Make Your Own Notepad

Easy Peasy, and Fast!  Make your own notepad to use for shopping lists, coloring pads for the kids, or give them as gifts.

Start by folding a stack of 8.5" by 11" (regular printer paper) paper in thirds.  Then cut on your folds.

Stack your piles of paper you cut on top of each other.  Then, find some cardboard to give your notepad stability.  I used an old shoebox.  Set your paper on top of your cardboard and cut it just large enough to back your paper.

Line up your stack of paper flush with the top edge of your cardboard

Take it to the sewing machine!  I have tried gluing, special notepad making glue (it's expensive stuff!), and have found that this is my favorite way to bind.  It's simple; just start at the edge and sew a straight line down to the other edge.

Just a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Designate a needle you use only for paper

(Otherwise it's like trying to cut fabric with dull scissors you cut paper with all the time.  It just won't work.  Same goes with your needles.  Don't share 'em.)

2. Use the heaviest weight needle you can get your hands on.  I think I used a denim needle.

3. If your machine isn't handling the thickness of all the layers, just lose some of your paper stack.  Just make 2 notepads!

4. It helps to hand-turn your machine to get it started and make sure you get punched through the back cardboard piece.

Cut off a piece of your favorite scrapbook paper and glue it on to cover your thread and needle holes.  Wrap it around and glue to the back side.

Glue a magnet to the back if you want to hang it to the fridge.  I like to use Aileene's Tacky glue.

Done!  Make your list, write a note, throw it by the phone, or give it to a friend.

Or, hang it on the fridge for later!

Enjoy!

Nikki