Making an index card holder is a great way to keep all of your important notes organized and easy to access. Not only is it a handy way to store your cards, but it can also be decorative and personalized to fit your style. In this blog post, we will go over the different ways people use index cards and show you how to make index card holders for those cards. It's amazing what you can do quickly and easily using supplies that you may already have around the house.
Practical Uses of Index Cards
First let's go over some of the practical uses of index cards and how that may effect the type of holder you want to make.
Index cards are one of the most versatile and underrated tools in a student's arsenal. They're cheap, they fit in your pocket, and they can be used for everything from taking notes in class to studying for exams. Here are just a few of the many ways you can use index cards to make your life easier.
Note Taking: Index cards are perfect for taking notes in class. You can quickly jot down important points or ideas as they come up, and then review them later when you have more time. They're also great for making flashcards to help you memorize information.
Study Tips: When it comes time to study for an exam, index cards can be your best friend. Write out key concepts or facts on one side of the card, and then practice testing yourself with questions on the other side. You can also use index cards as dividers to separate different topics while studying for a big test.
Organization: Index cards are great for organizing all sorts of information. If you need to keep track of a list of names, addresses, or phone numbers, why not put them all on individual cards? You can also use them to keep track of tasks that need to be done or ideas for a project.
Whether you use index cards for for learning or organization, it's important to consider a few things before you start making an index card holder. How often do the cards need to be accessed? Where will the cards be located? Is the location permanent or will it change?
What Type of Index Card Holder Do I Need?
There are a few different types of index card holders that you can choose from, depending on your needs. The most basic type is a simple box or container that you can use to store your cards. This is a great option if you don't need to carry your cards with you and just want a place to keep them organized at home or in the office. If you need to be able to take your cards with you, however, then you'll want something a little more portable like this great cereal box/duct tape index card holder from CuteAsaFox.com or make one from a old folder.
Making an Index Card Holder Out of Duct Tape
For smaller index card holders there are great ideas out there to make a cute and personalized index card holder.
Materials:
- Cereal box
- Duct tape (Treat yourself to the fancy kind)
- Note Card Holder Template
- Ruler
- Pencil
- X-acto knife or scissors
- Tape measure or ruler
- hole punch (optional)
- ponytail holder (optional)
Step 1: Carefully open up the cereal box so it is flat.
Step 2: Cover one side of the cereal box with strips of duct tape.
Step 3: If you want a contrasting look use a different color or pattern for the other side of the cereal box and cover it with duct tape.
Step 4: Print out the note card holder template. Cut out and trace over the duct tape.
Step 5: Score and fold the dotted lines.
Step 6: You can use a rubber band keep the card holder closed or see Step 7
Step 7: Punch a hole in the front flap of the holder at 2.75" from the side of the holder which will be the middle. Put a hair tie through the hole. Take the other end of the hair tie and loop it through the hair tie sticking through the hole. Take the loose end of the hair tie and stretch it around the holder to keep it shut.
Making an Index Card Holder Out of a Folder
Step 1: With a ruler and pencil, draw two lines 3 inches apart on the folder.
Step 2: Cut along these lines with an X-acto knife or scissors.
Step 3: Turn the folder so that it lies flat with the wrong side facing up.
Step 4: Fold each flap created in Step 2 towards the center of the folder. Crease well and use a bone folder if you have one.
Step 5: Apply glue to the flaps and fold them over to form pockets for your cards. Let dry.
Making an Index Card Holder from a Shoebox
We can start off with the easiest type of holder. A large shoe box can hold 100s of index cards.
Materials:
- Shoebox
- Ruler
- Pencil
- X-acto knife or scissors
- Tape measure or ruler
- Paint or a permanent marker (optional)
Step 1: Measure and mark the height and width of your shoe box on the top of the box.
Step 2: Use a pencil to carefully poke holes in the marked lines.
Step 3: Cut out the holes using an X-acto knife or scissors.
Step 4: Measure and mark where you want the tabs to be on the front and back of your holder.
Step 5: Cut out the tabs.
Step 6: If you want, you can paint or mark your holder with a permanent marker to make it more decorative.
Inexpensive Products on the Market
If some of this sounds too time-consuming there are some inexpensive or maybe even cheaper options to buy. You can always decorate it with gel pens, stickers, or paint to personalize it.
There are many inexpensive or even cheaper options to buy when it comes to index card holders. You can find them at office supply stores, online, or even make your own.
Here are some links to our favorite index card holders.
Alfion 3x5 Index Card Box Holder ($16.99 for 4) - These sturdy index card holders come in a variety of modern colors with a clamshell lid. They hold up to 250 cards each.
The Notsu Centre ($14.99) - Of course, we love our to-do list holder. Tabbed progress dividers and scored cards so you can fold and tuck them into a pocket, what's not to love? If you prefer your lists in the vertical direction check out To-Do List Card Case with 50 Cards at $11.99.
Filexec Products Wave Card Cases ($10.84 for 4) - These smaller portable card cases are great for flashcards. The colored wave dividers are a nice touch and the outside is ready to be personalized.
In today's busy world many of us would be more inclined to buy something like an index card holder, but making and personalizing something the way you did in middle school with all of your folders, notebook, and Trapper Keepers needs to be revived in adulthood. People who engage in creative activities during their free time often have better mental health overall.
There are many benefits to crafting and being creative during your free time. One of the most obvious benefits is that it can make you happier. When you’re happy, you feel good mentally and emotionally, and this can lead to a more positive outlook on life.
Creativity also allows you to explore different sides of yourself, which can be very therapeutic. It can help you process emotions and feelings that you might not otherwise be able to deal with. Additionally, creativity gives you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which can boost your self-esteem.
Crafting can also provide socialization opportunities, as well as opportunities for learning new things. Crafting with friends or family members can create strong bonds, and learning new techniques or styles can keep your mind active and engaged. Overall, engaging in creative activities during your free time provides many mental health benefits that are worth taking advantage of!
Do you have a creative outlet that keeps you sane, happy, encouraged, or social? We would love to hear from you in the comments section.