Index Card “Notebooks”?
Before I go the DIY route, has anyone seen gummed 4 x 6″ index cards available for sale? I’d love to have a bunch of index cards temporarily glued together almost in notebook form for easy use and portability.
I’m looking for something along the lines of traditional note pads or memo pads like this: https://finecardstock.com/product/memo-pads-paper-white-4×6/, but which used a thicker index card stock.
I know there are a handful of manufacturers who make spiral bound versions with perforations for tearing cards out, but I’m looking for something a tad less bulky for putting in a back pocket or jacket pocket. I’ve also considered using binder clips and even book rings, but again, I’m trying to slim the system down.
If there’s nothing great, I may just go with my favorite cards and DIY with some PVA Glue which is often used in book binding and is suggested frequently in crafting videos like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-Wp0sLpnMY. In the end, this may be the best route to allow me to choose my favorite cards in addition to how thick I can make the “notebooks”.
Note card cases, folios, and holders
Similar/related/useful things I’ve come across in this related space:
Kaitiaki 3×5 Inches Index Card Organizer, though they don’t seem to have anything for 4 x 6 inch index cards.
Rite in the Rain (zettelkasting in the elements while hiking anyone?), though they all appear to be designed around 3 x 5″ cards.
Oxford At-Hand Note Card Case, this could work, but as ever, it only seems to be available for 3 x 5″ index cards
YOAVIP 4×6 Index Cards Clear Plastic Holder looked interesting, but was a larger, notebook sized version, though still had some useful portability features, yet might be a bit persnickety for regular in-and-out usage.
Other ideas?
Has anyone else done this or anything similar? How about wallets, folios, or thin covers? What’s your experience?
Update
This is ultimately what I ended up doing:
A notepad for my Zettelkasten! 🗃️
30 index cards, some bookbinder’s (PVA) glue, a brush, some clips, and ten minutes of craft time. We’re ready for the road…
How about foldback clips? Makes for a mini-Zettelkasten to-go 🙂
https://www.amazon.com/Coideal-Bulldog-Picture-Document-Kitchen/dp/B07B92NH1R/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=foldback+clips&qid=1669929173&sprefix=foldback+c%2Caps%2C1203&sr=8-9
I’d mentioned binder clips (the same thing), which I’ve used and want to get away from for something slimmer, particularly if they’re in a pants pocket.
I use a Nock Sinclair 3 pen case with a good stack of index cards for dedicated all day research library trips (see Rickshaw bags (https://www.rickshawbags.com/sinclair-model-r).
But I started using Levenger Pocket Briefcases in the 1980s. https://www.levenger.com/collections/pocket-briefcases
@chrisaldrich Left a comment, but I use these Levenger Pocket Briefcases for inex cards: http://www.levenger.com/collectio...
@Medievalist Thanks Lisa for the reminder about Levenger. Perhaps it’ll help someone, but sadly I’m looking for things in the slightly larger 4×6″ range. Despite that Levenger will do custom orders for 4×6 cards, they don’t seem to have pocket briefcases for them. Given the support, I suppose I’m glad I didn’t opt for even larger cards, though I suppose there is a fair amount of material for larger notebooks in that range.
@chrisaldrich Hire a local craft person?
@chrisaldrich Would this work? http://www.rickshawbags.com/travelers... ? Not a “notebook”, but it would carry a lot of index cards. I think it would fit 4×6.
I use their Diplomat (https://www.rickshawbags.com/diplomat) to carry a Field Notes notebook, my smart phone, and some fountain pens and pencils. It’s too small for 4×6 cards, though.
@Medievalist I think I might look into it if I go in a leather-based direction, but if I did a material/canvas/cloth direction, I think I’d just design and sew it myself. I like the look and feel of some of the Lochby stuff, so maybe a slightly larger hybrid of their Pocket Journal and their Quattro (pen holder)?
@chrisaldrich If you want a custom leather cover talk to Micro.Blog’s very own @aa . I can vouch for the excellence of his products!
