Looking for cute notebook ideas? This simple DIY notebook is budget-friendly, easy to personalize, and beautiful. Perfect for personal use or for kids.
Cute Notebook Ideas
I love recycling and finding new uses for everyday items. After finishing a box of cereal, I realized the sturdy cardboard could be turned into a pretty, practical notebook. Instead of tossing the box, I made a handy notebook cover that’s quick to assemble and customizable.
Need more recycled craft ideas?
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Mornings at my house are hectic, so quick, nutritious breakfasts like cereal are common. That means plenty of empty cereal boxes—perfect for making these little notebooks. They’re great for kids who like to draw or for keeping in a bag for notes on the go. I made these for my daughter Ellie, who always wants a small notebook whenever we travel. She loves drawing in it everywhere she goes!
These cereal-box notebooks are inexpensive, eco-friendly, and easy to personalize. You can make one quickly or create a stack to keep on hand. Decorate the covers to match your style or your child’s favorites.
DIY Notebook
Materials:
- Empty cereal box
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pen
- Paper for the inside pages
- Glue stick
- Tissue paper (or decorative paper)
- Hole punch
- Ribbon
- Washi tape
Directions:
- Cut the front and back panels from the cereal box to create the notebook covers.
- Trim tissue paper to fit the covers, leaving a little overlap to fold under the edges if desired.
- Spread glue on one cover and adhere the tissue paper. Smooth out wrinkles and trim excess. Repeat on the other cover. You can also cover only the printed side if you prefer.
- Trim the inside paper so each page is about 1/4″ smaller than the covers on all sides.
- Stack the inside pages between the covers and align them neatly.
- Punch four evenly spaced holes down the spine, through the covers and pages.
- Thread ribbon through the holes and tie or glue the ends to the outside of the back cover for added security.
- Cover the spine with washi tape for a neat finish. Apply tape horizontally first, then add vertical strips along the spine edges for extra reinforcement.
- Attach two 5″ ribbon strips—one to each cover edge—using glue and finish the ends with a small piece of washi tape. Tie the ribbons together to close the notebook.
- Optionally, round the corners for a softer, polished look.
I hope you enjoy this simple DIY notebook tutorial. If you try it, share how yours turned out—I’d love to hear about your version and any creative twists you used.
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