Ok, so I print all my file folder games in color, on cardstock-weight paper. Here's what the prints look like before trimming.
One side of the file folder is shorter, and you'll notice on the left that when I create a File Folder Game, I always make one side of my pages a little shorter.
You'll need to trim each page; I use a 12-inch Fiskar's paper trimmer (which you can find at stores like Target, or Michael's, or online at Amazon.)
On this game board I decided to leave a small white border all around, but some of them, I trim right up to the background color.
Sometimes it's hard to get the trimming just right. If you're just starting to use a paper trimmer, I would practice a bit first before cutting apart your teaching resources (we all know how expensive color printing is!) You need to be on a firm surface, and use steady, fluid motions when pulling the trimmer blade toward you.
I find myself using the cutting track that holds the blade as a visual guide to center my papers to cut. Mine has symmetrical lines in the plastic, which help me to be consistent with my cutting. If I'm cutting game cards, this helps me to center the colored border evenly. It's also good to keep an eye on exactly where the blade will be hitting the paper. You can see what I mean in the below images; the images will pop up larger if you click on them.
I use Scotch Permanent double-sided tape to adhere the paper to the file folder - it has a yellow background with a red strip. I don't use the removable tape, because it doesn't adhere as well And I don't recommend using glue; it can bleed through the paper.
Many File Folder Games have images for folder covers. I like to trim mine and adhere only where I marked with the red lines on the left image. This way I can use the cover as an envelope for game pieces.
Do you have any questions about File Folder Games that I haven't answered? Let me know in the comments, and I'll amend the entry!
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