You may feel as though you’ve seen just about every themed scrapbook imaginable, but when it comes to album sizes, you haven’t seen unique until you’ve laid your eyes on a scrapbook made from a standard Rolodex.
Yes, a Rolodex.
Who knew the plastic filing device, which holds index cards and spins for convenience, could be transformed into a place to keep your treasured memories?
I got my first taste of the Rolodex scrapbook during a workshop I attended just after Labor Day. The seminar was designed to get avid crafters to experiment with untraditional means of scrapbooking. Rather than creating layouts on 8 1/2 x 11, 6×6, 8×8, or 12×12 size paper, blank Rolodex cards are used as the background for your designs. Just keep in mind that unlike traditional scrapbook pages, Rolodex cards don’t come with plastic protectors to keep your photos, embellishments and mementos safe. What’s more, while you can use Rolodex cards exclusively for your “album” you can add cardstock or patterned pages as well. Simply use a blank Rolodex card as a template and cut the same shape from your collection of cardstock or standard scrapbook paper.
When creating unique layouts on the small cards, you’ll want to stick with appropriate-sized embellishments. This project is not one that you want to use large or bulky decorations. Instead, select eyelets and small brads or tiny adhesive-backed gems or sequins. The sample Rolodex scrapbook that was on display at the workshop I attended featured a lot of stamps, stickers, rub-ons and die cuts. However, to spice up the cards, flocking powder, glitter and ribbons were attached to add color and texture.
If you are wondering how you would use a Rolodex scrapbook, consider placing your recipes and photos of loved ones enjoying your dishes, especially holiday meals. Another option is to make a calendar out of it. Once you decorate each card, you can jot down special dates and keep track of special events.
Have you ever made a Rolodex scrapbook?