NOTEPAD TUTORIAL - PART II

Happy Sunday!!!  And I know it's really Sunday because I just came home from church -- lol!!!  I hope all my blogging-family enjoyed a wonderful and very happy weekend!

Today I'm picking up where I left off in yesterday's tutorial.  I will now show how to construct the notepad.   For this tutorial, I will be using only leftover bits of paper, so it's not going to look very pretty for this demonstration; however, you will use a paper of your choice for your actual notepad.  And, remember, your pages should be plain typing or copy paper!!!

Okay, now that all the pages are printed and/or cut out, you will need a front and back cover; cut 2 pieces of 2-7/8" x 5.50 heavy cardstock mats for your covers:

Taking all of the inside pages, sandwich them between the front and back covers:

Lightly tap all sides of your pad making certain all the pages are even on all sides.  It is IMPORTANT that all pages align and meet evenly across the top to ensure all pages are caught up in the glue binding, so pay particular attention to the top of your notepad.  Once your notepad is evenly in place, clip the pad to keep the pages together and to keep them from moving or shifting.  I've used a paper clip here because this pad is thin, however, your pad will more than likely be much thicker and you may need to use a binding clip or clamp:

Using a wet glue, such as Crafters Pick "The Ultimate", rubber cement or even Elmers Glue, etc., liberally apply glue across the top pages of the notepad:

Using the index finger and thumb, run your fingers across the top of the notepad  lightly squeezing/pressing as you go to make certain the glue penetrates into all of the top layers.  Next, place the pad on a non-stick surface and cover it with a non-stick surface (I used MeltArt Craft Sheets; or, you can use wax or freezer paper); place a heavy book on top to apply pressure and assure the pages stay in contact; allow glue to dry for 30 minutes.

Once the glue is dry, you will need to cover and conceal the glued top-side of your notepad.  Cut a piece of paper 2-7/8" across and long enough to cover the top of your notepad with at least 1/2" to cover both the top and back covers:

Apply glue to the cover tab making certain to get all the edges well lubricated:

Slightly fold the tab in half (BUT DO NOT  ALLOW ANY PORTION TO ADHERE TOGETHER -- this step is to get an even alignment on the front and back covers, and along the top of the notepad).  Take the center of the cover tab and lay it across the top of the notepad and press down; fold down the front and back sides of the tab and press down.  Finish by firmly pressing down both sides of the tab to the pad, and by running a bone-folder or knife-edge along the top of the pad to made certain it adheres and to look nice and neat:

Allow the glue to dry on the tab about 15-20 minutes and your notepad is ready with all the printed (or blank) pages inside:

Now decorate and embellish it!!!

Your notepad can be as large or small as you'd like -- depends on the size you cut.  You can have as many pages as you'd like; pages can be printed or blank pages, and you can even bind it on the side book-style!  Put them in matching boxes or envies to give as gifts!  You're the designer and it's all up to you!!!  Here's another peek at one I made:

Should you have any questions, please just let me know; I will get back to you, I promise!  In the meantime, I hope to see your notepad creations!  And by all means, please feel free to link them to my blog!!!

Well, I'm off to go play now!  I'll be back with a project soon!!!  So, hugs to you all and...

I'll be seeing you!