DIY Network

File Folder Messenger Bag Make a swanky messenger bag from an expanding file folder. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-303

Transform a plain folder into this stylish bag.

Whether you tote business documents, schoolbooks, sketchpads or craft supplies, you need a fun way to haul everything around. Michele Beschen has a classic B. Original solution: this hip messenger bag you make yourself out of an inexpensive, expandable file folder available at any office supply or discount store.

In addition to the folder and some other materials, you’ll need a grommet-setting kit and a rivet-setting kit – handy tools for any crafter. If you’ve not used them before, this is a great opportunity to get your feet wet while you make a fun alternative to the traditional briefcase. Scroll down for the how-to.

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File Folder Messenger Bag

Materials:

expandable file folder
scrap wood, small enough to fit inside the folder
vise
grommet kit and large grommets
ribbon, leather strap or rope for shoulder strap
bamboo placemat
utility or craft knife
drill or rotary tool with a small bit
spray adhesive
decorative buttons
rivet-setting kit and small, double-headed rivets
embroidery floss and needle

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

• Choose an expandable file folder made from durable cardstock. The pleated ends should be made from a durable material like Tyvek or reinforced with a heavy-duty tape overlay. Office supply and discount stores carry these folders in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Remove the rubber band or tie closure from the folder flap.

• Clamp a piece of scrap plywood or a kitchen cutting board into a vise to serve as a jig for installing grommets. The wood needs to be small enough to fit inside the folder.

• Slide the folder over the jig with one of the pleated side panels facing up. Find the center fold and smooth the pleats flat over the jig (figure A).

• Following the instructions for the grommet kit, install two grommets on the center fold of the pleated side panel: one grommet about an inch from the top edge, and a second grommet about an inch from the bottom edge. Use the jig to hold the piece steady while you use the grommet kit to punch the grommet hole (figure B) and install the grommet (figure C).

• Repeat the process and install the grommets at the same place on the other pleated side panel.

• Dress up the front flap with an inexpensive bamboo placemat: Apply spray adhesive to the folder, wait until the
  glue becomes tacky, and press the placemat into place (figure D). Trim away the excess bamboo with a sharp utility or craft knife (figure E).
  

  Figure D

  Figure E

  
  

  	Figure F
  	Figure G
  	Figure H
  	Figure I

• Most bamboo placemats have wider slats of bamboo spread throughout the mat. You will be installing five rivets across the top slat and five across the bottom slat to help hold the mat in place. Drill five holes, evenly spaced, across the top and bottom slats (figure F), then install the rivets following the instructions with the rivet-setting kit. Be sure to keep something padded under the rivets as you pound them in so they don’t get marred.

• For the shoulder strap, use ribbon, rope or a leather strap. Feed one end of the strap material into the top grommet on one side of the bag, then run the strap up the inside of the bag and back out the bottom grommet (figure G). Keep the strap straight and leave about 12" of strap hanging out of the bag at the top.

• Extend the strap end coming out of the bottom grommet along the bottom of the bag, on the outside. Thread it into the bottom grommet on the other pleated side, then run the strap up inside the bag and out the top grommet.

• Use a simple belt buckle (available at fabric stores) to connect the two strap ends. Adjust the strap to size, thread it through the buckle and stitch it in place.

• Create a closure for your bag with a couple of large vintage buttons. Use embroidery floss and a needle to sew one button to the outside of the flap. Run the stitches up through the hole left by the rubber band – and between two pieces of bamboo. If the button has a prong, position it so the prong goes into the hole.

• Add another button in the same position on the back side of the flap to anchor the first button (figure H). For added security, attach a piece of Velcro to the inside of the flap.

• Another variation on this project uses a folder made form heavy-duty nylon or plastic. For this version, just add a couple of grommets and long bungee cords for the strap (figure I).

Take a closer look the next time you’re in the office supply store—or the next time you’re cleaning out your desk. Your file folders could turn into a cute totes.