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Altered Roldex/Memorydex Ideas

What Is An Altered Rolodex?

altered-rollodex-ideas

Have you ever heard about an altered rolodex? They are another opportunity to express your art with multimedia techniques. These are little pieces of art that you can create using all those left over pieces of paper, ephemera and embellishments that have been sitting in your craft space.

Some folks refer to them as rolodex books, others classify them as artist trading cards or mini albums. But no matter what you call them, they all have one thing in common, they are multimedia cards that are attached to a rolodex system.

Like a lot of other multimedia systems, there are no specific rules for creating your rolodex cards. You create what you want and how you want them. It is your art, your way.

Want to have some more rolodex card fun? How about making some cards and participating in rolodex card swaps? How much fun would it be to get some happy mail with some to new cards to add to your collection?

Ideas And Ways To Use Your Rolodex

There are so many ways that you can use a rolodex. Not only can you create and design cards for your system, but you can also use them to keep organized.

To store embellishments-You can use the system to store them till you are ready to use them in a junk journal. This becomes an organized storage system.

  • As a desk Calander-Put little tabs with the months going across and down the folded pages, and then you can put birthdays and appointment reminders in them.
  • Use it as a travel journal.
  • Use It as a wedding guestbook.
  • As a birthday calendar-add monthly tabs
  • As a seasonal art display. Have several sets of cards for different seasons to use as art displays.
  • Practice and keep examples of techniques. As you are growing in your paper crafts, these cards are prefect displays of your techniques. You can write notes on the back.
  • Make examples of all of your stencils so that you have a reference when you are designing.
  • Make ink sample cards. Create some ink sample cards as an ink inventory. Write notes on the back of the card as to the type of ink it is and if you have the reinker for it.
  • Stamp set inventory. Stamp all of your stamps and reference where they are located.
  • As a file for usernames and passwords

Rolodex Card Sizes

The size of the cards that you use is largely dependent on the holder that you are using to store them. The second consideration on the card holder is the number of cards that the holder has the capacity for.

For example, a 2 5/8 " by 4"card is standard for a rotary card holder. This type of holder is the round holder that can be open or closed. It holds an average of 200 cards. Once you are into a holder that holds 500 cards, the size changes to 2 1/4" by 4"

The open or closed card trays on the other hand require a 2 1/4" by 4" card in the 200-card range. In a tray that holds 100 cards, the size would be 2 5/8" by 4".

There is not a large difference between the cards. But if you were buying replacement cards or using a die cut to cut your cards, it could make a difference. The standard width is 4" but there are dies that go much taller if you would prefer to have more space to work on.

Rolodex/Memorex Uses

There are so many uses for this wonderful file systems. This idea uses a rolodex system for a wedding guest book that can be used in the home later on.

There are so many uses for this wonderful file systems. This idea uses a rolodex system for a wedding guest book that can be used in the home later on.

There are so many ideas that use a rolodex system for all kinds of uses. They are easy to create and store.

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One Rolodex System Many Uses

The basic system starts with the cards and a storage unit. There are many options for the storage system. Your choice on the kind of system that you use. Base your choice on the space that you have and the number of cards you want to hold.

You can choose to make it as a permanent individual type of file. It could be a file of birthday reminders or website passwords and log ons.

Another option would be to use a single file to hold seasonal or holiday cards as a decoration. You can have sets of cards out to act as decorations for a specific holiday. Just change them out as needed or desired.

Art Journal Rolodex Cards

Instead of having an art journal in a book format, create a rolodex card art journal. Any technique you would use in an art journal, you could use on rolodex cards. Ant technique that you use would have to be done on heavy cardstock, multimedia paper or watercolor paper mounted on cards.

You may also want to prime the rolodex cards with gesso. Gesso acts as a primer that gives the paper more "weight" and gives the media that you use a base, especially when you use anything like pastes or other heavier techniques.

Junk Journal Rolodex Cards

Creating junk journal rolodex cards is a terrific recycling project. You can take all those left over bits and pieces to create something special that will be enjoyed for years. You can create themes for different holidays like Easter, Christmas etc. Store the holiday cards and then swap them out as holiday or seasonal decor. They will be enjoyed and become family heirlooms.

Craft Techniques

Whatever craft that you do, there is always information, ideas and techniques that you want to keep referring to later. You can create rolodex files with product information, ideas, tutorial locations and tips for future use.

Family Recipe Card File

Create a family favorite recipe rolodex file to give as a gift to a family member. Include pictures of the dish finished as well as the ingredients and directions.

Use an A-To-Z rolodex dividers to place your recipes in an easy to find sysyem.

