3-ring filing cabinets are some of the most useful – and most neglected – organizing tools out there. Of course, if you’re making a scrapbook, collecting photos or recipes, or participating in other creative activities around the house, you probably already know how useful a good 3-ring binder can be.
For some, the funniest part of this type of project is the decoration and creativity that this allows. Along those lines, if you’re making a new cookbook, photo album, or other 3-ring binder project, here are some fun ideas on ways to decorate your binder.
3-ring binders with presentation windows
If your 3-ring binder has a clear plastic presentation window on the front, it opens up the possibility of including loose items in your creative binder cover, but this approach also restricts you if you prefer more texture. Of course, you always have the spine of your 3-ring binder to work with when it comes to texture.
However, if you have a presentation window, your cover can include sequins, glitter, leaves, feathers … the opportunities to customize your 3-ring binder are endless. As for the spine of your binder, you can spell out your title with plastic gems or glitter and glue, use textured paints, glue beads, or decorate the spine in a way that best suits your project and your creative impulses.
Covering your entire 3 ring binder
If you’re looking to cover your entire binder for a cohesive look, paper and fabric are probably your two main options, but you can also get a little more creative. Anyone can work quite well and open up a world of options for the overall look of your project.
For paper covers for 3 ring binders:your main concern should be the weight and strength of the paper you are using. Wear something too thin and your cover is likely to break. Choose something too thick and you will have a hard time getting good, attractive pleats.
Since you also need paper that comes in much larger sheets than the standard ones, consider using a paper that is not really paper: contact paper or wallpaper.
Both options are designed to be tough enough to withstand the use and abuse that your binder can withstand, and both are easy to apply. With contact paper, self-adhesive will probably work well, while wallpaper will respond well to tape or glue and folding.
In any situation, fold the cover material as you would a school book cover. If you never did this in school, you should be able to find instructions online pretty easily.
For fabric covers for 3 ring binders:look for a fabric with very little stretch. The upholstery fits perfectly here, and it’s pretty sturdy too. Flannel works well too, and certain denim weights make great covers. Fleece, on the other hand, should be a secondary option as it stretches easily and will be difficult to position properly.
To glue the fabric to your binder, you can use a few different methods. For a stiff upholstery fabric, you may be able to follow the pattern on the school book cover just like you would wallpaper, replacing the glue or tape with stitches. For softer fabrics like flannel, combine the stitching with a small amount of fabric glue on the inside corners and along the spine.
Get creative with your 3-ring adhesive sleeve
More important than how you choose to decorate your folder is the purpose behind the project: fun and creativity. If you keep these things in mind, your 3 ring binder project is sure to be a success.
