If you are in need of a last minute Christmas gift, today’s step by step post might do the trick.

Notepads are a great gift because almost everyone needs them.

Making the notepad is a fairly simple process.

How to make a personalised notepad.

1. Start by creating an A5 page of what you would like the pages to look like.  There are many digital kits available on the web with wonderful elements that you can use for this.

2. Then print them out onto A5 paper.  I printed around 40 pages for each notepad. Cut a piece of thin chipboard the same size as the pages.

3. Stack the pages together so all of the edges are lined up, with the piece of chipboard at the back.  Use clips to hold it together.

4.  To bind the pages together I used silicone sealant.

5. Rub a thin line of sealant across the top of the stack of pages. Don’t worry if you get any sealant on the front of the first page, because you can always tear it off when the notepad is complete.

6. When you have applied the silicone hold the pages together with clamps, clips or I used pegs.

7. I like to add a second coat of silicone when the first coat has partially dried.  Allow the notepad to dry thoroughly then remove any excess silicone with a craft knife and if necessary the first page.

8. If you get any sealant on the back cover of your notepad simply remove any lumpy bits and adhere patterned paper over it.

Your personalized notepad is now ready.  That in itself would make a sweet gift, but if you want to make it a little more special, why not make the following folder for it.

How to make the notepad folder.

1. Cut two pieces of cardstock 18 x 23cm.

2. Score each piece of cardstock 1cm from the long edge and fold upwards.

3. Run a strip of adhesive along the outside folded edge of one of the pieces of cardstock.

4. Take the second piece of cardstock and adhere the two folded edges together to make a folder.

5. Make pockets for the inside of the folder by cutting two pieces of cardstock 17 x 12cm.

6. Cut two pieces of patterned paper 16.5 x 11.5cm and attach one to each pocket.

The papers used in this project were from the Crate Paper Random collection found in this month’s Half Tart.

7. Run a strip of adhesive around three edges of the pocket, leaving the top free.

8. Attach one pocket to the right hand side of the folder.

9. To the left side of the folder adhere a piece of patterned paper 1.6 x 22.5cm.

10. Take the second pocket and attach over top.

That is the basics of the folder complete, now you can close it up and decorate the cover and add any other embellishments you would like.

Here is the cover of my folder.

 

The folder is now ready for you to slip your A5 notepad inside.   This one was made for our truly special leader, Philippa.

Philippa works so hard behind the scenes looking after her family, customers and all of the Design Team.  She is a wonderful leader and friend, and I am sure you will all join with me to wish her a very Merry Christmas and thank her for all of her hard work.

Thank you Philippa!