It's true that store-bought notebooks are nice, but making one with your own hands will save you money and stand out among the anonymous mass of boring and monotonous notebooks. It can also be a gift and serve to give vent to your imagination. All you need is the right material and a pinch of creativity.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Making a Decorated Notebook
Step 1. Put five or six sheets of paper together on top of each other
You will not have to pierce them at the edges. The simplest measures to work are 20x25 cm. Once the edges of all the sheets are aligned, fold the sheets in half horizontally (make sure that the edges of the two halves match perfectly). You will get pages that form a book.
You can use more than six sheets if you want - just remember that each sheet will increase the number of pages, as each is folded in half. For example, if you use eight sheets, you will end up with 16 pages
Step 2. Make three holes in the fold of the sheets
You can use either a single hole punch or an awl. Open the sheet block so that the edges are all aligned and the sheet block itself is open like a book. Make holes along the crease in the center of the pages 3 cm from the top and bottom of the center crease.
Even more simply, you can pin the inside pages together. Use a stapler so that the stitches go parallel along the center crease. Try to fix the points evenly along the center of the pages
Step 3. Thread some twine through the holes you made
You can pass it from back to front and from bottom to top, so that the ends remain inside the pages. Take them and insert them into the center hole. Tie them together with a bow or knot on the outside of the pages.
Alternatively, if you made two holes, thread the twine into the lower one, starting from the back of the pages, pull it over, threading it back into the upper one, so that both ends of the twine protrude from the outside of the pages. Tie them together with a bow or knot over the middle of the center fold from the outside
Step 4. Choose the paper you want to use for the cover
This will need to be slightly larger than the inside pages. For example, if the page size is 20x25cm, the cover will be 20x30cm. Put the piece of paper horizontally and use a ruler to find the center. Draw a light line with a pencil so you can recognize where exactly you need to fold the paper.
The cover paper will need to be thick enough, even thicker than the colored cardstock
Step 5. Decorate the cover
A simple but delightful way to embellish your notebook is to use a small 20x20cm piece of paper decorated with a pretty pattern. You can also find it in the stationery near the house. Measure the paper and trace the center. Fold it in half and then place it on the back of the cover. Glue it so that the edges stick to the cover. The patterned paper should cover about three / fourths of each side of the cover, leaving room for any other decorations you may want to make.
Step 6. Open the folded cover
Lay the pages down so that the spine lines up with the middle of the cover. Add glue to the front and back sheets, line them up with the inner cover and hold. The cover and pages should now be joined.
Method 2 of 4: Making a Simple Notebook
Step 1. Collect the sheets of paper
You will use them to form the inside pages of the notebook. You can use white or lined paper - it depends on how you intend to use the notebook. Put these sheets together, making sure they are all perfectly aligned with equal edges.
You can use any paper size you prefer. However, if you have never made a notebook before, it is advisable to use simple lined paper. Generally it measures 20x28 cm. It is easier to use because it will require three holes for the rings
Step 2. Place colored cardstock on top of the sheets
Take the other cardboard and place it underneath. The cards must be the same size as the internal sheets. Make sure the edges of all pages fit together.
Step 3. Get a three hole paper punch
If you have a single hole punch, that's fine too. Insert the paper pad, making sure to keep all edges perfectly aligned. Push it so that the edges press against the back of the punch. The holes must be between 7 and 10 cm from the edge of the sheet. Press the perforator.
If you are using a single hole punch, use a ruler to mark the holes you are going to make. It is advisable to divide the edge of the sheets into three sections. Drill the holes at a distance of 3 cm from the edge
Step 4. Take the ribbon and tie it, after passing it through the holes
There are several ways. You can slide the ribbon into the two end holes and tie a ribbon over or through the center hole; cut the ribbon into three shorter ribbons and tie a bow in each hole separately; or pass it through all the holes and then tie it.
Method 3 of 4: Making a Notebook with Playing Cards
Step 1. Measure the playing cards
You will need two playing cards preferably from the same deck. Use a ruler to measure the length and width. It will help you when you need to measure the paper later.
Example: UNO playing cards measure 56x87 mm
Step 2. Put 10 pieces of white paper together
Make sure all edges are aligned. Measure the length of the playing cards, tracing the dimensions on the card. If possible, use a utility knife to cut out the pages along the drawn lines.
If you don't have a utility knife, use scissors to cut pieces of paper the length of playing cards
Step 3. Take these strips of paper and cut them, using the width of the playing card as a guide
You should make rectangles of paper that are the same size as the playing cards. Repeat the previous step and this with 10 more sheets of paper until you have the desired number of sheets to make the notebook.
Try not to make more than 50 pages, if you don't want the notebook to be too thick and difficult to assemble
Step 4. Put the pages together
Place a playing card on the top and another on the bottom with the design of your choice facing outwards. Tap the edges lightly so that they are aligned as closely as possible with each other. Once lined up, put some large paper clip pliers on the sides and bottom of the paper pad. The pliers on the sides should be placed very tightly together up to the top.
Step 5. Mix the claw (or cobbler's) glue
Once you have mixed the glue well, place a layer along the top of the pad. He will hold the notebook still. Cover every inch of the top, trying not to miss any part. Also make sure that it does not drip down onto the surface of the playing cards.
You can also spread some on the top of the side edges. It will ensure that the notebook does not break when opened
Step 6. Wait for the glue to dry
Once dry, apply another layer of glue. You will need to add more than one layer to make sure it keeps the notebook well assembled. Five layers will do. When you see that the glue is drying on the edge, it means that you have completed all the layers.
Step 7. Cut a piece of colored paper
He will go and stare at your notebook. Cut it so that it is longer than the final width of the notebook and about 2.5 cm wide. Turn the block of paper upside down so that the top is positioned in the exact center of the piece of colored paper.
Step 8. Fold the edges of the colored strip down over the top, front and back of the notebook
Put the glue on the colored strip and hold it so that it is folded along the top, back and front. Hold it like this for at least 20 seconds so that it stays in the correct position.
Step 9. Cut the excess paper
Colored paper may remain along the sides of the notebook. Use scissors or a utility knife to remove these extra edges.
Step 10. Put the notebook under a big heavy book
You will have to wait some time for the notebook to assemble well, before starting to use it. Putting it under something heavy and flat will help the glue stick the pages together and have a stiff, well-made notebook.
Method 4 of 4: More Notebooks to Make
Step 1. Make a hand-sewn notebook
This is a very advanced way to get a self-made notebook, but it can be very rewarding. A thimble will be a valuable tool to carry out this project!
Step 2. Make a notebook in one minute
If you're in a hurry, but need a notebook, why not try it in a minute? While it won't look very good, it will stand out for its usefulness.
Step 3. Decorate a notebook you already own
If you don't have time to make it, you can always customize a ready-made notebook!
Step 4. Make a study notebook
If you're looking for something more functional, try making a study notebook. It will definitely help you for the next exam.
Advice
- Use creative designs and ideas to show your sensitivity and your ability to draw or write fun things.
- You can also decorate the front cover of the notebook.
