supplies for these easy DIY File Folders

• Manila folders
• Decorative paper or wrapping paper
• Label maker
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Pencil
• Clear tape

DIY File Folders Instructions

I selected a colorful patterned paper for the front (outside) of the folder and a solid color for the back (inside), where the label will go.

With a pencil, lightly trace the outline of the front and back of the folder on to your decorative papers.

Next, cut out the outline.

Grab your glue stick and smear it all along the edges of the decorative papers. Then secure the decorative papers to the folder, adhering the solid color to the inside folder first.

Before securing the patterned paper to the outside of the folder, I taped the folder shut. This creates a nice pocket to hold all the papers I’ll soon be adding to the folder!

Now you’ll have some pretty DIY file folders to use for any of your organizational needs!