All in a night's work

Today I received the Rolodex I ordered last week. I am very excited to finally contain all my phone numbers, addresses, and other such info in one place. There is something nostalgic about a good, old-fashioned paper and pen type of organizer that I don't ever have to worry about crashing or getting a virus. But after copying lots of info onto those little cards, it just didn't look quite right. So after a bit of looking and pondering, measuring and cutting, stamping and gluing I took my Rolodex from this:


to this:

in just a couple short hours (it would have been less, but I was checking email, blogs, and Facebook in between!) Here's the gist of what I did:

1. Cut divider cards to size (mine were 2 5/8 x 4"--perfect for getting 3 out of 1 strip of 12" paper) I used some K & Company double sided paper designed by Amy Butler that I've been saving for just the right project.
2. Using a 1/4" square punch and rectangle punch, you can create the notches for the cards quite easily. Apparently there's also a punch specific for this task, but I don't have that. Simply line up a card that came with the Rolodex against your new cut card and punch away--very easy.
3. Use the same designer paper to punch tabs for the letters using SU!'s Round Tab punch. I stamped my letters with a new alpha set I purchased just yesterday for only$1.97 on clearance.
4. Adhere the tabs to the cards and pop into place on the Rolodex.
5. I also punched 2-2" circles from the paper and adhered it to the knobs for a little more pizzazz. Isn't it adorable? And it was just the splash of color needed to make it into a happy, and useful desk accent!

If I knew anyone that was moving (and I'm glad I don't) this would make a great going away gift filled with addresses of friends and family. Wish I had thought of this in time for my cousin's shower the other day--it's perfect for a newly married couple. Or a graduate, or teacher, or friend who landed a new job. Or heck, just make one for yourself! But don't make the mistake I did and order it online. I saw the same exact thing today at Walmart for $7 less than what I paid--I hate when that happens! Have fun with it!