It will be treasured for many years to come. And it will be passed down from generation to generation.

Birthday-Anniversary Files

As your family grows and grandchildren as well as great grands come along, it becomes harder to keep track of everyone's birthdays and anniversaries. A rolodex is the perfect solution to keep track of everyone by month. It could be small system that sits on your desk.

But take it a step further than just a date. Decorate that person's card in their favorite colors. Add a small picture of them somewhere on the card. If you know what they like, you could list their favorites.

On the back of the card, you could list the gifts that you have given.

Christmas Cards And Lists

Creating a rolodex with Christmas cards and gifts will keep you totally organized every year. One section of your rolodex could be for cards and the other for gifts.

Create cards for everyone that you gift every year. Add a small picture of them. Use Christmas colors and patterns to create your cards. On the back of the card list the gifts you gave that year

Guest Book Rolodex Cards

There are many occasions where a guest book could provide some wonderful memories for someone special.

  • Weddings-You can create a rolodex guest book in the colors of your wedding instead of the more traditional guest book. Size your rolodex to a little more than the number of guests you are planning to have. Leave some cards spread out and include some pens. You will want to have a sign so that everyone writes their thoughts and wishes. You can then add pictures and other family memorabilia as your new life begins.
  • Wedding Showers are such a great way to celebrate special changes in people's lives. There are a few ways to make those occasions even happier with rolodex card systems. You can of course use a small system as a guest book. But using them goes a little father for each occasion. For a wedding shower, include a rolodex card with each invitation. Have the guest write down a favorite recipe with their name on it. Ask them to include one item for the recite to help stock up the newlywed's pantry. Remind them to bring the cards with them. You will create a mii cookbook of meals and recipes to get the new couple off to a great start.
  • Baby Showers-Baby showers celebrate a new addition to the family. Have the guests write down their best baby tips, wish for the new family and have them sign their names. Have an extra set of cards for the new Mom so that she can use the system to record notes and firsts on the cards. You can set up by months so that she can jot down all kinds of notes. You could have a little display where you use pink or blue pens. Allow the guests to take a pen to remember the occasion. The family will appreciate your thoughtfullness.
  • Holiday Rolodex Cards-Create sets of cards for different holidays that you and your family celebrate. Leave your rolodex on a bookcase or table where it will be viewed and enjoyed. Just change the sets for different holidays. Your family will look forward to this new tradition. And your rolodex will become a family heirloom that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
  • Date Reminders- As your family grows, it is important to keep track and recognize different dates throughout the year. You can create a date reminder for your kitchen or desk by the month so that you do not forget a birthday, anniversary or any other important date. Add a picture of the person for the date on his or her card. You could also record the gifts that were sent on the back of the card.
  • Special Occasions- There are significant milestones that are celebrated in our lives where special celebrations are held. Significant birthdays, graduations and retirements are among them. Create rolodex files for one of these occasions where the guests leave wishes and thoughts to celebrate that special day. Include an extra pack of rolodex cards in a box. That way the recipient can keep the guest cards in the box and reuse the rolodex for another use.

Creating Rolodex Special Occasion Files-Tips

  1. Color the file to the occasion-Use color to create your file as a themed rolodex. Blue, pink or yellow colors would be perfect for a baby shower. Use the colors of the bride for a wedding. Birthday colors should be bright and bold
  2. Add a stamp to each card. Use a little flower or other stamp on the corner of each card to add interest.
  3. If you are not using the back of the card, decorate it. Use decorative paper or other techniques to add interest to the back of your card.
  4. Laminate your cards to keep them from getting soiled. Recipe cards would be one that you may want to laminate. Only do this with cards that will not have any additional information added to it.

Alphabet Theme Rolodex Sets

Another creative theme for your rolodex cards is to create an alphabet themed card set.

This uses the alphabet -one for each letter to create themed sets. It is a fun challenge to test your creative skills.



More Rolodex Uses Ideas

  • Rolodex Recipe Cards | Practical Pages
    Practical Tip of the week ~ Here's the most revolutionary organization tip from "Confessions of an Organized Homemaker" Rolodex Recipe Cards Deniece Schofield recommends a good filing system to clip and save recipes. Her tried and tested recipes are
  • Birthday Rolodex
    Learn how to use a rolodex to create a birthday file
There are several different options for holding your altered rolodex cards.

There are several different options for holding your altered rolodex cards.

Rolodex Card Holders

There are several different types of rolodex types card holders that you can use to hold your cards. Think of your card holders like a journal or a binder where you store your art.

Open Rolodex Systems

The open rolodex system is the standard system that you think about when you think about this tool. The system is a black metal open card holder.

