I love lists. And I know I’m not the only one out there who finds it cathartic to write down things I’ve already done just so I can cross them off. How awesome does that feel?
I’ve also got to be one of the only 20-somethings left on planet Earth that doesn’t have a smart phone. I can call, text, and take a picture…and that’s about it. So when I think of a great idea or remember that I need to buy toilet paper or eggs, I actually have to write it down in my to-do list. No apps, no fancy phone gizmos or bells and whistles, just the trusty ol’ pen and paper.
Therefore, I carry my to-do list with me almost everywhere. It fits snug in my purse so it’s not cumbersome to carry and I even pimped it up a bit, so it’s not boring and official looking when I whip it out to empress everyone (or prove that I’m still living in the 18th century).
This is a super fun and easy craft to do if you’re looking to reface an old journal or notebook. This is also a great handmade gift for someone who’s going off to college, a little frazzled when it comes to remembering things, or someone who just adores the simplicity of pen and ink.
Cute Journal or To-Do List:
Materials:
- 1 journal or small note pad
- Scrap paper
- Various ribbons
- Hot glue gun
- 2 buttons
- Needle and thread
- 3-Hole Punch
Instructions:
1. Remove all the paper from your notepad. Also remove the front and back covers. Discard the spiral. Set aside the paper for now and decorate the front cover however you see fit. I used some scrap paper and ribbons on mine. Use a glue gun to adhere your embellishments to the cover.
2. Use the three hole punch to create two hole punches in the cover, back cover, and paper. If the holes don’t line up exactly, it’s not the end of the world. It gives your to-do list a nice homemade look!
3. Once you’ve made your holes, string some thread or yarn through all the holes. Tie as tightly or as loosely as you see fit. I tied mine tight enough to hold the paper, but not too tight that I can’t untie it and add more paper if I need to.
4. String some thread through one of your buttons so the loop is in the back of the button…meaning put one end of your string through one hole on the button. You are going to want to make a little loop to hold your note pad closed, so you’ll be tying the excess string in the front to make a loop:
5. Use your needle and thread to sew a button to the back cardboard so the loop you just created has something to attach to.
6. And there you have it! An easy to-do list or journal for your needs or the needs of someone else. Like I said, you can decorate the front and back however you’d like! And feel free to post your creations and ideas on our Facebook page!
Celebrate creativity every Wednesday with a “Creativi-bee” post, where I share easy craft tutorials, project ideas, and craft collections.
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