1. Using wide tape, reinforce all but one long edge of each piece of board.
2. Place the boards colored side up so the two wide edges that are not taped (the bottom of the portfolio) are close together.
3. Measure, and then mark dots at the halfway distances of the sides and top of each piece of board.
These dots show you where to punch holes for the ties (Figure 707). Do not mark dots on the sides without tape. These sides are the bottom of your portfolio.
4. Use a sharp tool to punch holes where the dots are marked.
You end up with three holes on each piece of board.
5. Butt the bottoms of each piece of board tightly together on a fl at surface.
The inside surfaces should now be facing you (Figure 708).
6. Tape both pieces together.
To make the seam super strong, use two strips of tape (Figure 708).
Figure 707: Three sides of each piece are reinforced with wide tape; the holes for the ties are marked and then punched with a sharp tool.
Figure 708: The boards are butted together and then taped together with wide tape.
7. Fold the portfolio so the colored sides are on the outside.
See Figure 709. The holes for ties should line up on the top and sides.
8. Use at least two strips of wide tape to reinforce the bottom edge on the outside.
Adding ties and final touches
Figure 709: The bottom edge of the portfolio is reinforced with strong tape.
In this section, you fi nish your portfolio by adding ties. You have the option of decorating either one side or both with creative designs.
Tie a knot in the end of each tie.
1. Figure
710: A knot is tied on one end of a shoelace.
Figure 712:
Wide tape covers the knotted ends
Figure 711: The laces are threaded through the holes from the inside toward the outside.
Refer to Figure 710. Each of the six ties needs to be between 12 to 16 inches long.
If you use shoelaces, you may get away with using half for each tie (if they are long). If using a half, tie the knot in the end that has been cut. If you use a full shoelace for each tie, it doesn’t matter on which end you tie a knot.
2. Thread a tie through each of the six holes from the inside.
Refer to Figure 711. The end with the knot needs to be on the inside.
If the hole is bigger than the knot, you can tie additional knots on top of the fi rst so the end won’t go through the hole.
3. Use wide tape to secure the knotted ends of the ties to the inside (Figure 712).
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Chapter 7: Making a List, Portfolio, and Viewfinder Frame
Figure 713:
The portfolio awaits a spiffy design.
4. Close the portfolio.
Figure 713 shows the outside of an undecorated portfolio.
5. Add a design or drawing to the sides of your portfolio.
Decorating your portfolio is completely optional. You may prefer to use it as is.
The portfolio in Figure 714 has a drawing of daisies on the front. You can probably think of oodles of other ideas to decorate your portfolio.
Place your drawing paper and drawings inside and tie the ties.
Figure 714: A drawing of daisies graces one side of a portfolio case.
Making a
Viewfinder Frame
Goal: Make a viewfi nder frame.
Set up your supplies on a fl at space that is adult-approved.
Figure 715: A homemade viewfi nder frame.
► ACTION 7C ◄
Figure 716: Each L-shaped piece of matboard needs to be cut perfectly square. This means that the corners should form a ninety-degree angle (also known as a right angle).
Figure 717: Two L-shaped pieces of matboard are joined with paper clips so the inside becomes either a square or rectangle.
Consider making several viewfi nder frames in different sizes.
Smaller ones are great for planning compositions from photos.
Bigger ones are ideal for fi nding a composition when you are outside trying to choose a subject.
Use a ruler and a utility knife to cut two identical L-shaped pieces of cardboard any size you want.
Again, don’t be afraid to ask for help using a knife.
Refer to Figure 716. When choosing a size, keep in mind that the wider your frame, the more you can block distracting and unwanted objects from your view.
2. Use two large paper clips to join the two pieces together to form a frame.
Refer to Figures 717 and 718.
1.
Figure 718: A close- up view of my grandson (Brandon) is selected with the help of a viewfi nder frame.
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