I've got the bug. The back-to-school bug. Don't get me wrong, I am not wishing away the summer by any means. I am excited for school supplies that have started to hit stores. Some of my favorite new items are the cute covered composition books, spiral notebooks, and new planners. My latest trip into the store I had my hands full of so many new journals, that I had to stop myself. Why couldn't I make my own?!! And even cuter maybe?
This is a personal blog. All editorial content and projects are intellectual property of Create Often with Jennifer Evans. This post has affiliate links, I receive a commission when products are purchased through links here at this blog, at no cost to you. All ideas and opinions are my own. I create what I love and love to share what I create.
To start my custom notebook/planner, I used Heidi Swapp's Cinch Album Kit. They come blank made from chipboard and include dividers, clear plastic sheets, and this gold binding.
The key behind covering this album with a perfect smooth application of papers was using my chipboard adhesive of choice - The Pioneer Embellishment Glue Stick and the Fiskars Fingertip Craft Knife. Both a must in your craft space! I don't know how I lived so long without them!
I used this flamingo printable from Persia Lou! She created it as wrapping paper, but I loved foiling it with my Pink and printing it on Bazzill Basics smooth cardstock.
I paired up papers from Heidi Swapp's September Skies and Pink Paislee's Citrus Bliss collections
This 'Smile' die cut page comes in the kit. I left it plain but know I could watercolor it later if I wanted.
I divided some pattern papers and notebook papers to keep them separate. To size these papers to fit, I just cut them with a paper trimmer. Easy, right?!
I covered both chipboard dividers with this floral print by Heidi Swapp. I love it so much! I wanted to make sure that I could see it all the time.
I used another freebie Heidi shared in the new Cut & Paste e-magazine (on page 12). This 'create your own joy' quote is perfect for my little planner. I re-sized it before printing it on smooth Classic White Bazzill Basics Paper cardstock with my laser printer.
If I want to add any other pages later, I will just Cinch the paper and then snip each hole. I can then add the page by slipping it on the rings.
I added some of Pink Paislee's flamingo clear acetate paper - cute right?! At the end of my notebook I added another die-cut paper that was in the album kit along with an envelope bull-clipped with stickers, washi, and other notes that I might want to add to my pages while I am out using my notebook.
Creating this little album has started something in me. I am excited to make some new journals and have several I can't wait to share with you! I am looking forward to journaling more of my story in these little planner notebooks.
Create Well: Customize your own planner or notebook to fit your own style!
