How to Make Binding Notepads

Notepads are used by almost everyone to record reminders of things to do.

Notepads are here to stay for business and personal purposes. In spite of all the electronic devices available for taking notes, many people still use pen and paper to write down to-do lists, phone numbers, addresses, driving directions and other quick notes. As inexpensive gifts that can be easily personalized, notepads are a popular token for friends, family and business associates. For years, notepads have also been considered a perfect promotional tool for businesses, which use them as giveaways for advertisement purposes. Making notepads is a simple process that anyone can master with the right tools and clear instructions.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Padding compound
• Paintbrush
• Cardboard
• Binder clips
• Paper cutter
• Ruler

Instructions

1. Design the notepad based on how it will be used. Select paper design and shape that will work best. Square, rectangular and circular notepads are practical designs for easy use.

2. Cut the paper and a piece of cardboard based on design specifications. A cardboard back is optional and is the same size as the paper. A cardboard back is helpful for stabilizing the pad and offering support for writing on the go where there is no desk or hard surface to lean against.

3. Determine the best side of the pad to bind for functional purposes, considering the design and print on the page. Keep in mind that the pages should easily tear off as needed without ripping the page. Circular designs must have a rectangular edge for binding purposes and easy tearing.

4. Line up the straight edges of the paper and cardboard where the adhesive is to be applied. Use a ruler or other straight surface for alignment. Use binder clips to secure the paper and cardboard tightly together.

5. Paint a thin coat of padding compound on the straight edge to bind the notepad. Make final adjustments as needed to align any paper that has shifted out of place before leaving it to dry. For extra strength, apply a second or third coat of padding compound, letting each application dry before applying the next coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Padding compound is available online and in art stores in large economy sizes for big projects or in smaller bottles by the ounce for a small project.

• Larger notepads may require more than one coat of padding compound to hold the extra weight together.

• If there is not enough room to write a complete sentence due to the notepad design, it will be quickly discarded, defeating the advertising purpose of the giveaway notepad.

References

• Best Management Articles: How to Make Your Notepads Functional; Brent Durell
• The Train to Crazy: How to Make a Notepad; December 8, 2009