Every day, I get questions about the scrapodex and I thought I would do a little post to answer a few of the questions I get.
The vintage rolodex that I use holds cards that are 2 1/4" by 4". I think there are larger size rolodex. The 2 1/4" by 4" is considered the standard size.
I collage right on the original cards.
If I have a piece of paper that is heavy, I will draw around a rolodex card as a template and then cut out the paper to size.
One thing I had not even thought about was orientation. Most of my card I use as a horizontal orientation and my rolodex is like a book. It wasn't until Brian sent me some finished cards that I realized that a vertical orientation may be more in keeping with the original flip type rolodex.(The above card is one of Brian's) I also noticed that some holes are shaped a bit different than mine. I don't think any of this matters and I think a rolodex with cards in different orientations make it more interesting.
The most frequent question I receive is how to cut the tabs of the card. I don't use a punch even though there are rolodex punches. I find that my cards are too thick with paper and paint for a punch to work. I cut out my tabs with a small scissors. I have also found that you don't need to be neat and perfect when cutting these because once they are in the rolodex you don't notice the cut tabs. Just don't cut them too big or too small.
Because I like to make these cards up quickly, I use a tape runner to adhere paper to my cards. I will also use a glue stick and I don't have a problem with paper lifting up but I know some people who this is an issue.
I will also use white glue or mod podge. When using a liquid glue, the cards can have a tendency to curl or roll. One way to help with this, is to lightly coat one side of the blank card with glue before using the card for collage, let dry and then coat the other side with glue and let dry. Then you can use this card to make your collage.
When I collage and work on a card, I work on one side at a time. Then I trim the edges and cut out the tab. Once that is finished I will work on the other side and trim and cut out the tab once again. I find that working one side and cutting it keeps it easy to keep these cards and tabs in the correct size and position.
This is an easy project but don't hesitate to ask questions.
This is so cool! Totally love this! Great way to use up scraps of PP that I don't want to pitch, but still love enough to hold on to. Kind of like an album of my favorite papers...
Posted by: Angela Spendal | June 10, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Thanks for all the info! There is also a Rolodex out there you can buy that is like a circle of cards, or a ferris wheel, if you get my drift. Love working on them! I have a special box now that I throw my scraps in so I can just go to it and get going! Just love seeing them!
Posted by: Karenann Young | May 31, 2011 at 12:26 PM
I was also inspired by your scrapodex some time ago and have a few cards in it, but it will take a long time to get it as full and beautiful as yours! Thanks for the directions. They help a lot!
Posted by: Judy | May 31, 2011 at 10:24 AM
Inspired by your scrapodex, I found one on ebay and got to work. I now produce a card with leftovers from every collage project or swap, so part of my scrapodex is a journal of my work (I date the cards, and add notes). Another section includes cards on which I have tried new techniques and methods, again with notes if appropriate. The largest section is filled with "anything goes".....backgrounds waiting for further work, snippets of new materials, etc. I would love to find a scrapodex swap so I could add a section of cards by others. See what you have inspired???
Posted by: Sharon W | May 31, 2011 at 08:03 AM
Thanks so much for posting these tips! I started working on my big rolodex this weekend (mine has 5x3" cards and sits on chrome legs). You are right about cutting out the tabs with scissors--works fine and doesn't take too long. One other question I have is do you use left over papers from your other projects to collage with or pull backgrounds that you want to work with specifically? I like the idea of using up scraps and plan to add photos to my rolodex also (ala Donna Downey).
Posted by: kybarb | May 31, 2011 at 01:26 AM
Patty thank you for the fabulous shout out about my cards! It was super fun to trade cards with you! I am going to do a future post on my Rolodex as well. It all started with you! Keep on inspiring us!
Posted by: Brian Kasstle | May 30, 2011 at 10:35 PM
Thank you for answering these questions! Glimpses into your books and projects are a daily "must-have" for me. Thanks again for sharing.
Posted by: Suzanne | May 30, 2011 at 03:10 PM
So glad I've discovered your blog today! I enjoyed your sketchbook spreads and your scrapodex so much! I'll definitely be back!!!
Posted by: NaNa | May 30, 2011 at 02:43 PM
I love this project, PVD...to flip through that awesomeness....all in one place! Fantastic. :) Love all the views of your cards you have shown.
Posted by: Julie Prichard | May 30, 2011 at 02:27 PM