Handmade Gift Ideas Day 1

Personalized Notebooks

I always like to make something for my solos and duet girls for Christmas.  Because I teach so many of them, I wanted something easy but cute.  I found these notebooks at the end of summer in the clearance dollar section at Michael's and knew they were perfect!  The striped notebooks have an anchor on them, but I knew I could hide it once I personalized them!

This is a perfect idea for someone who you need a thoughtful little something to give!

Supplies Needed:

Notebooks (Found at the Dollar Section in Michael's)

Scrapbook Paper

Black Cricut Vinyl

Double Sided Tape or Tape Runner

Paper Trimmer or Scissors

Cricut Machine (optional)

Step 1: Begin by removing the plastic bag from the notebooks.  Keep this for packaging later.

Step 2: Cut the paper into 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 rectangles.  

This size can be adjusted to fit your notebook accordingly.  I find the paper trimmer most helpful here.

Step 3: Using your double sided tape or tape runner, attach the paper to the front of the notebook.

Step 4: Cut out letters 5 1/2 inches tall with your Cricut machine.

Again, this size can be adjusted to your liking.  I used the Lyrical Letters Cartridge.

If you do not have a Cricut machine, you can find a font on your computer and print out the letter on a piece of plain paper.  Overlap the printed paper with the vinyl sheet and carefully cut out the letter.

This is just as cute, but takes a little bit longer to do. 

Here are all my letters.

Step 5: Remove the backing from the vinyl and attach your letter to the front of the notebook.

I added a note on the first page to each of my girls.

Here are all of my notebooks!

I mixed and matched the papers with the notebooks.  Remember if the pattern on the notebook is busy, you will want a simple paper and vice versa.

Step 6: If there is ribbon, tie it back around the notebook.  Put the notebook back in it's original plastic bag for presentation.

Enjoy your notebooks!

Stay tuned next for a monogrammed bucket tutorial!