Simple Vintage Coastal Gifting Folder by Shellye McDaniel!

The things that you can stuff into a pocket file folder are many! Today I'm sharing a "Simple Vintage: Coastal" Stuffed File Folder; it makes fun happy mail or take along with you and gift to a beach-lovin' friend!

I started with crafting the folder. I used a standard manila file folder and sewed the edges closed (use adhesive or staples if you don't have a sewing machine). Next, I used a walnut ink to lightly distress the edges.

The front was decorated with an assemblage of embossed tags, a chipboard frame, stickers, die-cuts, and chipboard stickers. To the top, I added sisal roping and also fashioned a knot of sorts (see video). Inside the folder, I added a smaller pocket from a folded piece of scrapbook paper; this keeps smaller items from sinking to the bottom of the pocket. One of the first items I crafted were these simple paper covered clothespins:

I used Mod Podge to attach the strips of paper and to also seal the paper. Chipboard anchors were attached with a drop of hot glue. They were clipped onto a piece of paper, dropped into a cellophane bag, and then topped with a bag topper.

Tags are always a favorite to make and give! Here I've taken basic shipping tags and used a mix of media to complete them. First I created a light background with an assortment of clear stamps. Be sure to check out the video to see all of the cool techniques that were incorporated!

I'm so in love with Simple Stories' large chipboard frames! If they're included in a collection: grab them! Here I've used the "port-hole" style frame as the cover for a simple mini album. Again, visit the video to see it in real-time.

Yep, there's still more :) Next up is a decoupaged plaque. I traced the shape onto one of the 6X8 prints and trimmed out. Again, I used Mod Podge to apply the paper and to seal. I finished the plaque with a few die-cuts and chipboard pieces.

Cardmakers, scrapbookers, and planners love little journal cards and I have the cutest way to gift them! I created a mini pocket folder for the 3X4 cards from a strip of 6X12 patterned paper.

And finally, one of my newest favorite things: mini file folders! For this pocket I crafted two of these by simply cutting a file folder in half and then covering with patterned paper; it's easy, peasy :)