Hi! As mentioned in my previous post here, I recently made a ‘Writing Kit for On-the Go, including some notebooks, using two different methods.
(1) The first one has bound pages, using an ancient bookbinding method called ‘Coptic Binding’.
(My notebooks were just small ones, but this method can be used to make thicker books too, by attaching several of these bundles of pages together (called Signatures). There are some tutorials on-line if you’d like to make some of those.) If you’re having a case of deja-vu, I have made a similar notebook before however this time I took lots of pictures of the process.
To make a notebook, you will need some card-stock for the cover, and paper for the pages. You will also need an awl or tack (as I used) to make holes in the paper, and some string to sew the pages together (I used embroidery thread).
To give my notebooks rounded corners, I used a punch that I got from ebay.
Once you have your cover and pages cut and folded, stack them one inside the next, and punch your holes through the whole pile at the same time. I used 8 layers of paper, which when folded will yield a notebook with 16 pages.
The length of your string should be about 4 1/2 times the height of you pages.
The following illustration shows the steps to take to complete a notebook with a Coptic Binding …
Here are some additional shots of a tiny one I made to carry in my smallest of purses.
(2) The second type of notebook I made is more of a notepad. The intention for this style is to use as scrap paper and for notes to give someone else, so I made the pages easy to tear out by first running the paper through my sewing machine (without thread).
Here’s how to make one …
Thank you for checking out my tutorials on handmade notebooks!
xo loulou
I linked this up over at Nifty Thrifty Things.
These are so awesome! I am always looking for a piece of paper in my purse – but not wanting to lug around a big journal – this is the perfect size!
Thanks :)
This tutorial is top notch Loulou. Everything looks perfect. Great job!
You made my day Jenny! Thanks
Absolutely brilliant! Great job,,,you should send this into a magazine or something ;)
Thank you sweet Laura!
cute, cute, cute! These turned out fabulously! Making notebooks is so satisfying
Thanks Shakti! Yes, I find making them and writing in them very satisfying indeed.
i just love the matchbook notebook! so tiny and practical. great for handing out love notes when out on the town! haha!
I love the matchbook style!
oh that small one is adorable! Will have to try these out :)
You know, I’ve been going through old magazines and paper scraps recently and was wondering if somehow I could turn them into something new. I saw the first technique on TV once, but could absolutely not remember how it was done. Your tutorials make both ways look so easy, I will have to give notebook-making a go! Thank you.
P.S.: Lovely nail polish!!! :o)
Love this! I’m totally going to have to try it.