Old School Notebook

I found this fun vintage student notebook at an antique collective on Wednesday and couldn’t wait to get crafting with it! I think a smaller version would make for a fun teacher’s gift, a fabulous high school reunion invitation, or just a cute notepad for your favorite little scholar. All the images needed are below for downloading.I created mini notebook graphics and printed out 3 letter-size sheets with the notebook paper images printed on both sides and one sheet of the inside folder graphics.I found a 25-cent black pocket folder with the perfect texture tucked away in my studio to use for the outside section of the folder. You can also use black or colored card-stock or construction paper.
After printing out the notebook paper pages, I cut the top and bottom graphic sections apart then folded all the pieces together before trimming off the non-printed margin areas. My trusty old paper cutter was perfect for this project, but of course, an X-acto knife works well also.
Using 3M spray adhesive, I laminated the trimmed-out inside graphic to a section of black and scored down the middle with the back of a butter knife for folding.Again, with spray adhesive, I added the spine section to the center back of the folder, folded it over, and returned to the cutting board for trimming out the whole piece.
I rounded the edges of the folder and notebook paper with scissors.
I flat stapled the opened notebook pages to the folder. Turning over and bending in the staple ends in, it’s important to create a generous curve to the bend of the staple ends to keep the bulk of the paper from pulling in and tearing the spine area. You may choose to punch holes and string bind your piece similar to the orgininal folder. And, finally, I added a name label to the front. Then I pondered, did kids really go to school on Saturdays?Click on the images below for the free PDF files to create your own old school notebook or other make other cool things with these fun vintage graphics.