Not everyone responds to color the same way - but I despise plain manila file folders. If you're like me, here are some other options.
1. Colored file folders. I like ones with a straight cut tab (one that runs the whole length of the folder) because I can use longer file names on the labels. I also like reinforced (also called two-ply) tabs because they are more durable. You can find some with 10% recycled content from Esselte or Smead; Smead has more choice of colors. If you want normal 1/3 cut tabs, you have many more options.
2. See Jane Work has a wonderful selection of file folders from various manufacturers in all sorts of patterns, from polka dots to Paris maps.
3. The Macbeth Collection offers file folders in patterns ranging from flowers to zebra stripes. Update on Sept. 19, 2011: The Macbeth Collection no longer includes file folders.
4. Colorful Images has over 60 file folders designs: flamingos, orchids, sea life, horses - and so much more.
5. Cavallini & Co. makes some delightful file folders with birds, butterflies, and other images. You can buy them online or at stores around the world.
6. Current has these dots die cut file folders. Update on Oct. 8, 2012: Current doesn't seem to have these folders any more, although it does have a number of other choices.
7. Papersource has some nice file folder sets with patterns and matching solid colors.
8. Gina B. Designs has eight different file folder patterns, and you can buy them online. Update on Sept. 19, 2011: Gina B. Designs no longer sells file folders.
9. Blueink Studios has some wonderful folders - these French chickens are my favorites, but patterns include florals, cats, dogs and much more.
10. Punch Studio makes two types of folders: Mary Engelbreit drawings and the dreamier kinds of pictures shown above. You can buy them at CreateForLess. Rose Lane Cottage also carries some of them - as well as a number of other attractive folders, including the ones from Blueink Studios. Mary Engelbreit file folders can also be bought on her own web site. Update on Sept. 19, 2011: Rose Lane Cottage seems to have disappeared.
Wow, Jeri, these are amazing! Where do you find this stuff? I really like the Cavallini folders with the birds, although the pretty part would be mostly hidden in a file drawer. The ones with die cut patterns near the top would show nicely.
ReplyDeleteHmm, I'm feeling a complete redo of my filing cabinet coming on...
Good to hear from you again, Louise!
ReplyDeleteThese file folders are especially nice if they will be sitting in a step file, where you see more of the folder.
Where do I find them? I read a lot - almost anything that has something to do with organizing, including products. I go to events where vendors display their stuff. Sometimes clients, friends, or other organizers point me toward notable products. (I usually note who pointed me to what, so I can credit them.) And then I'm pretty good with search engines.
I have a huge number of bookmarks on my Mac . . .
Great post! I love, love, love fun and colorful folders. I just found a great vintage letter holder on seejanework.com that would look fabulous with any of these folders! Hey, if you're gonna work in your office, make it a place you like! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Brandie! I totally agree - as much as feasible, fill your office with tools you enjoy using.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great list! I received some Cavallini folders and love them. I wanted to find similar folders for a gift, and had a hard time turning them up via Web searches. Thanks for putting this together!
ReplyDeleteGlad to help, Andrea! That should make nice gift.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeri!! I just ran across your blog. What a beautiful collection of folders!! Have you ever run across any "straight cut" folders with designs like these? They seem to be next to impossible to find!!!
ReplyDeleteTerra Dawn, nice to meet you! I WISH I could find cool folders with straight-cut tabs, but no luck with that yet. They do come in some decent colors, but that's about it - or all I've been able to find, anyway.
ReplyDeleteI guess not enough of us are hooked on straight-cut tabs yet.
I absolutely love cute file folders! I'm looking for some new ones for a fundraising event, and I love how you have all these great go-to sources. Thanks, Jeri!
ReplyDeleteHi there! I love this post and I love all the folders! The only problem is that most of the links go no where. What happened to all the pretty file folders? I can't find them anywhere? Is there a season for them?
ReplyDeleteAmy, I just updated two links, so I think they all work fine now. In some places, you'll see there's a note stating that the site I've linked to no longer sells file folders. Since this post is almost five years old, it's not surprising that some products are no longer available.
ReplyDeleteYou may want to look at some of my more recent posts on file folders, including the ones here and here.