@MultoGhost Thanks for this. I had already started down some of the Richshaw rabbithole at the suggestion of @Medievalist. The Diplomat is somewhat close to the Lochby Pocket Journal I’ve got which is the typical 3.5 x 5.5 Field Notes standard size. It would be so nice if they were large enough for 4×6 or A6 form factors…
I do like that a lot of what Rickshaw has would match relatively well with my Timbuk2 messenger bag. The travlers bag looks promising as does the Sinclair Model R that Lisa suggested. The Coozy Case might also work along with some other of their pen cases.
Thanks for the recommendations! 🖋️🐰🕳️
Thanks @Miraz. His work looks really nice!
@chrisaldrich The founder of Rickshaw Bags is a former CEO of Timbuk2, so it’s not surprising Rickshaw products have a similar vibe. I used to be really into Timbuk2 bags, but at some point I switched over to Rickshaw. They’re both great.
@chrisaldrich Great quality. Aaron has made me two custom items: an iPhone slip case and a strap for my digital camera with heavy lens. Beautifully packaged too. A real craftsperson.
@Miraz thank you, as always, for the kind words. @chrisaldrich even if you decide to go a different route I’d be curious to learn more about what you are looking for specifically. Will be looking to add a few new products to my catalog in the new year.
@chrisaldrich Not meant for 4 x 6 storage, but baronfig.com/products/… ?
@aa There is a wealth of journals/planner covers for the traditional Field Notes notebooks (3.5 x 5.5″), but almost nothing for a similar A6 (4-1/8 x 5-7/8″) or standard 4 x 6″ index cards which are incredibly close to the A6 size. I’m looking for something simple in the vein of this leather wallet-like cover that would accomodate something of these sizes. The A6/4×6″ format is still just small enough to fit into most coat pockets as well as rear pockets and a cover that would fit them could also be marketed to fit the slightly smaller 3.5×5.5″ notebooks as well. I think that one product could cover the whole space. Another similar example, although canvas of the smaller format is Lochby’s Pocket Journal.
@chrisaldrich you’ve seen Galen Leather A6 offerings? Very close to US 4×6 dimensions at http://www.galenleather.com/collectio...
@chrisaldrich awesome, I appreciate the info…I’d like to try a few things for this in January. Will let you know how it turns out, your feedback will be appreciated!
@topgold I have, but those offereings are cut so closely they won’t allow the 4×6″ options.
@chrisaldrich Your 4×6 thread is a totally excellent use case for microblogging with a purpose. Subscribed.
@chrisaldrich If you decide you need to bundle your reqirements into a Galen Leather offering, you might get a $10 discount at i.refs.cc/n1RC14Ti I have bundles of 30 index cards (they call them record cards here in Ireland) and decided on a larger form factor (a writing desk) that would hold everything.
If a binder ring is too bulky, then a rubber band will be a secure and minimalist approach. They were popular when Hipster PDA’s were first developed nearly 20 years ago. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hipster_PDA
Diolch Owain. Thanks for the suggestion, perhaps some might like this minimalist approach. I’m aware of the history of the hipster PDA and even had one for a while back in the day. Ultimately I wanted something more easily slipped in and out of pockets, so rubber bands were also out from the start for me. I ultimately took the book binding glue route: https://boffosocko.com/2022/12/05/a-notepad-for-my-zettelkasten/ So far, it’s working relatively well.
I use the old hipster PDA method, and just bulldog clip some cards together. Pull one out when it’s needed… for what it’s worth, my “productivity system” is mostly based around the 43 folders system, but just implemented using index cards, along with some other additions that I find work well for me. So I’m using 4×6 notecards all the time.
@chrisaldrich @natalie Thank you both for the info!I just spent some time creating the prototype of my Zettelkasten box. Still needs more tweaking. But it’s looking good so far.
