Saturday, October 1, 2011

Altered Rolodex Cards

One of the highlights of becoming a Curriculum Coordinator in my school district ten years ago (a job I did for four years) was ordering all kinds of fun office supplies for my desk, including a rather important-looking Rolodex to keep vital phone numbers at my finger tips.

Never mind that it never held more than ten filled cards, and never mind that it was pretty much already obsolete, since everyone else was already using more technologically-advanced "address books."

Imagine my delight to discover that altered Rolodex cards have become a "thing" in the world of art I love to follow.

I don't remember how I first stumbled upon Patty Van Dorin's blog, but it was there that I first saw the most deliciously altered Rolodex cards, which she refers to as a "Scrapodex." 

From her site, I found Brian Kasstle's altered Rolodex cards, along with Karenann Young's work.  The design and detail in their small Rolodex collages were amazing.  And inspiring.

I found an inexpensive Rolodex at Staples, and after staring at it on my desk for several months, I ventured to create some altered Rolodex cards of my own.
I found it more difficult than I thought it would be.  After all, it isn't as small of a canvas as an inchie, which involves handling pretty tiny pieces.  And it isn't as large as a collaged art journal page, which can involve a lot of considerations regarding content and composition.
I think I was trying to make it more difficult than it needed to be.  I think I was putting more pressure on myself than strictly necessary.  I fell back on using quotations on the cards in order to include meaningful text.  And while I like the result, I wasn't really looking to make another project for keeping favorite quotations at hand.

I have been watching artist April Cole have fun with her Rolodex creations, and I am planning to "revisit" the project later when my mind is less cluttered with other pursuits. 

Altering Rolodex cards has everything about it that I enjoy:  small size, almost instant gratification, collage (my favorite form of play), and now a community that loves to swap them with one another.  What's not to love? 

Wishing you a creative, artful weekend!

16 comments:

laurie said...

these look so fun i may have to try them myself! you do such a great job of creating a "feel" to each piece so that the unity, the whole, becomes greater than the details.

Janet said...

Have you also seen the ones that Patty Van Dorin does? That's where I first saw them. Yours look really good. I started a few but got frustrated trying to cut out the hole section. Someone said there's a punch that does the holes but I haven't found it yet.

lee said...

I did the index challenge for 3 months, and I glued them to rolodex cards, and I have them on my rolodex, in my family room for all to see. I love yours keep it up

Andria said...

Thank you, Laurie!

Janet, yes, Patty is the first person whose Rolodex cards I saw; I mention that in the post. She was the first to inspire me with them! Karenann was kind enough to give me some tips on punching the holes; I'll email you about it!

Lee, that's a great idea for displaying your index cards!

Anonymous said...

I stumbled upon those altered roladex cards and loved them! It's on my list of possible craft projects to try! Yours look awesome.

aprilmariecole.blogspot.com said...

Oh my... are you ready to play?!!! :]
Let me know, the "altered rolodex card project " is always open for swapping <3

VivJM said...

These are great! I like working this size too.

Andria said...

Thanks, Amanda! Let me know if you give them a try.

April, I will definitely tell you when I'm ready to swap!

Thanks, Viv. Maybe you can get in on the fun, too!

Joyfulploys said...

Hey Andria!!! Love your mini collages!!! I think I got my fill of mini collages when doing the index cards. I think you got the hang of it...great compositions!
Mary

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the shout out! Your Rolodex cards are amazing!

Carin Winkelman said...

Well, the stress doesn't show on the cards! They are lovely! Looks like fun. I have a big box of indexcards (used in the past, but no longer now) that I am thinking of converting into a box of art cards. So many ideas, so little time. Thanks for the inspiration though.

Andria said...

Thanks, Mary! Index cards would be a nice size for collages. I would have a hard time keeping up with a daily practice, though!

Brian, thanks for your visit!

Caatje, I love the idea of an box of art cards. That would be a great inspiration in your work space!

Andria said...

Tammy, I agree about their similarity to the index cards. A person could definitely do a "Rolodex-a-day" as a daily practice...not me, though! :-)

Kristin said...

These are AWEsome!! I have not seen anything like it and just adore the idea! Your work is just stunning too - I love all the images and subtle colors that you used. Just beautiful! xoxo

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