the addition of refill lined and graph binder pages to the moments inked product line up this year had me itching to create mini notebooks to go, similar to traveler’s notebook inserts. they're super easy to make and even more fun to fill up. of course, they had to coordinate with the planner’s signature rainbow details and feature some of those icons that I love so much.
all you need is a few sheets of refill binder pages, card stock for the cover, stamps and patterned paper for decorating, a stapler and something to hold the book closed if desired. once you cut off the holes, you're left with paper that is 7" x just under 5", which you can fold in half either way depending on your preference or purpose. i like my covers to be slightly bigger than the insides, so i cut them at 5" x just slightly over 7".
for my graph paper book, i decided to go with a hamburger fold to create a shorter, wider book. since the graph paper lends itself to drawing, i used the phrase, write. draw. create. from pencil me in along with the download symbol from moments inked: everyday symbols to create the perfect space to "download" card ideas and sketches before i forget them. a strip of rainbow chevron paper adds just the right touch of color to coordinate with those already in the planner and a white rubber band holds it all closed when not in use.
i chose to fill it in as i go, but you could set up your pages for card sketches or any other purpose you decide in advance. i also thought that this size and combo of graph paper would make a great mini travel journal, on which i might add a fill in the date stamp along with prompts for location and notes or things like that. i would also be sure to leave space for doodles and taping in memorabilia like tickets or receipts.
for the lined paper notebook, i opted for a hot dog fold, creating a long, skinny notebook. this keeps the lined paper oriented correctly with the typical side fold. i decorated the cover with a selection of icons from moments inked: everyday symbols along with a strip of the same rainbow chevron from the first book, and added a pencil me in pencil stamped with the write on! sentiment. a decorative paper clip is perfect for keeping it closed and protected while not in use.
a little tip for the stamped icon pattern: space out your selected images on one block. as you can see here, five is a good number for a repeat pattern. i placed three on a diagonal, then two on the same diagonal offset below. as i stamp it, i can easily line up the bottom two to fit above the line of three in the grouping (or the other way around) and continue lining them up this way for a perfect fit. if there are a few random spaces left open here and there, simply fill them in with a single image of your choice. quick and easy!
the size and shape of the finished skinny book is the perfect for lists. again, you can leave the pages blank and open-ended or pre-stamp them with a specific format if you prefer - a date fill in, bullet points or check boxes, special titles, etc. i think the lines would also lend themselves well to written journaling on the go. i used five pages, which translates into twenty pages front and back - lots of great writing space!
while not on the go, the mini notebooks can tuck perfectly into the pocket of your planner binder - all cute and color coordinated, right?!
and if you use the spiral bound planner, i came up with a mini notebook storage idea for you too...
using the moments inked: tabbed list die, you can create a notebook holder. after die cutting the tab, punch a hole near the top and bottom of the die about a quarter of an inch in from the spiral holes. then using a craft knife, cut a straight line between them. be sure your holes are punched to create a line as long as your book - i lined mine up on the tab first and marked off a simple dot near the top and bottom corners as a guide. once you snap your tab into the spiral, simply slip the notebook on when you want to store it in your planner.
here's an additional look at it from the back. it might be a good idea to laminate the tab or fortify the cut with tape to make it more sturdy, but i was able to turn it back and forth and take it off with ease. if you need a holder for the smaller, wider notebook, you would simply make a shorter cut and trim the tab down if wanted.
the possibilities are endless with these cute little notebooks - sketches, ideas, lists, journals. mini and mighty all in one - the perfect planner nerd project!!
write on!
:) lexi
