2.09.2010

Making a Notepad with Free Printables!

The giveaway is still going strong, but the show must go on!

Today we are going to make a note pad, I make to do  pads because I'm very forgetful! I love this free printable from design, wash, rinse, repeat which is the one you see me using in my tutorial(short tem memory loss prevention device, too funny!),but I thought I could come up with something too.  So if you would like I made my own free printable (the first of many I'm sure) you can use for this project.

What you need-
Your probably not going to have Padding Compound on hand, don't worry.  I love the stuff (it's about $15 on amazon.com and is a lifetime supply) but you can also use clear silicone (found in the hardware section of wal-mart, or at any hardware store, think window sealant supply).
El Cheapo paint brush
Paper
Paper cutter
2 Small pieces scrap wood, or something to clamp with
Clamps
Bulldog clips
Cereal box (or other recycled cardboard)

The two freebies I linked print three to a sheet so trim it down to size and stack it up.  I printed 15 pages so that my pad would be 45 pages, a good thickness.
 
Cut a cardboard piece the same size as your pad, tap your stack until all your pages and cardboard are nice and even then clamp a bulldog clip on each side.  Now take your scrap wood and clamps and apply close to the top edge, you really want the part your going to apply the padding compound to to be nice and snug.  


Use your cheapo paintbrush to apply a thin layer of compound (or silicone) to the edge. Once the thin layer has dried (just a minute or two for the compound) apply a thicker layer and allow to dry over night.  I know, overnight, I'm the queen of impatience, but it's worth it.
And when you wake up the next morning all giddy with excitement.....TADA! Unclamp your cute new pad and show it off!

18 Reactions to this post

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  1. Disney said... February 09, 2010

    Wow! I didn't know you could buy padding compound like that! Sweet! I want to make doodle pads for Paige! Fun!
    P.S. I'm from Washington! We normally get a decent amount of snow, but this year we haven't. :o( I'm sad, 'cause I love snow!

  2. Madelynnnn said... February 09, 2010

    Oh! great tip with the silicone! My work study job in college was in a duplicating department so I had to make paper pads all the time and I have been recently trying to figure out how to make these with out the professional supplies. Thanks!

  3. Dina said... February 09, 2010

    Ahhh Poop! I just ordered 2 pads (spent $24!!!) for my business (etsy store:-)and I could have made my own! I'm an idiot! Thanks for sharing this. GREAT idea:-)

  4. Denise said... February 09, 2010

    This is great! I never knew we could do this!

  5. Bailey Doehler Designs said... February 09, 2010

    This is great! Thanks for sharing the tutorial and where to get the printable. I featured it on my blog.
    http://baileydoehler.blogspot.com/2010/02/homemade-notepad.html

  6. cc said... February 09, 2010

    goodness, i had no idea you could do this at home! thanks so much for the tip.

  7. Theresa @ 612Riverside said... February 09, 2010

    That is so cool! Thanks for the tutorial and the inspiration! Theresa

  8. Caroline said... February 09, 2010

    I just started following your blog! Love all the tutorials! Awesome! = )

  9. Kristen said... February 10, 2010

    such a great idea!! i am going to try it out! thanks for the tutorial!

    peace and love
    xox
    www.kristenmcashan.com

  10. Amanda said... February 11, 2010

    I just found your blog and I can't wait to try this project!

  11. Carol said... February 14, 2010

    Love this tutorial! I have been trying to find the Sparco Padding Compound online, but no luck yet :(. What is the substitute that you could use?

  12. WendyLou said... February 14, 2010

    I have SO wanted to try this! I may just have to stop by the office supply store tomorrow ...

  13. ApachesPrincess said... March 02, 2010

    Wow! What a fabulous tutorial! I LOVE it! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will be using it!

  14. Paula said... March 05, 2010

    I was thinking as I was making my to-do list this morning "Wow, it would be so great if I could make my own notepads. Then I wouldn't have to write the same thing down every day." And lo and behold, here in my feed reader is the answer! awesome!

  15. Tracy said... March 05, 2010

    This is cool, thanks for sharing the info!

  16. Thirty-Six Ten said... March 05, 2010

    You just made my day! I love this idea! How fun for ....well, everything! Thank you!

  17. LissaMe said... April 11, 2010

    your entire blog is awesome and I cant wait to try this. Thanks for sharing

  18. Tiffany said... April 15, 2010

    Sa-weet!!! Love DIY, Love DIY!

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