artful thursday - getting organized

two weeks? so sorry about the absence, friends! this is way overdue.

okay. so, no doubt, you have run across all the very cool blog posts and classes offered for journaling. i just have to tell you there is no way i am going to start journaling and here is why. i journaled regularly like in my twenties. then quit. found them later, read them, and promptly BURNED THEM! it was fun to look back and think - oh yeah, i totally remember that, but then i was all like -ohmygosh! what was i thinking??!?! for me...i do not want people reading my private secret thoughts no matter how long gone i may be. you all go right ahead. : )

HOWEVER. i do like a pretty portfolio to keep me organized. begin with the humble file folder.



using three folders, you can cut the tabbies off and shorten them to any width. i cut one folder to 6 inches, another to 7, and the last one to 8. then you glue them together creating the type of portfolio you are most interested in. this one has two folds, and three flaps. see?



this is what it looks like all folded up.



there you go. e.a.s.y. and then the super fun embellishing begins! i love little pockets and places to write my things to do and remember lists. this is my silver bella portfolio. the photo i used on the cover is of my great-grandma, her two sisters, and two cousins. they are dressed so lovely and are wearing these great hats! these women were all very artistic and talented. most definitely bellas.



i added pockets EVERYWHERE. this is the backside. i am crazy about crocheted lace. LOVE IT. i purchased the little button last year at vendor nite and decided to use it as part of the fastener.



here is the inside flap.



and here it is all open. you can see that there is one more section behind the smaller flap.



i used a light color of paper here so i can write notes or other important information right on the portfolio.



here are a bunch of detail shots.