index tab tutorial

As promised yesterday, here's a tutorial

for making your own index tabs!!

Step 1: Select Paper.

I prefer cardstock, because it's weighty

enough to not get all bent up. However,

be careful to choose a color that's not

too dark to write on (unless you have a

white pen handy) and that's not so busy

that you can't see what you've written.

Step 2: Choose Width.

I prefer 2 inch wide labels, because

they're big enough to write a couple

of words on. However, tiny tabs (1/2")

work, as do mediumish ones (1 inch).

Once the tabs get below an inch, it gets

hard to curve the corners. So plan on

sticking with square corners if you go

for tiny tabs. You could even measure
the height of your book and divide it
by the number of tabs you need. Use the
answer as the width of the tabs. Then
you can have them neatly lined up from
top to bottom!

Step 3: Cut Strips.

As I mentioned, 2 inches wide is

recommended. These are very forgiving

little guys, though. Most anything will do.

Here are my strips, in 2 inch widths,

1 inch, and 1/2 an inch (from left to right).

Step 4: Cut Rectangles From Strips.

The height of the rectangles should be

1.5 inches. This allows enough room to

write on the tabs and attach them.

Step 5: Fold Rectangles In Half.

Make sure you fold them horizontally

rather than vertically, so that they come

out 3/4" high when folded. Otherwise

you end up with very tall index tabs!

Step 6: Curve Corners.

I like to use a little corner punch.

It cuts easily through two layers of

standard cardstock. You want

to cut the corners along the fold.

Here are some little index tabs, all

ready to go. Notice that some are

curved around the corners and others

are square. Notice the little brown

tab off to the side -- remember how

yesterday I mentioned that these could

be manly? I think that one would do

nicely. Also a little more on the elegant side.

Step 7: Write On Label.

Take care to write on the upper

half (near the fold), as this is the

portion which will show once the

tab is attached to your journal.

Step 8: Apply Adhesive.

I prefer UHU Gluestick.

Any kind of glue, paste, gel medium,

or double-sided tape would work,

however. Apply to the entire interior.

Step 9: Attach To Page.

Here you want to put the front and

back of the index tab on either side

of a page and press firmly to attach.

Make sure the lower half of the tab

is on the paper, while the upper half

sticks up for easy viewing.

Step 10: Make A Bunch!

Here I have a collection of

index tabs in varying sizes so

I can easily grab one and use

it whenever the need arises!

Voila!