my simple DIY notebook & organizer

Today I’m sharing maybe the easiest DIY project with you and one that has helped keep me organized. My simple notebook organizer. And even though I’m using this as my daily organizer, it could also be used as a school notebook, a journal or sketchbook – whatever works for you.

I have honestly tried almost every daily organizer out there and I really wish one of them worked for me. But I’ve found that a simple college-ruled notebook has been my best option. Although it’s quite elementary, pun intended, it’s works really well because I’m a big list maker and I need something for my to-do’s, ideas, designs, sketches, grocery lists, notes, bills and general home info. But I have no place to hold important papers, receipts, and my calendar. And it’s not very pretty so I get a little embarrassed carrying my ugly notebook around with me everyday. Which defeats the purpose of having a daily organizer. So I came up with a solution that transforms my simple notebook into a pretty little organizer and it has really made me much more efficient and well organized. Did I mention it was pretty?

Here are the steps if you want to follow along:

You’ll need the following materials:

• Spiral notebook with a pocket page inside – I bought one at Staples that was a little bigger than the typical notebook and it had a heavier cover so it would hold up better.
• Scrapbook paper – to make it pretty. I used 4 pieces of scrapbook paper in coordinating patterns.
• Super 77 Spray Mount, double-sided tape or any adhesive.
• 2 envelopes – I used 2 different sizes: a smaller one for business cards, receipts and small items, and a larger one for larger papers.
• Labels (optional)
• Metallic pen or Sharpie (optional)

First, I used my pretty scrapbook paper and cut two pieces to cover the front and back covers. I cut them to be 10″ x 12″. It left about 1″ extra on the top, right and bottom edges so that when I wrap the covers, these pieces wrap around to the inside. I don’t need any extra on the inside edge because it lines up with the spiral binding.

I used my Super 77 Spray Mount (the best ever!) and adhered the scrapbook pieces to the front and back overs of the notebook. I cut a notch out of each corner so that the paper wraps neatly.

The first page of my notebook has a pocket folder – which is great – but I want my folder to be on my inside front cover so that it’s more durable and can hold more papers. So I used the Super 77 Spray Mount again and attached that folder right onto the inside front cover. You could also use double-sided tape to do this.

Next, I cut another piece of my scrapbook paper to cover the inside pocket. This is totally optional. I thought the black & white stripe pattern was pretty and it made the pocket even more durable.

Next, adhere the smaller envelope onto the pocket with the opening facing out. Feel free to add a label if you choose. I had these adhesive labels from an old project and they worked perfectly.

For the inside back cover, I covered it with another coordinating black & white paper and attached a larger envelope for any additional papers. You can also add a label here too. I had to turn my envelope sideways to fit but I like how it works this way.

If you choose, you can add a label to your notebook cover too. I used my metallic pen to add my name too.

And that’s it – a custom notebook/organizer that looks pretty! I know this organizer solution isn’t for everyone. And if you already have an efficient and pretty organizer, you could still make this project and use it as a journal, sketchbook, school notebook, or make it as a gift for that special, organize-challenged someone.

I hope you all have a great Valentine’s Day and a lovely weekend!!