Making my own Memory Files

I have fallen in love with Heidi Swapp's Memory Files.

 I just love the whole concept.
It's not really a mini album, but it is also not a scrapbook page.
It is so much more.
What I love the most is that you can get a ton of photo real estate out of them.
There are no real limits. Adding pages, photo stacks and mini books make
 them my new favorite way to scrapbook.

In case you are not familiar with Memory Files, here is a quick video that will help explain.

Memory Files

Now, as much as I love this Heidi Swapp product, I have found that her designs are becoming more and more difficult to find. I even contacted the company directly. They were super nice but most of the designs that I want are all sold out. 

So, I decided to try to make my own, and it worked!
 It is actually really easy.

Here's how I did it.
Start with a plan manila file folder.

I really don't like the plain shape of the folders, so

I took one of the few Heidi's Color Magic folders that I had left over and used it as a template.

I opened it and lined it up on my file folder, traced it with a pencil and cut it out.

 Super simple.

Now to attach the scrapbook paper. It is really important to use a strong glue or tape.
 I used my Scotch ATG double sided tape.

 Get as close to the edge as possible and then do several strips in the middle.
You want to be generous with your adhesive.

 I used scrapbook paper with a pattern that I loved. I laid the paper directly on the folder and trimmed it out with an exact-o knife. I covered the entire file folder. Of course you will have to piece your scrapbook papers since 12 x 12 scrapbook paper that is not large enough to cover the whole folder.

Now the fun part, start embellishing!

For mine, I added a small mini book to the inside to add more photos.

I love the way it turned out.
 You can bet I will be making a lot more of these!!