How to Mark a Portfolio/Book Case

Hi Everyone,

Well, I'm in job hunting season at the moment, and the frustration that I was facing (apart from not finding a job) was that I couldn't seem to find a nice portfolio case for a reasonable price. So in true form, I decided to make one myself. Now, it's not the most practical case, but for the few moments when I'll use it, it sure does look pretty! Below is how I got the the final piece...

Above shows some of the materials I used.... Other material and
equipment used include:glue, metal ruler, stanley knife,
cutting mat, paper, needle and thread, 1 button, and cardboard.

To make the portfolio sturdy, I got some nice and flat cardboard from an old box we had (thank you Ikea). I taped together some pieces of paper to the exact size that my portfolio is, and added some "padding" to the size that I cut the cardboard.

Once the cardboard is cut to size, it's now time to cover it with the canvas fabric. I simply wrapped it like I was covering a book. I used glue to keep it in place. (Just find a multi purpose glue) Then set aside.

Making the template was the hardest part.. and if you decide to make this yourself, chances are high that we're not going to have the same measurements (hence why none are given here). I did do a mock up template on craft paper first to make sure that it all worked once it was put together. Bear in mind the thickness of your portfolio or your book, as you will need to add a margin to cater for this! To cut out, I used my NT Cutter L-500 (aka: stanley knife, carpet cutter, craft knife, etc), and metal ruler and cutting board. As I wanted this to be perfect. I snapped my blade fresh about two times to ensure it was super sharp!

Glue the covered backing board in place... and put everything together before you glue it to make sure everything fits into place!

To keep the 3 lower flaps together sew a button in place. I used this gorgeous button that I have from an old inherited button tin. Cut a slit in the top flap (making sure you line everything up first of course!)

The Finished Piece

Now, don't be fooled.. this took me hours to do! I thought it was going to be a quick job, but it wasn't. Maybe because I was being really pedantic about getting it perfect.. However, here's the trick to making this look good (and tut tut I didn't have the foresight to see this one coming...) If you hold the case up with the portfolio inside, the weight of the portfolio is too much and the corner start to show.. but never fear, there is an easy way to over come this.. just hold the case at the bottom when you do have to hold it, and problem solved.

Hope you enjoyed seeing how this came together!

xo