DIY Mini Patterned Notebook

DIY Mini Patterened Notebook Sometimes when I look back on my giant handbag days circa 2007 it makes me wonder what the heck I was thinking. Nowadays the less stuff I have to carry around with me the better, so I stick to this tiny cross body bag my parents brought back from Italy for me. Although I keep the amount of things I tote around to a minimum, there are still a few essentials that I like to have with me at all times: my phone, keys, sunglass, lip balm, and something to write on and with. I wanted to create a mini notebook that wouldn't take up too much prime real estate in my bag, so I came up with this simple DIY Mini Patterned Notebook. It measures 2.75" x 4", is small enough to fit in my bag, yet big enough to jot down notes when I'm out and about. If you want to create your own mini patterned notebook featuring my original "Teepee" pattern continue reading for the full tutorial.

What You Need

1 sheet of white card stock
3 sheets of white computer paper
Stapler with staples
Cutting mat
X-acto knife
Metal ruler
Bone folder (optional)
2 bulldog clips (or whatever type of binder clips you have on hand)

Instructions

Step #1

Download the printable notebook cover at the bottom of this post, print it out on the white card stock, and cut out along the crop marks using your cutting mat, ruler, and x-acto knife. The printable page provides two covers so you can make a couple notebooks.

Step #2

Fold the cover in half, pressing firmly to create a crease, the reopen and lay flat. If you have a bone folder you can score down the center of the cover before you fold it to create a cleaner crease.

Step #3

Cut the three sheets of computer paper into six 5.5" x 4" pages. Stack the pages and the cover together being careful to align all the pages properly, then hold all of the pages and cover in place with your clips. Fasten two staples vertically along the fold of the cover page going through the cover and all of the pages. Remove the clips and fold the entire book in half pressing firmly along the spine of the book with your fingers or bone folder to create a crisp crease.