How to Make a Refillable Notebook

Notebooks aren't just for taking notes in class, they are useful for a variety of purposes. Keep a notebook in your purse to jot down ideas whenever they come to you. Keep a notebook in your bedside stand for journaling. Stash a notebook in your craft area to record inspiration when it comes to you. Instead of purchasing store-bought notebooks for each of these purposes make your own notebooks for each, with your own custom dimensions, that you can easily refill as needed.

Things You'll Need

• Filler paper
• Ruler
• Chipboard
• Craft knife
• Decorative scrapbook paper
• Scissors
• Decoupage medium
• Foam brush
• 1/4-inch paper punch
• 3 book rings

Instructions

1. Measure your filler paper if you don't already know its dimensions. Add 1 inch to the width and length measurements of the filler paper. Cut two pieces of chipboard to the new length and width measurements using a craft knife.

2. Measure and cut two pieces of decorative scrapbook paper to the same dimensions as your chipboard. Make these cuts with scissors.

3. Spread a layer of decoupage medium on one side of each piece of chipboard using a foam brush. Place a piece of the decorative paper on that same side of the chipboard and smooth it with your fingers. Make sure to smooth out any air bubbles from under the paper.

4. Apply another layer of decoupage medium over the top of the paper. Brush the medium over the edges of the paper. Seal it to the chipboard. Allow the pieces to dry completely, at least 24 hours.

5. Punch three evenly spaced holes along the left edge of one piece of chipboard while the decorative side of the board is facing you. Punch the holes 1/2 inch in from the edge. Use that piece of chipboard as a guide to punch holes at the same distances in the second piece of chipboard, noting the holes go on the right side for the second piece when the decorative side is facing you. Put the two pieces together with the plain sides facing each other and punch holes in the second piece through the holes in the first.

6. Punch holes in the filler paper, if holes aren't already in it. Use one of the chipboard pieces as a guide. Center the paper vertically and line the paper up against the same edge of the board as the holes are along to ensure the paper fits properly in the notebook.

7. Place the paper between the two chipboard covers so the lines of both covers and the paper are lined up. Put one 1-inch book ring through each hole and close it to complete the notebook. Create more filler paper when you need to add more or replace the paper already in the notebook.

Tips & Warnings

• Embellish the cover of your notebook with items from the scrapbook section of the craft store such as ribbon, paper flowers or chipboard shapes.

• Cut plain printer or lined paper down to any dimension you like to make the notebook best suit its intended purpose.