Thursday, November 21, 2013

The file folder nightmare continues

Are you tired of seeing these file folders again and again? I'm actually getting tired of working on them, because they have turned into a living nightmare.  When I started this project, I had NO idea it would take as long to work on this project.  Of course, I didn't take into account all the photos I would need to take each day, the amount of time it would take to edit the photos, or the time needed to write each post.

I began today by cutting the file folders in half.  Some have background decorations on them, some do not.  The folder halves on the left will go to friends I don't have to mail to, while the others will probably go in the mail.  I say probably, because I may not get them finished in time to mail any.

Using the same concept I use for my scrappy journals, but this time using more textural materials, here is the front of the first page.  Each side took about an hour to make, so that means I have close to four hours wrapped up in one folio.  Luckily, I cut some tags a few weeks ago, so they were ready to be colored, decorated, and sewn on.  The pocket will hold another tag, but it will be smaller and also handmade.  I used a bar code from an old baggage/luggage sticker to cover the name on the file folder.

For the inside left, I used another tag, this time one I stamped, then added an image.  I spritzed a sheet of vintage sheet music with my handmade shimmer mists, then added a piece of colored card stock over it. The word "toys" came from a book.

Since this book will go to a cat lover, I found an image of a cat and the PURRfect sentiment.

I wanted to show the cat, but realized the sewing looked bad. Why?  Because I tried to sew the image from the back.  I wanted the gold I used in the bobbin to show on top and the red to be underneath.  Unfortunately, I have no way to adjust the bobbin tension, and the gold thread is very thin.

I got a bit frustrated with this side, after spending so much time on the other three sides.  That's why I used a lot of stickers after I

determined my inspiration image, which is this "6."

I also tried to vary my stitching, too, which took longer than I anticipated.  Note the lace was dyed when I made my Staz-on reinkers and alcohol backgrounds earlier this month.

This is one completed folio, consisting of four pages.  I have 20 folios after I cut the 10 file folders in half.  You do the math.  That means a total of 80 pages I will need to decorate before Christmas.

This is day 22 of
AEDM and I finally got one decorated folio consisting of four pages finished with only 76 more pages to go!

23 thoughtful remarks:

Vicki Miller said...

I'm not sick of seeing the folders, I am inspired by all the things you've done to them and all the work is starting to bear fruit. They are looking great

Janet said...

YOWZA! When you take a bite, you take a BIG bite! The folios look wonderful, and you'll get them done - just keep plugging away! See ya tomorrow, and I agree with Vicki, I'm not tired of them, either!

craftwitch said...

I don't envy you but keep up the lovely work.

Vicki Miller said...

Ah well, if the definition of an artist includes not actually selling any work, then I suppose I am, lol

Sharon Fritchman said...

I think your file folders look absolutely beautiful. I know that it has not been easy for your, but your hard work has really paid off. They are stunning.

Anonymous said...

Ambitious!! I'm sure your photo is next to the definition in the dictionary hall of fame! LOL

Labors of love, each one of them will be. It is good that you are making them for people you KNOW will appreciate them. That is why I quit knitting for any and everybody. There are only a select few that truly understand the undertaking of making something by hand.

Editing photos for a blog does take up a massive amount of time, however, in the end it is really worth it. I will admit, I love one good photo as opposed to 12 half ass ones. Carry on, girl You have a whole section cheering for you!!!
~Dawn

Harvest Moon by Hand said...

That is a lot of work! It's been interesting to see the process that goes into each one. Sewing different elements onto paper or cardstock is difficult - especially when you're doing it from the backside. Wow...that is a huge challenge!

I like how all the different elements come together so nicely on the pages you're making!

Craftymoose Crafts said...

I'm not sure who has the worse "job"--you, with all those folders to do, or me, with the floor that isn't going as planned!
At least yours is fun and creative even if a bit like assembly line work.

I had to take back the new floor we purchased and decide on something else. Hopefully, we will stay on track and get it done today!

Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

Can we say oh so busy bee! But I do love what you are doing and so will your friends. xox

Darla said...

EEP! Such a lot of work ahead. Of course it is all ART work but you are going to be busy. Lots of your friends are going to be happy too.

Darla

Nan G said...

The folios are turning out so fab! I love all of the backgrounds. And truly admire you for doing the AEDM!! Like so many others, Elizabeth, I'm cheering you on and look forward to seeing your progress each day. Many hugs!

Maron said...

I do hope the recipients of your hard work appreciate the love (and hate) that you put into them…lol!

Carol said...

We all know what you will be doing for the next month :) They are looking good so far ♥

Judy Hartman said...

It's obvious how much time and work you are putting into this project, Elizabeth! You may be sick of it (I understand!) but I find it fascinating. Good luck with it, and be sure to photograph all of your completed works! You'll look back on them with pride and amazement!

enthusiastically, dawn said...

you are inspiring...and your perseverance is admirable! Besides all of that- just beautiful creations...

Caterina Giglio said...

wow... what a lot of work.... but they look great and I am sure you will be so happy when it is all over... x

creatorme said...

Wow ... yeah a lot of work. I admire your determination. That inspires me to keep going. They are looking good. Go Elizabeth go!

Halle said...

photos and commentary as well as the editing do take a toll. I have a bunch of things that I really want to put on etsy but I know it's going to take so much time to set up for good photos and the lot that I'm just going to have to wait until after Thanksgiving. I'm hosting this year and have too much on my plate for the next 2 weeks to devote time to that.
Good luck with the projects!!

Karla B said...

This is precious!Love what you presented me today.

denthe said...

Oh wow, that is a lot of work you got yourself into! Funny how sometimes an idea in your head turns out a real pain to make. Your folders look great though, I'm sure they will be appreciated!

Rita said...

I can't remember if you already told us, but are you going to bind these into a book? I was thinking you were going to sew them together somehow. What a huge project. I had to chuckle because my projects always seem to get away from me and grow and grow, too. LOL! ;)

dawn said...

WOW, you have worked hard on these, sorry they haven't come easy for you. How lovely they are looking, I like that your putting a touch of sewing on each one, that isn't your favorite thing I know. These look beautiful and the receivers of them will be thrilled.
By the way have you mentioned how you mail them? I mean do they go straight into the mail like this or do you make an envelope or something? I can't remember if you mentioned it already?
Good luck with the rest of them, that is a lot of card making!

Dianne said...

wow, that's a lot of time and pages...maybe it will go faster for the following folders if you use a similar 'recipe' or layout for each one, with slightly different images or materials? after all, the recipients will not be sitting down together to compare them! =)
I am not tired of seeing them, I enjoy seeing your progress! and remember, when it becomes a chore...maybe it's time to simplify! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday my dear, and enjoy your guests to the hilt!