DIY 101 ( Binder Make-over)

Did you ever try organizing your files in those  3 ring binders that you see in office/school supplies section, buying one for each individual category? And then just ending up putting it inside the cabinet because it's kinda "unposh" or just dull, hideous or maybe sometime too uncool for eye to see?
*raising up right hand*("Pick me! Pick me!")
Oh boy! Ive been there. To solve the problem, I allot a day for a BINDER MAKEOVER!!!

Here is what I did. 

Materials:

1. Flat spraypaint (acrylic) ( I chose black) Optional
2. DIY ModgePodge (1part Elmer's glue, 1 part water)
3. Piece of cloth(choose what you like best)
4.  Glue gun with glue stick
5. Cartolina or craft paper 
6. Scissors and paint brush (1")
7. old newspaper ( for protecting the surface)
8. Self Adhering label pockets ( optional )

Directions:

• Prepare by spreading the old newspaper on your working surface
• Remove files from the binder and set aside. Clean binder with dry piece of cloth.
• If the ring of the binder is already tarnished or has rust on it, clean it with dry cloth. 
• If opting to use spray paint ( like I do) cover the sides of the ring to protect the binder from splatters. Spray up and down covering the ring surface, stop for couple of minutes. Do it one more time and let it dry.

•  Measure cloth by spreading the binder on to it, on the wrong side of the cloth, cutting 1 inch longer on ALL sides.

•  Using paint brush, spread thin layer DIY Modge podge on the outer surface of the binder. Cover it with cloth.Using the palm of your hand smoothen any wrinkled part.

• The next step is to put hot glue on the binder's edges and folding in the excess cloth on the side. Press the cloth to adhere on the binder, putting extra care on the corners.
• You may put cloth on the middle of the binder if the ring is lying on the right side like mine. Use hot glue on all sides.

• Measure your choice of craft paper 1/2 inch smaller than the size of binder flap. 
• Using paint brush apply thin layer of glue in mid part of the binder avoiding the cloth, and put the craft paper on it 1/2 inch away from the edges.
• Do the same thing on the right side.

• Edges of the craft paper should stick to the cloth. Do this by using hot glue. Press after applying hot glue to make it looked like it was done professionally.

Edges of craft paper should look like this.

You may start putting the files back

Adding index tab would be a great idea.

Finished Product

You may want to use some book plate such as these:

to make it more nice and organized.


Happy Crafting!