With a new school year coming up, the notebook obsession of the nation’s supply nerds will be in full force. And if you’re anything like me, this also means scheming up DIY notebook ideas. They provide the best combination of practical craftiness and excitement of that first blank page. I’m swooning over here.
Sure, it might be easy to go to the store and shop the back-to-school sales. However, creating your own DIY notebooks, journals, and sketchbooks has its perks. You can emphasize your style through personalized customization. You can also spice up those standard boring notebooks and make Calculus 101 more bearable. Lastly, you’ll be able to exercise your creativity and imagination. It’s not a bad way to start off the school year.
Obviously, you don’t have to be a student in order to appreciate the greatness of back-to-school supplies. Office workers, remote freelancers, and stationery-obsessed folk will love this list of notebook ideas. Individuals who love to draw in sketchbooks or write in journals will also find some gems. If you’re up to the challenge, you can also make a batch of personalized DIY pencils. Eventually, your supply arsenal will be just as unique as you are. Write on, people.
1. Lace-Patterned Notebook
If you're into floral prints and dainty patterns, you'll adore this lovely lace notebook DIY from A Beautiful Mess. You'll need a plain notebook, lace scraps, and fabric spray paint. Top it off with basic crafting skills, and you're good to go.
2. Sunburst Embroidered Notebook
Combine thread and paper with Make and Fable's charming embroidery notebook project. If you're not feeling the sunburst design, don't be afraid to try different basic shapes. Letters, numbers, and moons are all awesome ideas.
3. DIY Leather Stamp Notebook
Add a dapper touch to your notebooks with this DIY leather stamp idea from The Merry Thought. You can stamp everything from the subject of the notebook to your favorite catchy phrase. The best part is that you need just a tiny segment of leather for each one.
4. DIY Ombre Journals
Brighten up your supplies with this DIY ombre journal idea from Damask Love. This is an excellent project if you love to play around with gradients of color. Remember, you can also use this technique with watercolors or watered down acrylic paints.
5. Fabric Journals
Create a batch of eye-catching notebooks with A Beautiful Mess' fabric journal tutorial. You can use anything from thrift store bed sheets and old clothes to vintage bandanas and scarves. It's a fool-proof way kick those boring notebooks to the curb.
6. DIY 10-Minute Notebook Project
If you love the old-school method of jotting down notes, check out Fall for DIY's 10-minute notebook project. This lightweight creation is perfect for toting around in your purse. When inspiration hits, you'll have a handy pad of paper to record your best ideas.
7. DIY Leather Sketchbook
Take things up a notch with The Merry Thought's chic DIY leather sketchbook tutorial. This idea is so stylish that it would work exceptionally well in the office. How's that for adulting?
8. Photo Dot Journal DIY
In today's digital age, it is extremely tempting to toss old photographs. Instead, try recycling them with A Beautiful Mess' photo dot journal DIY. Alternatively, you use a punch of a different shape to create different versions. Don't have photos? Try it out with old magazines or newspapers.
9. Travel Memory DIY Journal
Summer might almost be over, but that doesn't mean your wanderlust has to end. Keep those exploration vibes going with a travel DIY journal by Darice Crafts. Customize the colors and logo to suit your taste and style.
10. Geometric Moleskine Notebooks
Combine watercolors and geometric shapes with Kraft Mint's personalized notebook project. In her post, she provides an exclusive watercolor printout that you can use for your journal. If you want to personalize your notebook even further, play around with some watercolors, grab a geometric punch, and have at it. Easy.
11. Girl Boss Notebooks
For another quick and easy way to customize your notebook, head to Studio DIY for an exclusive set of printables. These girl boss-themed designs will brighten up your desk in the coolest way. My personal favorite? Those lipsticks! Too cute.
Images: A Beautiful Mess; Make and Fable; The Merry Thought; Damask Love; A Beautiful Mess; Fall for DIY; The Merry Thought; A Beautiful Mess; Darice Crafts; Kraft Mint; Studio DIY
