Holiday Planner Project - Tutorial

I'm joining the Metamorphisis Monday party today with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. 

As I mentioned a few days ago, I am looking for a way to ease into the holidays.  I intend to be ready with everything needed accomplished or re-evaluated and set aside if I cannot complete and a firm decision to not stress of what is out of my control.  I am a list person...I love lists and that is how I stay organized and function day to day.  I always carry a small notebook with me to make journal entries, sketch ideas, keep shopping items etc.  This manilla folder technique will help keep me organized and can be adapted to be used as a holder for photos, an everyday planner or a holiday planner, as I have chosen to do.  I love this idea. 

Directions for the accordian file project can be found on the Splitcoast stamper website.  I've included their video showing the procedure to create the base folder from a regular left tab Manilla folder.



I decided to make a Christmas planner using Christmas themed scrapbook paper and embellishments.  For my needs, I chose the following for the pockets:

• Calendar
• Shopping Lists
• To Do
• Receipts

I covered my folder with scrapbook paper and embellishments but that is a personal choice.  You can leave the folder plain or use a colored manilla folder...there are some pretty patterned ones out there as well. 

I covered the outside of my planner like a book, however, if you want to allow for more expansion in the accordian pockets, you would use a seperate piece to cover the front and back cover. 

Use scissors to trim your cover paper to fit nicely around the tabs.

Cut papers to fit inside 'pages'...be sure and leave room for easy folding...don't oversize your paper.  The paper size to cover the bottom of the pockets is approx 4.5x3.75 inches. 

You will end up with 4 interior pockets.

All the best,