Covered Notepad With Patterned Paper
This class is a great intro to bookbinding techniques of making a wrapped hard paper cover using everyday materials. You’ll learn the same techniques used to make hardcover books, but in a quick project that doesn’t require sewing pages together. These covered notebooks make great gifts and can be made with basic supplies that you probably already have on hand.
We’ll start by creating some patterned paper to use for the inside and outside covers of your notepad. You’ll use found objects to stamp the patterns and learn a little about kinds of repeating patterns. You can also choose to skip over this step and use a recycled paper like wrapping paper for your project.
Next, you’ll learn how to cut your papers to the size to match the notepad you want to cover. Pattern pieces are also provided if you want to make the exact project from class. You’ll learn some bookbinding tricks to wrap the paper over the cardboard cover pieces to create a professional looking finish.
The ribbon-and-bead closure is the finishing touch that makes the notebook feel like a tiny handmade treasure.
Keep one on your desk, toss one in your bag, or make a stack as thoughtful handmade gifts. Once you know the technique, you can customize them in endless ways with different papers, closures, and notepad sizes.
What’s included in this class:
7 video lessons, 59 minutes of instruction
Complete materials list, including options for using everyday materials instead of specialty tools
Step by step demos from start to finish
Large photos with close up views of the project
Lessons are accessible via your web browser on any device
Materials you’ll need
- Ruler, at least 12 inches
- Pencil
- Scissors and/or an exacto or utility knife and cutting mat
- Glue stick
- Book binding awl or pushpin
- 1/8 inch ribbon (12 inches)
- Bead with a large hole
- Post-it note or other notepad (I use 3×3 inch post-it in the class example.)
- Cap style pencil eraser or other mark making tool
- Stamp pad, any color to contrast your paper color
- Sheet of paper at least double the size of your notepad (I used a 9×12 sheet of newsprint/construction paper for class)
- Recycled cardboard like a cereal box or mailing envelope
Don’t want to make your own patterned paper? That’s completely optional—you can use wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, maps, magazine pages, or any favorite paper you already have.
This class works on your schedule.
In this on-demand version you work at your own pace, completing the lessons on your schedule whenever you want to stitch. There’s a comments section in every lesson to ask questions if you need help.
Want to watch a sample lesson? You can watch the “Materials & Tools” lesson for free by clicking on the “Register Now” button below.
I love beginners.
You do not need bookbinding experience for this class. Beginners are welcome!
No specialty bookbinding tools required. I’ll show you simple substitutes for professional tools, so you can start making with supplies you probably already have at home.
Every lesson has a comment block so you can ask questions. I will do my best to respond to your questions as soon as I see them so you can keep working.
