When I started working on my Notebook Project, I wanted a way to make a cover sheet for each binder that represented the contents. I first thought of making a scrapbook page, but I really wanted to do something fast and easy. Then I thought of creating a word cloud of the names in the book. Wordle is my favorite tool for creating word clouds, so I tried it first. It took a few tries to get the process down pat, but now I can create a really cool cover sheet in just a few minutes.
I start by using my genealogy program to create a simple name list that only includes the given name and surname. I select all the surnames that start with the letters included in the notebook. Most of my notebooks cover portions of two letters – for example, it may have some Es and some Fs. Then I export the report to a text-editing program, such as Word and delete the names at the beginning and end that are not included in the notebook. Then I simply copy the remaining names and paste them into Wordle.
I let Wordle use its random process to decide the shape and colors. This way every cover sheet is unique. The only change I make is if the background comes out black; since I’m printing these, I don’t want to waste a lot of ink on a black background. If that happens, then I just click the “Randomize” button until I get a white background.
I really like this method of creating cover sheets. I can see – at-a-glance – the names that are included in the notebook, in a more interesting format than a simple table of contents. The more time a name appears, the larger it is on the cover sheet. So, for example, I know if a notebook has a very large Ellis then it has lots of Ellis family members inside, whereas a large Ellis and a slightly smaller Forrester means that there are similar amounts of each surname. I like including the given names because I think it’s fun to see how common first names were in a certain group of people.
Related posts:
If you liked this post, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed or receive my posts by email. You can also follow me on Twitter to get the latest updates.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Tonia,
Oh my gosh what a great idea! I have been reorganizing my research into binders and was wondering what or how I wanted to make the cover page. This is great way to do that. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great blogging. I love reading your blog.
Thanks for commenting, Deborah! This is super-easy. It takes about 5 minutes to do the whole process.
Clever idea!
What a fabulously creative idea. Makes you look like a real pro!
Michelle Goodrum´s last [type] ..Sorting Saturday – The Archival Closet
Great idea! Looks Great! Thanks for sharing!
What a good idea! Looks great and the design is really very useful. I usually use a family photo for binder covers and title pages, but I’ll be trying this too. Thanks!
M. Diane Rogers´s last [type] ..BC Genealogical Society – Free Library Week – Surrey BC
Very, very clever of you! I like it!!
{ 1 trackback }