Make Your Own Notebook

June 29, 2012


Make Your Own Notebook
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    You can never seem to have enough notebooks, whether they’re for school, journaling, writing grocery lists, gifting or anything else. Rather than buying them—a notebook here and there can really add up—make them yourself with this step-by-step tutorial, plus notebook decorating ideas.

How to Make a Matchbook-Style Notebook


MATERIALS 

Notebook Materials

Computer, loose-leaf or graph paper
Notebook cover*
Ruler
Craft knife or scissors
Pencil
Binder clips
String, ribbon or yarn
Sewing needle (bookbinding, embroidery and other long-eyed needles are easiest to thread)
Decorating supplies (see below for decorating ideas)

*Tip: The notebook cover can be hard or soft, but we recommend something medium-weight, like poster board, scrapbook paper or lightweight cardboard.

INSTRUCTIONS 
1. Start by cutting the paper and notebook cover to your desired size. The cover should be barely wider than the paper, and 2-3” longer. The length depends on how much paper you’re putting inside; you’ll need an extra 2”, plus the height of the stack of papers.
2. From the bottom of the cover, measure and draw a line 2” up from the bottom. Fold it away from you (not under) and crease. Then, set your stack of paper inside so it’s on top of the cover, but under the flap you just folded.
3. Draw a line along the top of the paper, then set it aside. Draw another line parallel to the line you just drew; the distance between the lines should match the height of the stack of paper.
4. Starting with the bottom line, fold the cover towards you and crease. Unfold, then fold and crease along the top line.
5. With the cover unfolded, tuck the stack of paper back inside. Then, use binder clips to secure the paper and bottom flap in place.
6. With a craft knife or scissors, carefully cut two holes in the bottom flap, about 1/2-1” in from each side. Be sure to cut through the paper and the bottom of the cover. If your materials are thick, you may need to do it in batches. To keep the holes aligned, just line up one sheet of already-cut paper on top of the un-cut sheets.

Notebook

7. Knot one end of the string, then from the back of the notebook, thread it up through one hole, then across the bottom flap and back through the second hole. Tie off the end in a knot and trim off any excess. Flip it over, tuck the top flap into the bottom flap, and your notebook’s done!

Stapling Alternative: For quicker notebook making, skip the threading and staple together the bottom flap and paper instead. For smaller notebooks, staple once, and for bigger ones, staple enough to secure.

Notebook Decorating Ideas

Personalize your handmade notebook—or any plain notebook—in simple, stylish ways:

  • Stamps: Use fruit and veggie stamps to create block-printed designs. For a teacher-perfect gift, try an apple stamp.
  • Maps: Cut a map to the same measurements as the notebook cover and use rubber cement to smoothly adhere it. It’s your very own travel journal!

Tip: Take the same approach with a scrap of wallpaper to make a decorating notebook.

  • Silhouettes: Make silhouettes of your nearest and dearest, then use rubber cement to glue them on. We love giving grandparents sets of notebooks with the silhouette of one grandchild on each cover.
  • Pressed Flowers: Decoupage pressed flowers onto the cover. It’s lovely as a garden journal, and a thoughtful outdoor-inspired gift for any nature-loving friend.

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