The system swivels 360 degrees. They rotate with handles on each end but stay open until you move to another card.

They will hold anywhere between 250 cards to 500 cards. The cards themselves vary from 1 3/4 X 3 1/4 inches to 2-5/8 by 4-inch cards. The system comes with some cards and includes an A-To-Z card index.

Prices range from $20 for a mini holder all the way to $35 for a 500-card system.

Rolodex Card Holders-Closed Systems

While these are not true rolodex holders, they still will hold your rolodex cards. They actually have a plastic lid that will cover your cards and keep the system clean. This is an alternative if you do not like the standard rolodex system.

They start at about $20 and go up to about $35 depending on the size of the box that you would like.

Most come with alphabetical dividers. They can hold up to 800 cards. But the thing with these types of holders is that the cards are not really as visible as they are on the rolodex system.

DIY Rolodex Storage

It is easy to create your own rolodex storage system rather than using the office type systems. And you can make them using some things you may have in your home. Or are very easily made from inexpensive items from your dollar store or local thrift shop.

Start by thinking about the size of the cards. The width of each of the cards is 4 inches. So whatever storage unit you decide on, make sure that is only slightly wider than the 4 inches.

Rolodex Baskets

There are so many options when it comes to baskets. Start by looking in your local dollar store to see what might be available. They have lots of choices when it comes to plastic baskets. If the basket has an open plastic weave, you can wind ribbon thorough the opening.

Recycle Shipping Boxes

Watch for the right box to help you create your own rolodex storage box. All you need is a 4 inch across box.

  1. Cut the top off the box.
  2. You need a height of 2 inches for the sides of the box.
  3. Mark the 2-inch line across all sides of the box,
  4. Use a craft knife to cut the sides of the box.
  5. Make sure that the bottom of the box is secure.
  6. Decorate your box with paper by decoupaging some paper to the box. Or you can spray paint it. Add lace or embellishments as desired.

From Your Local Thrift Store

Check your local thrift store and look for recipe file boxes, baskets and rolodex storage. You may be surprised to see what may be available at a little cost.




DIY Rolodex Card File Ideas

More Rolodex DIY Card Storage Ideas

Basket Rolodex System

Creative uses of embellishments make every rolodex card a custom piece of art.

Creative uses of embellishments make every rolodex card a custom piece of art.

How To Punch Holes In Rolodex Cards

If you are really into rolodex art, there is a craft punch that will meet your needs. It cuts the notches perfectly every time. The rolodex craft punch means that you can use any paper that you have to create your own rolodex cards. It is a great way to use those card scraps that have been sitting around in your craft space. You could also create cards to add to your junk journals and art journals.

This is a punch that you will find yourself using over and over again..

More Rolodex Card Hole Ideas

Creating Rolodex Dividers

Use Alphabet stamps and die cuts to create custom rolodex dividers

Use Alphabet stamps and die cuts to create custom rolodex dividers

Create Your Own Rolodex Cards

Create your rolodex cards with a specific theme or just express your emotions and feelings.

Create your rolodex cards with a specific theme or just express your emotions and feelings.

You can create your own Rolodex cards in any size that you want. You can measure and cut yourself or use a die that is available.

Rolodex die is helpful when you want to cut your own cards. I would use a quality cardstock for these cards at least at 110lbs. There are different sizes available so decide the size you want for your projects.

Paper To Use To Make Your Own Rolodex Cards

There are many different papers that you can use to create your own custom rolodex cards. Here are some of my favorites:

  • Cardstock-Again make sure to use a heavier cardstock to create your cards. This is especially true if you are adding any ephemera or embellishments.
  • Printed Cardstock- So many designs and options for printed cardstock. If the cardstock seems light, cut it to fit and mount it on a cardstock card.
  • Watercolor Paper-Use a good strong watercolor paper for any wet techniques. You can create the cards and then mount the watercolor paper on cardstock for extra strength.
  • Cardboard-Use boxes and other cardboard from your kitchen to create rolodex cards. You can cover them with paper, paints, napkins, spray paints and more.

Rolodex Templates

You can create your own rolodex cards with scrap paper that you may have in your stash. You will want to use heavier paper for your rolodex cards. Or you can glue two lighter papers to create a heavier paper. The nice thing about this idea is that you can make rolodex cards from mixed media paper as well as watercolor paper. So, you can create rolodex cards to fit the media you plan to use.

Check in your favorite browser to find all of the free templates that you can use to make your rolodex cards. There are a variety of shapes available. You can get ones with tabs or without. You can load them as a file on your computer and then print and cut the shapes.

