Yesterday and early this morning, I made an index card case using junk journal techniques. I love junk journals, and I used to create them as a hobby. I don’t have nearly the supplies for it now, but I did keep my book-binding tools.
After thinking about what product I wanted to use to carry my note cards around (previously I’ve used the hipster pda binder clip method). I decided to make a small junk journal with pockets because I think they’re lovely, and I do enjoy making them.
Junk Journal Index Card Case Specs
- The junk journal is roughly 5×8 inches, which feels good in my hands and fits nicely in my purse.
- The cover is made from a hanging file folder, cut to size, and covered by scrapbook paper.
- There is one signature.
- The pages are made out of one sided 12 x 12 scrapbook paper, cut to size.
- I used a portfolio stitch for sewing in the signature.
- The spine thread is visible.
- I used waxed thread and a large eyed needle for sewing in the signature.
- The pockets are made using 1/2 of a piece of 12 x 12 inch scrapbook paper. I just played with the paper to create these, but many different pockets can be made.
- The decorations are scrapbook paper, various scrapbook elements and stickers.
- The closure is a thin piece of elastic with a die cut tag for decoration. I made the elastic loop big enough to loop twice without being tight enough to pull.
Index Card Case Pocket Uses
Chris Aldrich shared his index card carrying case on his website and he gave an excellent explanation about his different tabbed sections and how he uses them here.
I decided to try his system, but I left myself several extra pages in case I want to add additional ones later. For now, I have blank index cards and a pen on the inside of the front cover, and I have priority, projects, notes, and to file. I am already considering adding a pocket on the back cover for mail to cart from my post office box to home, and one for recipts.
I’m sure this system will continue to evolve as I use it. I still have to finish setting up my bullet journaling on index cards/sidetracked home executives/zettlekasten hybrid sytem, but it feels good to get this part finished.
My Favorite Bullet Journaling Resource
If you’re interested in junk journals (or creating your own index card case), I have learned so much about bullet journaling techniques from The Paper Outpost on youtube. Pam is a wonderful teacher, and her channel has so many videos to learn from.