How to Decorate a Trifold Board

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Things You'll Need

  • Printed text

  • Images

  • Colored construction paper

  • Scissors

  • Glue

  • Colored pencils

  • Felt pens

  • Paint

  • Paintbrushes

  • Stickers

  • Glitter

Tri-fold boards are a science fair staple.

Trifold boards are collapsible cardboard posters commonly used to display school projects or scientific research. When the smaller outer panels are opened to reveal the larger middle panel, the trifold stands on its own, allowing passing spectators to admire the work mounted upon the board. A wide range of artistic materials can be applied to the cardboard panels, including oil- and acrylic-based paints, glue, stickers, crayons and felt pens.

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Step 1

Decide on a layout for your trifold board. By selecting which panels will hold which information before you begin decorating, you'll avoid misplacing a piece of text or an important picture. For example, many students place their abstract (project description) and procedure on the center panel. Hypotheses, results and other information may be arranged on the side panels.

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Step 2

Cut your printed text and any supporting images to size. To create an attractive border, cut a piece of colored construction paper that is slightly bigger than the piece of text or image. Glue it to the construction paper.

Step 3

Arrange your text and images on the board's panels to decide on appropriate spacing. Once you decide on an attractive arrangement, glue your cut-outs to the panels.

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Step 4

Draw titles, headings or subheadings over your cut-outs using colored pencils and felt pens. Choose a bold or elegant handwriting style to make your display truly unique.

Step 5

Paint additional borders, accents or other "eye candy" onto your board.

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Step 6

Add a few relevant stickers (such as a few green lizards if your project is about iguana habitats) to your board for extra flair. Other decorative elements such as glitter also may be added.

Step 7

Allow the glue and paint on the board to dry overnight before folding it for transport or storage.

Tip

Read the assignment description carefully before beginning to decorate your trifold board to avoid omitting any important information or visual elements.

All of the supplies required for decoration can be found at your local art supply or crafts store.

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