I am the mighty ruler of my office supply! – that’s how I feel every time I design a stationary item.

this notebook is actually quiet a simple DIY project that any craft lover would be able to do.
to staple the cover i used a stapler with a long neck that can reach all the way to the middle of the pages.
i used a print of my artwork as a cover, but any self made design would work, for example a decorated cardstock.

here is what I did to get my personal notebook done.

first, of course, I completed my artwork.
with a deer in it, because you know, obsession.

I went to a printing shop and had the design printed on an A3 (twice A4) sized page. I used 170gr chromo paper.

next, I printed a bunch of lined pages.
I simply drew the lines in illustrator and then printed 20 pages with the stripes on both sides. i printed them at home on 70gr paper, though i would recommend thinner paper.

I folded each page in half. it’s best to fold them one by one, because together they are too thick.

once all of the pages were folded I tucked them in between each other to make the notebook ready for binding.

looking nice already, right?

and here comes the cover! time to fold it in half as well.

I used a ruler to make sure that the pages are as aligned as possible.

and then i used the handle of a butter knife to press down the fold.

now the pages can be placed inside the cover.

and off to my long-neck stapler, which I’m proud of.

bam! right in the spine!

one more flattening with my loyal butter knife, just in case.

and now, trimming!
with a very sharp blade (careful!) and a metal ruler.

it’s important to slide the knife softly, so the paper doesn’t get pulled and ripped.

and lookie what we’ve got! our very own self designed notebook!

think of what you can do with your own covers. you can create little notepads, diaries, scrapbooks and adorable gifts for friends. aw, cute! <3

-Ayelet