A Note Worthy DIY Project

Project Contributor Lulu Spencer

Are you one of those people that likes to have notepads or notebooks for your to-do list? Despite the convenience of notes on our phones there are still the diehards like myself that prefer a real note pads when it comes to staying organized. A week or so ago I was talking to a friend who mentioned she was decorating her notepads because she couldn’t stand having these ugly pads of paper out on the counter. I immediately could relate as I glanced over to my table where my unsightly, somewhat grungy notepad lay. She was right!

If you’re anything like me, you end up with a pile of notepads from the realtor, accountant or a family member giving them out as promotional items. You know you’ll use them, but do you ever love them? Whether you buy them or receive them, they’re great for To Do lists or Grocery lists, but they are made to be inexpensive, disposable notepads, not decor accents. The solution? With a few minutes of your time, you can easily transform them into something personalized and visually appealing so maybe, just maybe, reaching for it and striking something off the To Do list will be more enticing and if not, at least it looks great sitting there!

There are decorative note pads or books available as an option but its not quite the same as picking your own favorite colors and patterns. Whether you use paper, gift bags or old cards it just takes a few relaxing minutes to make it your own. The sense of personal investment is sure to increase the likelihood it gets used. If you’re going to have a notebook, why not have one that’s personalized with a DIY cover you really like so you’re not always shoving it out of the way or tossing it into the junk drawer when someone drops by.

Lets take a look at what she started with and how they turned out!
Dig out those note pads from the junk drawer or visit the Dollar Tree and purchase a few. Honestly, who wants these ugly things out on the counter? But… that being said, they are very useful and handy to have out so lets see how they look after the make-over!

Gather glue, scissors and paper cut to the size of the notepad cover and you’re ready to craft! You can use scrap book paper, stamping, gift bags, greeting cards – there are lots of possibilities!

Wow, what a difference a few minutes can make! Aren’t these cute. I love the colors and patterns and I’m sure these look a whole lot nicer laying out on her counter!

I was so inspired by this I couldn’t wait to give it a try. I always keep a notepad in my craft-room so I can write down what I’m out or project ideas. I found a shinny, pink gift bag that that I’ve been holding onto to for far too long, so this was meant to be!

I cut to size and glued the gift paper on with a glue stick before sticking on a few jewels to cover where the bag handle holes were. This paper is so shinny and ever changing in the light, it was hard to photograph.

I also have a “Hubby To Do” list notebook. Yes, we are so old school that we not only use notebooks, we pretty much keep to separate roles around the house, it just naturally evolved that way and given we’re still hanging in after thirty-five years, I’d have to say it’s worked well for us. That being said, this current and drab “Hubby To Do” notebook could use a make-over.

I decided on using this card I had tucked away that we received from our daughter, it’s perfect for my DIY “Hubby To Do” notebook cover!

I love how it turned out, nothing like some inspirational encouragement right?

I added creases one each side of the spine so it wrapped around the book and fit better before gluing it on.

Thank-you Lulu Spencer for sharing this fun, easy and useful project idea and best of all, it’s something that’s great for all ages and skill levels. No more ugly notepads on my counters from now on! I’m really going to enjoy both my new personalize note books so thank-you for sharing this creative idea.

Lulu Spencer has done a few great guest blogs on starrcreative.ca and I look forward to more of her contributions.

See Other Blogs by Lulu Spenser

The “Art” of Re-purposing A Vintage Sewing Pattern
DIY Halloween Cards and Miniature Colouring Book
How To Make A Baby Blanket With Adorable Appliques