Hi Everyone! I’m back today to share another quick & easy 4x6 crafting idea with you. Today’s project is a cute and simple 4x6 homemade notebook.
I could have opted to simply decorate an existing notebook cover, but decided to take things just a couple of steps further.
The front and back cover of my notebook were created using pages from a Maya Road chipboard album. The existing width was already 4 inches, but I trimmed off a portion of the top, including the existing holes to create the 6 inch length. (One chipboard album can be transformed into 4 personalized notebooks!)
I simply decorated the front cover with a combination of patterned papers, and a handful of coordinated embellishments. I also chose to decorate the inside of the back cover with single pattern for a polished look.
After completing the front and back covers, I used my crop a dile to punch a small hole in the top left corner of each.
Next, it was time to fill the covers with note paper. There were many different paper options that I could have used, but once I realized that the magnetic paper pads that Michael’s sells in their dollar section were the ideal width, I knew exactly how I wanted to proceed!
The width was already absolutely perfect, but I had a bit of trimming to do as far as length was concerned. The paper pad that I chose to use was lined, so trimming the pages to size was a cinch. By using an existing line as a guide, and a straight edge with an exacto knife, I was able to trim several pages at once. It may seem like a lot of added work and effort, but in reality it took less than 2 minutes to trim all my pages to size, while keeping the glued edge along the top of the notepad intact.
Next, I simply placed my notepad between the covers, and marked where the holes had to go. It took 3 quick punches, once again using my crop a dile to go through the entire stack of pages.
Finally, all I had to do was line up my front cover, the notepad, and the back cover, then secure them all in place with a metal binder ring.
This fun and simple project took approximately 30 minutes to complete from start to finish, and the possibilities of personalizing this design are virtually endless. It would make the perfect little gift for teachers, to use as a journal, or perhaps to give as party favors at a little girl’s birthday party...with each guest’s name or initial prominently displayed within the design.
Supplies: Mini Album: Maya Road; Patterned Paper: Studio Calico; Epoxy Flower: Prima; Button & Brad: Basic Grey; Baker’s Twine; Doodlebug Designs; Die Cuts: Elle’s Studio, Martha Stewart Crafts; Notepad: Michael’s
I hope you enjoyed the projects that I shared with you this week, and as always, happy crafting!
~ Sheri
Oh so cute!! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Posted by: Lesa | July 11, 2012 at 10:48 AM
Beautiful notebook cover...would also be a lovely card! Thanks for sharing a great idea!
Posted by: Kathy P | July 11, 2012 at 11:00 AM
gorgeous !!!
Posted by: Angel | July 11, 2012 at 11:12 AM
Super cute! I love it. Will definitely try making this :) thanks!
Posted by: Diane | July 11, 2012 at 11:13 AM
So cute. What a great idea to use those paper pads by trimming off the ends. Thanks for the great idea!
xoxo, Christine
Posted by: Christine Ousley | July 11, 2012 at 11:51 AM
What a cute idea and using the pads from Michaels is brilliant. Great job.Thanks
Posted by: Dorina D | July 11, 2012 at 11:56 AM
Love this idea. Very cute, and would make a nice gift or part of a gift set.
Thanks very much!
Posted by: Sharon | July 11, 2012 at 12:03 PM
Very cute notepad. I love the DP and the embellishments and how you arranged them.
Posted by: Rea Custer | July 11, 2012 at 01:36 PM
What a great notebook! Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Tona | July 11, 2012 at 01:51 PM
Just love the notebook, Sheri!!! The one thing I might do is cover the inside of the front & back & also take one of my ink pads & go along the edges, to minimize seeing the chipboard.
I agree with Kathy P that this would also make a cute card.
Hang in there & don't melt!!!
Posted by: Jude | July 11, 2012 at 02:43 PM
what a wonderful note pad. love it.
Posted by: doreen | July 11, 2012 at 02:51 PM
Sooooo cute! Thank you for the inspiration. Take care. :)
Posted by: Kim Thomas | July 11, 2012 at 03:05 PM
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing! :)
Posted by: Cindy Stevens | July 11, 2012 at 04:56 PM
I love this! I will be doing this project this weekend during my downtime. Thank you so much for all your inspiration!
Posted by: Shella Newton | July 11, 2012 at 06:18 PM
Very cute idea!
Posted by: Michelle Liimatainen | July 11, 2012 at 08:04 PM
Love this idea! And my daughter is turning 13 in a few weeks. Great idea for a gift for her AND a favor gift for her friends! Thank you!
Posted by: RachelV | July 12, 2012 at 01:03 AM
Love this! TY for the tutorial! Great idea for teacher gifts! ;o)
Posted by: Ruza | July 12, 2012 at 09:32 PM
Great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Julie Shearer | July 20, 2012 at 01:34 PM
Adorable! Too funny I just bought some of those same notebooks from Michael's but the paper was kraft :) Thanks for the tutorial, will try this sometime!
Posted by: Renee VanEpps | July 31, 2012 at 01:13 AM