24
Mar

Pretty Scrapbook Paper Covered Magazine File ~ Tutorial

I’m in the midst of needing to re-do my sewing/crafting/office space – it needs it – desperately!!  If you came into my house right now I would be so embarrased.  I have a gazillion yards of fabric everywhere and have taken over the entire dining room and office.  I am the type of person that needs my space to be organized and put together in order to feel like I can move ahead and create…….well right now, I should be at a stand-still because it is a disaster!

So in an effort to start to re-do my “studio” (that’s what we’ll call it…….sounds good, right?), I decided to start with an easy project.  Several years back I had purchased some inexpensive cardboard magazine files from IKEA – these to be exact:

They are only $2.99 for a pack of 5 – a bargain!!  But look at them…….they are screaming for some color.  So here is my overhaul project for these great deal, but not so pretty, magazine files.

Pretty Covered Magazine File Tutorial
Supplies:
-Magazine files
-Pretty scrapbook paper
-Glue
-Scissors or a paper cutter
-Pencil or pen
Directions:
Grab your scrapbook paper.  I used Amy Butler’s scrapbook pack so that I would have a bunch of designs and colors that all coordinate and you know how I feel about Amy Butler (love her)!
Get out a sheet of 12 x 12 paper.
Flip your paper over and trace (with your pen or pencil) around the long-side of your magazine file.
This is what it will look like after you have done your tracing.
Use your paper cutter (or scissors) and cut out what you traced.  If you don’t have a paper cutter, I highly recommend getting one.  They are pretty inexpensive (especially if you use your 40% off coupon at Joann’s or Michael’s) and if you plan on doing much crafting at all, it is well-worth the money.
Here is your long front piece cut out and ready to go.
Take your glue and place it all over the side of the file and place your long piece on top (be sure to line it up perfectly).  I just used your basic glue, but the stronger the better.  Another idea is to use Mod Podge for this project – if you are into that sort of thing.
Now you could stop here, as you really will only see the front of the file if you keep these in a bookcase, but I decided to take it a few steps further and cover the entire file box.  For the sides trace each one on another piece of scrapbook paper.
Use the first one you cut out as a template for your second.  You need two in order to cover both sides.
Again, swirl glue all around the side of the file and place your pretty paper on top.
For the other small piece, use a scrap from the first long-piece we cut.   Trace the same as the other pieces.
Here is what the smaller side of the file should look like.
To add your labels, I cut small pieces of neutral cardstock (approx. 1″ x 3″) to back my printed labels.
For the printed part of the label, I used my label maker (oh how I love my label maker!), but if you don’t have one, just print your text out on your computer or hand-write it.
Place your labels all at the same height on the long-side of the file.
Here is what your pretty magazine file will look like after it is complete.  Looks like it cost a lot more than the 60 cents that I paid for each file, right?
Here are some more files that I did as well in coordinating Amy Butler scrap paper.
These files just make me so happy, now if I could just get the rest of my “studio” to make me this happy!!

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19 Comments

  1. Savvy Saving Momma says
    March 25, 2010 at 7:03 AM

    What a great idea!

  2. TheFancyFritter says
    March 25, 2010 at 9:17 AM

    Very fun idea! I’m moving her in about 6 weeks & our new house will have a little nook that already has built in shelves & a desk & will be PERFECT for my sewing room! I’ll have to remember this for all my files! thanks for sharing! 🙂

  3. TheFancyFritter says
    March 26, 2010 at 10:59 AM

    Hey girl! I actually found a ton of these magazine holders at a garage sale this morning! I can’t wait to cute them up! I linked your tutorial from my blog! 🙂

  4. luvinthemommyhood says
    March 26, 2010 at 6:43 PM

    LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! Can you come do mine?

  5. Laura says
    March 27, 2010 at 7:51 PM

    Thanks for the tutorial. I’ve been looking for something like this.

    I am featuring a necklace tutorial and giveaway. I’d love it if you stopped by my blog!

  6. Simies says
    March 28, 2010 at 4:14 PM

    It´s nice! I have to try it too!

  7. Amanda says
    March 29, 2010 at 11:10 PM

    I love those magazine files from Ikea. I have several. I’ve been meaning to decorate mine somehow. Love the look of yours!

  8. tracylynne says
    March 30, 2010 at 9:47 AM

    I have a ton of these files as well but I was thinking of using fabric to cover them-with cute paper they look just as good. thanks for the tutorial.
    http://www.indianmeridianatblogspot.com

  9. Sarah @ Hennessey House says
    March 30, 2010 at 4:00 PM

    what a fantastic idea! yours turned out awesome. and thanks for the tutorial!

  10. Lei says
    March 31, 2010 at 11:30 AM

    So cute! Everything looks better with scrapbook paper on it!!!

  11. Jen S. says
    May 4, 2010 at 4:26 PM

    Quick question–typically whenever I glue things like this, at some point the edges start to look a little deteriorated. Can you think of a good way to bind the edges at the corners to make the paper last longer? Colored masking tape perhaps?

  12. The Cottage Mama says
    May 4, 2010 at 5:36 PM

    Jen,

    You could try mod-podging the paper to the file. I always have great luck with that stuff – I’m sure the edges would stay nice that way. Hope this helps!!

    Lindsay

  13. StressTheSeams says
    May 5, 2010 at 6:19 AM

    Thank you so much for posting this. I’m redoing my “studio” too and Mod podge is so perfect for the budget! Check out what you inspired me to recover here: http://stresstheseams.blogspot.com/2010/05/may-you-be-inspired-days-map-file.html

    Thanks for the inspiration!

  14. Farah says
    June 25, 2010 at 3:04 AM

    Very helpful tutorial, I have bare magzine covers and your tutorial helps me a lot, I will do it and then link up your blog to my blog if you permit..

    http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/

    Please check it out may be you can find something interesting there…

  15. AdronsCatherine says
    May 4, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    I am just now finding this, and it is PERFECT to organize my bajillion sewing magazines and larger pattern envelopes!

    Out of curiosity, do you think there is a way to do this with fabric??? I would love to make them match my sewing room!

    Thank you so much for all the inspiration on your gorgeous blog! I have been in a slump, and my sewing room is only half done. You’ve totally inspired me to get it done so I can enjoy it and be more productive! THANK YOU!

  16. Randi S says
    December 29, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    if you ever need more magazine holders, cut them out of old cereal boxes. I just made one today and covered it with paper (I didn’t take as much time and precision as you did so mine doesn’t look nearly as nice, but it works). 😀

  17. Annie says
    September 1, 2012 at 8:22 AM

    Why not use spray glue? Would make it easier & quicker project…….

  18. Annie says
    September 1, 2012 at 8:22 AM

    Why not use spray glue? Would make it easier & quicker project…….

  19. ayshwariya says
    May 4, 2013 at 6:15 AM

    Thanks for sharing, I will bookmark and be back again

    http://www.totalsupplies.com/magazine-holders.aspx