Tuesday
Feb232010
DIY Photo Topped Mini Notepads
About two years ago I made a stack of photo topped mini notebooks for sale in my shop. It was such a fun project...even my daughter got into it and made her own. There is a bit of prep time and waiting (for glue to dry), but the end results are worth it in my opinion. If you want to try it out Photojojo has put together a simple tutorial for d.i.y. photo topped mini notepads that looks perfect.
A few extra tips from my experience:
- Printing covers on photo quality premium heavyweight paper yields really nice vivid results. I tried it with standard cardstock and was unhappy with the muted results. I didn't use actual photographs on mine because I felt that they would become scratched more easily during use.
- To protect my covers from damage by the binder clips I made sure to fold pieces of scrap paper around my book before applying the clamps.
- I used a nice pH Neutral glue (good for photographs) on my books. My first attempt was with standard craft glue, but I found it to be too runny. The variety I used was PVA Glue from Paper Source and It felt that it was a great thickness to work with.
- For a nice finishing touch you can cover the top of your notepad with a small piece of book bining tape. I purchased mine from Paper Source, but it is available other places as well.
- Also, I have never tried it, but it seems like Japanese Masking tape would look great topping your books!
Have fun! If you give it a try I'd love to see the results! xo Ez
You can find more of my favorite tutorials and projects right here.
13 Lovely Comments | Email Article | found in D.I.Y. + Projects, Tutorials Print Article | Share This | 
| by Ez Tuesday, February 23, 2010 
Reader Comments (13)
i absolutly love these & want to make my own!
I love these so much! So happy you put this up hun!
xo
Melis
These are so, so cute Ez. I just posted a diy for a notebook/sketchbook today too...I guess we are on the same wave-length. :)
-Brittni
Fabulous! Thank you so much for pointing out the tutorial - Such a great idea for a gift.
How on earth do you find time for this?? I love them!
LOVE this. so much. can't wait to give it a whirl. really, can't wait!!!
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I can't wait to try this!!! Thank you for sharing!
Adorable! Who doesn't love a good pad of paper that fits right into their hands?
~ Kristen
This is very nice! I might try doing that this weekend!
-Kishah
This is awesome! I have to try this sometime.
Done!! I have to admit I was having fun while doing this DIY task. Thanks for the post and the link. I posted a pic of my notepad today. I linked back to your site, too. I hope you don't mind!
Who doesn't love a good pad of paper that fits right into their hands?