Little Bunting: My Baking Recipe File

Whilst on the hunt for a nice yet practical way to display my baking recipes, I decided to customise my own A4 folder. It's a practical size to have in the kitchen, the recipes lie flat and can be taken out and it's easy to make any notes. I'm really pleased with the results, so I'm going to show you how I made my own pretty folder.

You will need:

One plain lever arch / ring binder file (I used a Kraft one from Paperchase - Matt surfaces adhere much better)
Wallpaper of your choosing (make sure it's fairly good quality or it may tear)
Ruler
Pencil
Rubber (we all make mistakes!)
PVA Glue
Ribbon
Paint + Primer
Wooden Letters

1. Start by drawing around your folder onto the wallpaper to get the correct size and shape. Then remove the file and add on the flaps that will fold around the edges of the file. It's good to make them a little longer than you think, as when the file opens and shuts, it will need a bit of give.

2. I was brave enough to choose a lever arch file that has cut outs, so if your does too, measure them carefully by replacing the folder and drawing into the gaps, and then cut out using a craft knife (If they don't match up exactly when you fold your paper around and over, do not despair, that just adds to its homemade aesthetic!)

3. Once you are happy with your measurements, cut out the wallpaper, it's time to get glueing! Mix a little water with your PVA and using a fairly large brush, cover the wallpaper, making sure you go all the way to the edges. Then apply neat PVA to the folder. Wait for the wallpaper to soak up the glue for a few minutes, then carefully stick the paper to the folder, being careful to smooth out any air bubbles. Once you're happy it's flat, fold the flaps over. I did mine one side at a time, letting each one dry a little first before moving on. Tip: If you're flaps aren't sticking, use clothes pegs to hold them down. Continue around the folder until everything is stuck down tight (remember to pay particular attention to the edges of the cutouts if you have any.

4. I wanted to cover the sides of the spine of my folder with ribbon (which turned out to be a good plan as my Cath Kidston paper started to pull slightly, don't worry if this happens to you, you're going to cover it with the ribbon!) Cut the correct length of ribbon and stick down using PVA glue, pegs on the ribbon ends is essential to get them to stay stuck.

5. Once everything is dry, you can move on to your decoration! I ordered some cut out wooden letters from a brilliant company (www.inf.co.uk) They will cut letters depending on your preference of font, size and type of wood. Simple type your phrase into their easy calculator, and they will cut the letters bespoke to your order (so make sure you spell everything right!) Again, prime and paint as usual and then go mad with your decoration! I chose similar colours to my paper, but feel free to go as wild as you want. When you're happy and they're dry, stick them on using PVA glue and a ruler to help keep them straight, et voila! A beautiful individual and personal file to keep whatever you want in.