Nice, I 100% get the “screw it, I’ll make it myself” mindset. Don’t have any suggestions for improvement at this point, unfortunately, unless you’re crafty enough to just make the wallet you need. You could even make it out of paper covered with something like packing tape or contact paper, make it water resistant.
Isn’t there a numbering system to go along with zettelkasten? You should pre-print the numbers on the cards before binding them, using a printer. Oh, or using blank cards and printing your own layout, like a space for the topic, and lines for the notes.
You might check etsy for a custom made index card holder, or find someone to commission one.
Back on April 7th on a visit to the Kinokuniya bookstore/Maido stationery shop in the Santa Anita Mall, I picked up an A6 size horizontal Flatty Works case #5460 (forest green, H4.8×W6.8×D1.4in) made by King Jim. It was listed at US$20.50+tax. The case is also available in mustard yellow, beige, teal, and a dark blue.
It’s a nice little minimalist case made with a very lightly parafin-waxed cotton canvas material and a clear plastic front so that one can see the internal contents. The sides of the flexible case fold in accordion-style when not full so it collapses to fit the space it needs. In addition to the primary internal space, the case has a thin internal pocket that would accommodate some credit cards, a handful of 4 x 6 index cards, or perhaps a Field Notes pocket notebook. Similarly on the outside back, there’s an angularly cut external pocket for a few slips of paper, or to place the cover of your A6 notebook while writing. The front has an envelope-style closure flap with a reasonably strong magnetic snap.
I purchased the case primarily to carry my 4 x 6 inch index card “notebooks” as well as a variety of loose index cards and dividers I carry regularly. It has the benefit of going reasonably well with my collection of Lochby waxed canvas holders and covers as well. I usually keep a copy of today’s schedule and priority to do list on top of the interior pocket so they’re easily visible during the day through the clear plastic front of the case.
For the curious, I’ve tried them variously and can verify that the case also comfortably fits the following (separately):
A Samsung S22 cell phone and a few Field Note notebooks
An Amazon Kindle Paperwhite and a pack of 100 4 x 6 index cards
A reasonably thick A6 sized notebook along with some additional pens or simple office supplies. A small Hobonichi would easily fit with space to spare.
The case is small enough to comfortably fit into the back pocket of my blue jeans, for walking around, but it’s not super comfortable for sitting on that way, particularly for long periods. I like its portability and the ability to take out a few cards and work on them using the reverse side as a mini-desk while moving around throughout the day. In some sense it acts like a custom made folder for filing my index cards on the go as a everyday carry. It made for a reasonably comfortable mini-office while on an airplane last week.
The inside top left corner of the case has a small loop that would allow one to attach a string, key chain, carrying handle or other loop to attach the case to a purse or other bag if necessary. This might also be convenient for those who might want to use this case as a bag in a bag, though I’ve not personally had the need for it yet.
Even with only a few index cards inside, the case is easily capable of standing upright in front of my card index/zettelkasten on my desk to take up less space than lying flat. Doing this also keeps all my immediate cards easily accessible while also being ready to travel if necessary.
Thus far, after a few weeks of use and even some airplane travel, it’s shown itself to be sturdy, convenient, useful, and a lovely addition to my daily zettelkasten workflow.
Late I know, but you may want to look through Etsy for some that might fit your requirements. It’s where I found an excellent waxed canvas notebook pouch with pockets on one side and slots for pens on the other. (see: https://i.etsystatic.com/11030599/c/2250/2250/523/0/il/3270c1/3501351051/il_300x300.3501351051_co7b.jpg – it’s no longer for sale but I see similar there).
Am new to the Zettelkasten thing but am looking forward to it assimilating me. ; )
Ray
@aa Did you ever spend some time experimenting here? (Not that I’m just sitting here holding my breath—sometimes I pass out and fall out of my chair. )
@chrisaldrich I actually did, but indirectly. I’ll be at a better spot to give this focus in a couple weeks…same use case as before? Sorry to keep you holding your breath!!
@aa Yes, same use case. No worries though. Take your time.
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