Or you can make a template in heavy cardboard template and trace and cut your cards.


Create More Rolodex Card Cards

Priming A Rolodex Card

Generally speaking, the weight of a rolodex card is similar to that of an index card. Which means that it is not too heavy. Like with other paper craft projects, if the paperweight is too light, you may want to prime the paper to add extra weight for some techniques.

The most often used primer for papercrafts is gesso. Not only does gesso add weight to the paper, but it supports media lie ink, ink spays, alcohol inks, paint and a lot more. Doing a coat or two of gesso means that the media will stay on top of your rolodex card rather than being absorbed into it. You will get better results with other media when you take the time to prime it first.

Gesso comes in different thicknesses. There are thin gesso's as well as medium and thick. For rolodex cards, a medium gesso is just fine.

Gesso also comes in clear, white, black and colors. If you want to create a custom color with a white gesso, just adda few drops of acrylic paint till you get the hue that you would like.

I like to use smooth gesso for my rolodex cards. But there are textured gessos too. I prefer to use a foam brush to add a smooth surface. You could experiment with different brushes. Some may add texture to your surface.

Since you need to allow the gesso to dry for at least 24 hours, I like to do a bunch of cards at the same time.

For rolodex cards, you only need to gesso the side that you are working your medias onto. Some rolodex artists like to do their art on both sides of their cards. That way they can periodically flip their cards over. In that case, you should consider doing both sides.

Gesso Tips

Here are a few of my favorite tips for using gesso:

  • Do not put too much pressure on the paper. You do not want it to rip or tear.
  • If you are adding a second later of gesso, make sure that the first layer is dry.
  • Make sure to go edge to edge. The edges are important too.
  • Insure that the paper is free from dust and dirt before you apply any gesso.


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Rolodex Cards Backgrounds

A blend of distress or distress oxide inks coordinates with the other colors of this rolodex card to create a lovely soft background.

A blend of distress or distress oxide inks coordinates with the other colors of this rolodex card to create a lovely soft background.

Just about any papercraft background technique can be used on your altered rolodex cards. But as we stated before you may have to prime the paper first to get the best results. Just remember, that the card is smaller than most mixed media surfaces, so you need to think in miniature

Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are a fairly heavy medium. You will want to prime your rolodex cards before using this medium. You may also want to thin the paint down with a little water.

  1. The easiest way to go with acrylic paint is to just spread it on your rolodex card. You can use one color or two. Use a foam brush (smooth finish), a regular brush (to get more texture), or a used credit card. If you use two colors, let the first color dry before you apply the nest one.
  2. Half and half are a variation of the two-color idea. Paint one half of the card with one color and the other half with a different color. You can also do variations like two thirds, one third.
  3. Baby wipe technique is another option. Paint a single color on your rolodex card. Let the color completely dry. Add a second color or a second coat of the same color. While the paint is wet, wipe areas of the card with a baby wipe randomly. Because this is such a small surface, wrap the baby wipe around a q tip and secure with a rubber band.
  4. Dab paint onto the rolodex card with a small bit of a sponge. Use one color or two.

Watercolor Backgrounds

You may want to use watercolor or mixed media paper for these ideas. Experiment and have fun creating soft watercolor backgrounds.

  1. Watercolor Drop Technique-Using a small amount of water spray or drop water at the top of your card. Lift the card and let the water run down the card. Use a paper towel to catch any water at the bottom of the card. Now with a brush, apply watercolor to the paper. The color will follow the water. Let the card dry completely before adding anything else.
  2. Dripping On Gesso-Apply some gesso to your rolodex card. While the gesso is wet. make some marks in it with a palette knife, toothpick or whatever else you have. Drip some watercolor on top and watch it flow to create a design.
  3. Watercolors And Stencils-Put your stencil on your card. Just watercolor over the stencil and allow to dry.
  4. Sponging Watercolor-Place a little bit of watercolor on a palette or a dish. Dip a very small piece of sponge into the watercolor and daub it onto the card.
  5. Press On Technique-put some watercolors onto your rolodex card. Use just one color or two to three. Take a second card and press it onto the first card. Separate the cards and allow to air dry.

Alcohol Sprays

These can be messy, but the results will surpass your expectations. For this technique you will need to use heavy cardstock for your rolodex card. You will also need a spray box to work in. A spray box is simply a cardboard box that has a front opening. It has slanted sides. Place a piece of waxed paper on the bottom of the box and then some paper toweling. You may also want to wear a pair of plastic gloves to save your manicure.

Place the paper in the box and spray one color. You will want to spray 8 to 10 inches away from your card. Let the paper dry for a minute or two. Then spray a second color if desired. Let the card dry.

