DIY Planner Notepads

January 03, 2013

I originally shared this DIY last spring as a guest post on another blog, but with all the talk about goals, resolutions, and planning your new year out I thought it was fitting to share it with you. These are so fun to make and give! Enjoy!

I like to make list.  A list for errands, groceries, task,  you name it. I have an app on my iPad that allows me to create a shopping list, but sometimes an old fashion piece of paper is better in my opinion!   Sometimes if I complete a task or run an errand and it wasn't on my list I write it down only to cross it off!!  Signs of accomplishment!    So several years ago in the land of scrapbooking days, a friend of mine made me one of these.  I loved it and knew once it was used I would want to have a new one.  So I created a template and have made them several times.  I recommend making  several at a time sorta like an assembly line process.  Trust me, once your friends or family sees them they will want one as well!  With so many pretty papers out there it is hard to make just one! 

Items needed
  • 5 x 7 notepads
  • Solid colorful scrapbook paper (Heavyweight)
  • Printed scrapbook paper
  • glue stick
  • papercutter
  • ruler
  • embellishments
  • Handmade stamp (optional)
To begin I like to measure and cut all my paper before assembly. Here are the measurements to the different sizes of papers.



  • Background and flap     8 x 10 3/4
  • bottom colorful paper  4 3/4 x 5 1/2
  • top coordinating strip   1 3/4 x 4 3/4
  • middle section strip      3/4 x 4/ 3/4
  • decorative rectangle     2 x 3

Score the background paper along the fold line of the flap 3 1/2 inches in from the edge and the edge to wrap around the pad. (Lower photo)  Glue the bottom edge of the flap in place.  Then glue the back edge to the back of the pad. Only place glue on the bottom inch of the inside flap to create a envelope fold. 



I use a piece of cardboard to adhere the glue to my edges making sure I cover all corners of the paper. 



Next take your top strip of paper and glue this down and continue with the larger section of the background.    Continue with the decorative middle strip. 


 I prefer to let this entire process set for a while until I adhere the decorative rectangle.  Usually after I have completed the entire set of pads I will go back and do this step.


  Once everything is glued down you may decorate the rectangles or middle strip any way you desire.  I use stamps, decorative shapes from the cricket cutter, and/or pearl or rhinestone embellishments. I haven't glues these down as of yet.  I can't decide if I like them with or without the rectangles.   The last piece of paper I glue on is the strip on the inside header of the note pad to coordinate, but this is optional. 

I stamp the lower center back of the pad with a handmade for you sticker and give them to all my friends and family.  They love them. 

All photos by Lisa


You Might Also Like

2 comments

  1. What a cute idea! I may try this soon!

    ReplyDelete
  2. These are so cute! Going to have to make my own, thanks for sharing!
    -Paige

    preppystateofmind.blogger.com

    ReplyDelete

About Peridot Skies

Popular Posts

Fierce 50 Member

Fierce 50 Member

Partners

Midwest Style Bloggers
IFB