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How to Turn a Tote Bag into File Tote

by on Jun 18, 2007

Portable file totes are a great way to store papers, but they’re generally very utilitarian. However, if you want a more attractive and inexpensive alternative, you might want to convert a straw handbag or basket into a personal file cabinet. The whole process took me about ten minutes and cost–no kidding–$2.50.

What you’ll need:

A wicker handbasket with blue and white polka dot interior next to a bunch of manila pocket folders.

A straw tote or basket that will accommodate letter or legal-sized manila file folders (I found the perfect straw tote at Target for $2.50.)

Some heavy cardboard

A scissors

Manila file folders–letter or legal size (I had letter size folders on hand)

What you’ll do:

Cut a couple of pieces of card board to fit inside your tote/basket. Cut them on the strong side so they fit snugly inside the tote/basket.

Tote bag prepared with flat wire.

Slide your cardboard dividers inside your tote.

The inside of a wicker bag with blue and white polka dot patterning.

Fill manilla folders accordingly and place inside your tote/basket between the cardboard dividers.

Find a convenient place to hang your cute and handy file tote. (Mine is hanging in my new craft room where it neatly holds decorative paper.)

Flat wire tote bag is hanging to the hanger.

[An alternative method to using cardboard dividers might be to wire hanging file folders to the inside sides of your tote–if it’s big enough. You could then slip your manila folders into the hangers.]

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