You can do several different colors on cardstock. Once the cardstock is dry, cut or die cut your rolodex cards. This is a wonderful way to do a lot of cards at once.

Instead of doing alcohol ink spray, you can also use ink sprays.

Distress Inks

If you have several distress ink pads, you can create some really amazing backgrounds. In addition to the ink pad, you will need a blending tool or brush.

  1. Blending Inks-just apply some ink on your card. Start from off the card and work your way inward. Do a section of the card. Then come in with a second color blending the two colors together.
  2. Water Droplet Technique-apply some color or colors to your card. Give it a minute to dry. Apply some water to a paint brush. Knock off the water onto the card. Dab with a paper towel or leave as is.
  3. Ink Smooshing-For this technique you need a craft mat or some parchment paper. You could also use a glass mat. Rub some distress ink onto your pad or mat. Spray with a water mister. Lay your rolodex card right into the ink and smooch it around. Pick it up and let it dry. You can add another color if you would like to.
  4. Layering-One of the nicest things about both distress inks and distress oxide is that you can layer the inks to create a custom background.

As you are experimenting and creating your own custom backgrounds, remember that any art journal or card technique can be applied to your rolodex cards too.


More Rolodex Card Backgrounds

Glues And Tapes For Rolodex Cards

The glues and tapes that you use to attach materials to your rolodex cards depends on the weight of the item or embellishment added or how flat or raised that you want it.

Layering Items

Layering items on your rolodex cards requires either foam tape or foam dots or shapes. If you have a roll of foam tape, you can cut pieces of the tape To cut foam tape, the best alternative is to use no stick scissors. For the most part, these scissors are made of titanium and are a hood investment no matter how many pairs of scissors that you may have. The foam tape material will not stick to the scissors. With lar scissors, the tape will stick and get messy. They also make it easier to cut other materials that may get sticky.

You can also layer with foam dots. These dots come in different shapes and sizes. They can be used just to adhere a small heavier piece to your project. They can also be layered to to create more lift to your cards. I like to keep sheets of round, square and rectangles available. They have covering on both sides. So easy to use.

Double Sided Tape

PVA Glues

There are different PVA glues that you can use on your rolodex cards. They are used when you need just a flat glue to a card. The trick with PVA glues is to be careful with its use. Too much glue with cause buckling and some wrinkling if not used correctly.

  1. Use the least amount of glue possible. You do not need a huge amount of glue to get good adhesion.
  2. Spread the glue. Use a soft brush, foam brush or a small brayer to spread the glue evenly. Make sure to wash whatever you use with dish detergent and warm water so that they can be used again.

Tacky Glue

Sticky glue or tacky glue is a great alternative to the standard PVA glues. It is a stronger glue that is perfect to use in even layers. It is especially good when you need to attach embellishments and heavier items.

Glue Sticks

Glue sticks are used for thinner papers. You can buy glue sticks in smaller tubes or larger tubes. Some come as white glue sticks and others apply as a purple color which later disappears as the glue dries.

There are different qualities of glue sticks to choose from. You are better off choosing a glue stick like an

Double Sided Tape

Double sided tape has different widths for adhering pieces to your rolodex cards. The thinnest tapes are used to adhere words and very small pices to your rolodex art.

Decoupage Glue

This is an essential glue when you are making a collage. The most popular brand is Mod Podge. There are other options as well Make sure to follow the directions for the amount of time to dry between coats as well as the curing time for the product that you have selected.


Creating A Junk Box Or Bag

If you do junk journaling, you probably have a nice stash of odds and ends that you can use on future projects. But if paper Recyling is a new idea to you then you are about to have fun creating mew possibilities for things that you would normally throw away in the trash.

Creating art on your rolodex cards means that you will add the smallest bits and pieces to your projects. So, begin your rolodex journey by looking at everything in a new way. And organizing your bits and pieces if half the fun.

The simplest way to get started is to grab a zip lock bag and stat tossing things into it that you think could be used on your cards. Here are a few ideas to get you started thinking creatively:

  • Inside of business envelopes-those patterns make delightful backgrounds.
  • Packaging-there are often lovely bits and pieces on craft packaging.
  • Old greeting cards-before you toss old greeting cards, see what is useable.
  • Left over stamped images-those are true treasures.
  • A single left-over embellishment-I never toss those.
  • Magazine images and words-there are all kinds of bits that can be used.
  • Paper scraps from other projects

Add Layers To Your Altered Rolodex Cards

Take your altered rolodex art to new levels with layering techniques.

Take your altered rolodex art to new levels with layering techniques.