Petite Stationary Folder - How to Make a Great Gift for Any Occasion

Whether it's just a DIY thing or the wonderful way that people react to homemade gifts, I'm positively addicted to making the gifts I give. They can't be just anything, either. They absolutely have to be useful and personal.

In this complete guide, I'll walk you through the steps to make a beautiful petite stationary folder, complete with monogrammed notes and a little folder to hold extras.

The completed folder is a beautiful handmade gift perfect for any occasion. Whether you need a quick handmaid bridal party gift, a present for your favorite person's last-minute birthday party, or even to create a bunch of unique baby announcements, the only limit to how you use this paper craft tutorial is your imagination. Seriously.

Basic Supplies

These supplies are seriously just the basics. If you tackle the embellishing and decorating as you would do card making or scrapbooking, you can layer this little folder an amazing look that will personalize it as a gift that fits its recipient to a t.

Card Stock: 1 sheet in color/pattern of choice

Standard Paper: 7 sheets in color of choice

Embellishments of choice

Glue Runner, Scissors, Bone Folder, Stapler, Stamps and/or Dies of choice

Basic Instructions

Remember that this tutorial is a guide - it's not meant to be followed to the letter, because you are the crafter. Take the basic guidelines and templates to make your own stationary folder that will really speak volumes.

1. Familiarize yourself with the template dimensions. A diagram of the folder and stationary envelope is included as the second photo attached to this article, annotated with the exact dimensions of each piece. Some experienced paper crafters will find this to be all they need to get started.

2. Print the folder and stationary envelope on card-stock color(s) of choice, or cut pieces according to the diagram measurements. A high-resolution PDF template is available freely. **Note: always print on the back side (where applicable) so that the score and cut lines won't be seen in the finished piece.

3. Cut folder (8.75" x 4"). Score along markings if using printed stock, or lay folder out with long sides on top and bottom. Starting from the left, on the wrong side of the stock, score a horizontal line at 2 1/2", 3 1/2", and 3 3/4", creating a 1/4" spine in the right third of the folder. Fold inward, "hiding" the markings in the inside of the folder.

4. Apply glue to the top and bottom of 2 1/2" folder. Fold inward, creating a pocket on the left side of the folder.

5. Score and crease the stationary envelope. Apply glue to the outside 1/4" lines. Fold inward, creating a "box" that is open on the top and the left. Line up the glued folds with the outside, right bottom corner of folder. Press into place, creating a 1/4" deep pocket for the stationary sheets. Set folder aside.

6. If printing monogram or design on stationary, do so before cutting. If stamping, do after cutting. Cut each of the 7 sheets of standard paper into rectangles sized 3" wide by 4" high. These will slip inside the stationary envelope, and fill its 1/4" depth.

7. Embellish as desired. For a wrap-around paper as shown in polka-dot folder, cut a strip 7 1/4" long by 1-2" wide.