Today we look into an area of paper crafts that I truly love: DIY notebooks and journals. This list of DIY notebooks is somewhat a continuation of our back-to-school crafts, but it's not exactly season-specific. You can make these DIY notebooks or journals any time of the year, really. Have fun with these!
You might think that binding a DIY notebook is very complicated, but it really isn't. Using white glue, craft paper, and unused wallpaper, you can make a pretty notebook in less than an hour. The best part, of course, is that you have infinite options when it comes to the cover design.
How cute! For this particular notebook tutorial, you will no longer need to make or cut the pages. A store-bought composition notebook will take care of the interior. The cover, however, is where you will let your creativity shine.
I have made fabric notebook covers like this several times. They are easy and cute projects, especially if you add patchwork details as shown above. And yes, this is a fun way to use fabric scraps. You can also use this tutorial for making a cover for your organizer.
How gorgeous! This DIY notebook looks like it came from a factory, doesn't it? To make something similar, you will need a hardbound notebook, thin leather, book glue, and pretty paper. Basically, what you will do is cover the notebook with the leather and add strips to fasten.
The bookbinding method featured here is a teeny bit more complicated compared to the first tutorial but it's a must-know for those interested in paper crafts. These DIY notebooks have card stock pages and chipboard covers and spines. They look professionally-done and gorgeous.
Pretty magazine editorials and ads make for great DIY journal covers. To make your own, simply cut, fold, and sew your inside pages. Cover with a magazine page you like and hide the stitch line using washi tape. Easy!
There are many lovely letterpress cards sold online. Get some and use one for making a handmade notebook or journal. Pro tip: use these notebooks as event giveaways or party favors.
From simple glue and straight stitch binding, we move to something more advanced. With this particular tutorial, you will learn to make this awesome stab style stitch binding. Check out the link for the comprehensive guide.
Tutorial
Here is a DIY notebook that will require composition notebooks as well. This is different from the second tutorial on this list, though, because you'll be adding pretty tabs in the pages.
Love to take photos? You can use some of your favorite moments captured on film for making DIY notebooks or notepads. Armed with white glue, clips, and paper, these photos can be given a new life.
Antique books are such beautiful items, and they make gorgeous journals. I like this simple method, which takes any old library book, thrift store book, or a favorite antique book you have, and helps you create a beautiful journal out of it. Feel inspired every time you pick it up to write!
I hope you enjoyed this list of DIY notebooks! Make some for the students in your family or for yourself. Your friends and family are sure to love any of these super cute DIY notebooks that were made by you with lots of love! You never know when a DIY notebook can come in handy in your day to day life.