Introduction: Cosmic Folder – a Space-Inspired Binder Cover

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About: I am a passionate industrial designer that loves to create all kind of things. I also studied some semesters of Robotics at the university. I love learning and teaching as well. If you have any questions about…

I wanted to create a beautiful and functional folder to organize and display my cut dies — something that would work as both a storage binder and a little showcase of the shapes they can cut.

The idea was to alternate blank sheets, where I could glue samples of each die cut, with transparent plastic pockets to keep the actual dies safe and easy to find.

But of course, I didn’t want an ordinary binder — I wanted one that would reflect my love for creativity and color. So I designed a space-themed cover, filled with cosmic shapes, planets, and stars, to make my organizer truly one of a kind.

Here’s how I designed, and created my Cosmic Folder ✨

Supplies

Materials

  1. White glue (school glue)
  2. Masking tape
  3. Resin (two-part epoxy resin)
  4. Resin colorants or pigments
  5. Syringes or small measuring cups
  6. Mixing sticks
  7. Paper sheets
  8. Transparent plastic pockets and binder rings
  9. A wooden or flat board for working

️ Tools & Equipment

  1. 3D printer (PLA filament)
  2. Computer with internet access

Software

  1. Illustrator (or any vector design software that allows exporting SVG files)
  2. Tinkercad
  3. Cura (or any slicing software for 3D printing)

Step 1: Defining the Page Size

I started by taking one of the transparent pockets that would go inside the binder.

Using masking tape, I fixed it onto a sheet of paper and carefully traced its outline and the ring holes with a fine marker.

Step 2: Preparing the Digital Template

Next, I scanned the page and opened it in Adobe Illustrator.

I locked the scanned layer to keep it from moving and created a new layer on top.

There, I drew a rectangle slightly larger than the pocket — so the cover and back would extend just a bit beyond the inner pages — and marked the exact spots for the binder rings.

Step 3: Drawing the Design

Now came the fun part — designing!

I started with the Sun, sketching its rays to divide the surface into many colorful sections. Then I added Earth, Saturn, a rocket, and several stars.

Each element created small subdivisions that I would later fill with resin, giving it a look similar to cosmic stained glass.

Step 4: Cleaning and Merging the Shapes

When I was happy with the illustration, I set the line thickness to 4pt, then selected Object → Expand.

Next, I used the Pathfinder to merge all shapes of the same color.

All the black outlines became one single piece, and I deleted the leftover white areas.

Step 5: Cleaning and Finalizing the Shape

I right-clicked and chose Ungroup to check for any loose parts.

I moved the big figure, and when I noticed disconnected pieces, I went back and added small connectors to link them.

After ensuring everything was one solid design, I saved the file as an SVG.

Step 6: Importing Into Tinkercad

In Tinkercad, I created a new project and imported my SVG file.

To my surprise, it automatically extruded the design into 3D — I didn’t have to do anything else!

That moment was pure joy.

Then, I exported the design as an STL file.

Step 7: Adjusting in Cura

I opened the STL file in Cura (my slicing software) and adjusted the dimensions to match the exact measurements from Illustrator.

I unchecked the “scale proportionally” option to modify the height separately, setting it to 1.6 mm.

I also used the Mirror tool to create the back cover.

Step 8: Printing the Covers

Both the front and back covers were printed.

Step 9: Preparing the Surface

I covered a section of a wooden board with wide clear tape — this would prevent the resin from sticking permanently and keep the back surface smooth.

Step 10: Gluing the 3D Prints

Using a brush, I applied white glue on the back of the printed covers and pressed them gently onto the taped area.

Then I let them dry completely.

Step 11: Mixing the Resin

Once dry, I prepared equal parts of two-component resin using syringes to ensure precision.

I added a few drops of colorants until I got the tones I wanted — yellow, deep space blues, fiery oranges...

Step 12: Coloring the Sections

With a small mixing stick, I applied tiny drops of each color into the separated sections of the design, watching the colors spread beautifully.

Step 13: Demolding

After letting the resin cure for about 24 hours, I carefully peeled the pieces off the taped board.

They came out shiny, colorful, and perfectly smooth!

Then I added the binder rings, inserted my sheets and transparent pockets.

Step 14: Ready to Use It

Now I have a functional and truly unique organizer for my cut dies, one that inspires me every time I open it.

✨ I hope you enjoyed this project and feel inspired to create your own custom binder!

Happy making! 🚀