Smead's Coloring Folders: Review and giveaway

30 June 2016

When I attended the annual conference of the National Association of Professional Organizers this year, the item in the trade show that got me most excited was the SuperTab Coloring Folders being sold by Smead. That’s right, coloring folders. File folders that you color on.

Last year, I got caught up in the coloring-books-for-grown-ups craze. I bought many pencils and markers and coloring books. (Perhaps too many.) And I color frequently, for relaxation. I’ve enjoyed coloring and I’ve enjoyed organizing my coloring supplies. So these folders really caught my eye. I was delighted when Smead offered to send me a set to try out and a set to give away on the blog.

The folders come in packs of 6, 12 and 24, all available on Amazon. Smead sent me two 12 packs. Each has four designs to color; two of the designs have sayings printed on them as well (‘Give Life Meaning’ and ‘You are Your Only Limit’). I’ve enjoyed coloring them with markers. Here are a couple of examples. I colored the blue-hued folder with Faber Castell Pitt Artist Brushes and the flowered one with fine-point Sharpies. I will probably also try using colored pencils on these folders.

While I enjoy coloring, I really don’t have anything to do with the finished product. Unlike knitting, where I’m creating something to use, my coloring pages sit in a box when finished (if I really like them) or just get recycled. With the Smead Coloring Folders, I can actually use and enjoy the item I’ve colored. It’s amazing to me how gratifying that is!

Giveaway!

Wanna try these yourself? You can win a 12 pack of Smead Coloring Folders by entering my giveaway! To enter, post a comment below about why you wan to win. After you’ve entered with a comment, you may get additional entries by tweeting about the giveaway (be sure and use @janinea in the tweet, so that I see it) and/or writing on the wall or commenting at the Peace of Mind Organizing Facebook page. The contest ends at 11 pm, central time, on Wednesday, July 6. I’ll announce the winner on Thursday, July 7.

The giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Jessica Stallsmith, who won a set of coloring folders!

(Photos taken using the tabletop photo light studio SHOTBOX.)

Tagged with: coloring, crafts, giveaway, organizing products, relaxation

Comments

These would be a great way to get through a mental block at work without having to break out a coloring book or doodle on my notes.

Briana Shawver June 30, 2016 09:09 AM

These are so cool and so you Janine! I’d love some for myself and to give away to coloring-aficionado friends! I am also helping my son’s teacher organize, and I think of you often when coaching her. She often just wants me to sit and make folder labels or give her permission to recycle old paper. Always so happy to help others organize -thanks for your many insightful posts over the last few years -I love being able to help others with your tips at my side!

Sarah Ressler June 30, 2016 10:07 AM

These would be great at our office at the Health Department. Coloring makes everyone happy! Thank you for the giveaway!

Bianca Norman June 30, 2016 10:24 AM

I want to win because these would be fantastic for office therapy :)

Alissa A June 30, 2016 08:14 PM

I want to win because I am super into organizing with color! Paperwork can be so dreary! Anything that makes it more esthetic is a good investment. Take a green-themed folder—green things have to do with money, for me. But this wouldn’t be just any green folder. It would be a one-of-a-kind green folder!

Jane Campbell July 1, 2016 01:02 PM

I’d love to win because as a child I loved to color and believe I’d love to color as an adult! It’s so relaxing. The plain folders are so boring!

Terry Capehart July 4, 2016 10:56 AM

I have an incredibly unhealthy obsession with arts, crafts, and office supplies. I finally confess. And the fact that these folders are everything in one, makes my heart sing. Speaking of heart, these also have the added benefit of reducing stress! Perfect! Since I was just diagnosed with high blood pressure! See what I did there? So clearly, if I win you could be saving a life! Or… Just make a little person like me extremely happy for 32 minutes.

Jessica Stallsmith July 6, 2016 08:33 AM

Janine, these are so fun! I agree that it is nice to have a way to use and display your finished coloring project.

Kate Howell December 11, 2017 08:39 AM

Thanks, Kate!

Janine Adams December 11, 2017 03:41 PM

Peace of Mind Organizing