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In an effort to reduce the number of used file folders I have removed from my filing system, and later found in the basement makeover,
today I attempted to paint a few of them, so I can later make books for Christmas presents. I started with a faux credit card I didn't capture in the photo, along with several colors of fluid acrylics. 
I spent over four hours making these. Very frustrating, because they should have been much easier. I don't have any step out photos, either. I didn't make step out photos because my TV quit working yesterday and today I
went all over town trying to find one I could afford to replace it. And as many of you know, I try to visit you every day, but today I ran out of time before I ran out of people to visit. And it looks like I'll be doing more running tomorrow, too!If you have never used an old credit card, hotel card, gift card, or OLD freebie plastic (faux credit) card you got in the mail (the new ones are paper, and bend too quickly), all you do is place a bit of paint on your substrate (in my case the file folders), then swipe the card through the paint and spread as thin as possible. For some reason, I had trouble getting enough paint on the file folders, so each time I swiped, instead of having leftover paint, the file folder soaked it up.
Today is Day 7 of AEDM, and I painted one side of a few file folders that I will eventually use to make Christmas gifts.
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27 thoughtful remarks:
You are so fast. Love the rich colors.
manilla card is very absorbent, but you have some lovely backgrounds. I think that you will find that it is easier to add paint once there is already a layer. I have a pile of old credit cards, too. It is very freeing to use them instead of a brush
Hello, sorry your day was spent running around and again today too. Glad you had time to play though. I'm using the credit card trick on my big poster board this morning, have never done it before so hope it works.
Good luck tv shopping!
I forgot to mention...
WOW, these look awesome and fun! Can't wait to see them done.
Lovely, colorful pages. I cut up old folders to use for postcards, the weight is perfect.
I do love visiting your blog every day! You never fail to surprise me too!Love the vibrant colors!
Having the background work done on the file folders will come in so handy when you are ready to use them. As usual, you have given us another great tip.
Darla
Next time you can put a light coating of gesso on the folders first and then start your process. Gesso can also give a nice texture if added in a hap-hazard manner like you did with the paint.
I love all the bright and bold colors. I did a similar technique on a mailing envelope for some mail art this week only I used a braer instead of credit card. Turned out awesome!
Can't wait to see those books! Maybe we could swap a junk journal for a book? ;-)
Have a great day Elizabeth!
~Dawn
Love all the colors!
I DO like file folders!
You might even try a sealer first but hey, this way you got better texture to work with!
Have to say I find adding paint with an old credit card the best way possible as you know I don't really like paint, this works for me. BJ
Ah, girl after my own heart again!! One of my favourite techniques so beautifully demonstrated sweetie.
Huge hugs x x x x
Great tip to do this ahead of time so you have some supplies ready when you need them. I hope you find a TV that fits your purpose.
So colourful and cheerful! Don't worry if you don't visit everyone each day, it's amazing that you even try.
Another frustrating day for you, shame about the TV... do you have any of the freecycle type places in the States? I know they have them in the UK as people offer things for free when they buy something new. The file folders turned out lovely though, did wonder if a splat of white paint first would have helped with the paint being sooked up!!
Try a goat of gesso over the folders before your paint. That should help. I have even resorted to a spray sealer.
wonderful use of those file folders E...there is something about the surface that I enjoy so much...
smearing with a card for palette knife give a neat texture...I enjoy doing that on old book pages too
hope you find a TV that you like that doesn't break the bank :)
oxo
Thanks for your comments on my blog, Elizabeth, i have been drawing since I could hold a crayon, so for me this is not very difficult, but you know it is just like any other skill, the more you do, the better you get. the problem some of my students have is that they want it all now! and don't want to put in the practice. Lot's of people use this as proof that talent is inborn in us, but I know, being a teacher, that talent is a result of passion and practice. Thanks, again
They are so bright and colorful, like butterfly folders. I'm sorry about all the running about!
I've never heard of this technique ~ fascinating. Especially love the three folders on the right.
I'm sitting and glancing over at my dead television ~ at least until after Christmas, I'm just watching my favorite shows online. They're actually easier for me to see as my laptop screen is almost as large as the T.V. screen. LOL!
♥
dani
Getting stuck into painting mania tags, now that is a stack of fun. They do seem to take up more paint due to their absorbency. I really like the bright vibrant colors you have used.
Hugs Eliza
That kraft does suck up paint. But your folders are loking good so far and I know you will transform them into something special as gidts. Good luck on TV buying...too many choices all too much money. xox
I've used the credit card paint method many times - I really like the skip & miss effect you can get with it. Sorry your experience was so frustrating...art should be fun. What you ended up with is such a great base...can't wait to see your finished books.
Good luck with the TV - I hate it when electronics go out!
You've been busy again in the create dept. I'm sure it will be great to have lots of pre-painted substrate on hand. Make a mess once if possible...that's my motto...esp with baking. I usually completely trash the kitchen for one day...bake as much as I can then be done with it for a while.
I think this is a brilliant use for all those file folders! good luck with the tv replacement...technology is such a pain when it doesn't work!
Cool backgrounds. Sounds like the file folders are of the new variety...act like a sponge! The old version (formula) worked better kind of like the manila shipping tags. Look forward to see how you use these. Hugs
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