how I make post it pads

The post it notepads I make are meant to be used and abused - the inside of my purse is not safe for flimsy.

The covers and bases are reinforced with cardboard (or coasters or chipboard - whatever you have) to give them some extra heft and durability.

I had several emails asking for directions or a tutorial on how I make these from this post; I hope this photo tutorial is helpful.

Patterned papers are from October Afternoon Hometown (retired).  3x3 3M Super Sticky Yellow 3x3 Post its are from staples.com.  Black mini gel pens are from overstock.com.

Between the gel pen and the quality of post it I use one has around $2.20 in product per notepad before you add paper, embellishments, and so forth.  So if doing these for or with your child or grandchild's class and you wish to keep costs down you can simply eliminate the pen, and two of the three 1/2" score increments.  More info regarding that at the end of this post.

Cut 12x12 patterned cardstock (OA cardstock is 65# weight - use this or stronger for a sturdier finished product) into 3-1/4" height strips.  If making a bunch, score first, then cut into 3-1/4" strips.

If incorporating a pen, score at these markings, moving the cardstock after each score mark to the next measurement: 3-1/8", 3-1/4", 1/2, 1/2, 1/2, 3-1/4".

Fold along all score lines, then adhere front and rear flaps as shown above.

Mark 1/2" down from top, and again 1-1/2" down (notice pencil marks in photo above) and cut through the three 1/2" score marks.  This will create the slot for the pen:

Unit will now look like the photo above.

Adhere the 1/2" flaps to one another creating a spine, taking note not to apply adhesive on the slot for the pen.

Cut two 3" square pieces of cardboard (chipboard, coasters - whatever sturdy board you have on hand).  Cut one 4" square of patterned paper for the notepad interior.  Match or contrast - your choice.

Adhere 4" patterned cardstock square to 3" cardboard square, and notch corners of patterned paper as shown above.

Apply adhesive to flaps and neatly fold inward, creating a covered square resembling the photo above.

Adhere second 3" cardboard square to right side of notepad interior, and the covered 3" cardboard square to the notepad left side.

Adhere the 3" square post it notepad to the right side, covering the 3" cardstock square.  This is how the notepad will look with the pen and post it in place.

Finish outside cover as desired.

If you opt to omit the pen, cut patterned cardstock to 12" x 3-1/4" strips, and score at 3-1/8", 3-1/4", 1/2", 3-1/4" (again, if making a bunch, score first, then cut into strips).

Been busy making cute notebooks - will show tomorrow.  Happy Tuesday!

Comments

[Elaine Allen]

Cindy -

Thank you so very much for this tutorial. You are a sweetie. These are just what I need to throw in my purse and to give to friends. Will be giving these a try. THanks again!!

Elaine Allen

[Lesley]

Wow I really like this, quick simple and takes abuse.
Thanks for sharing, always looking for post it not holders and this is one I really like.

[KathyN]

Thank you so much for the tutorial on the post-it notebooks. I love the one that you made here.

[Elmarie]

Cindy,thank you for the tutorial. I'll be making these with my daughter so that she can give to her middle school friends as gifts. I do have a quetions that I hope you don't mind answering. What do you use to adhere the post it pad? Permanent adhesive or some other type so that the cover can be re-used for other post its? Thanks again!

[Cindy Lyles]

Hi Elmarie - Ive used a yellow Scotch ATG gun that dispenses 1/2 width archival tape for years, and am happy with the quality and strength of the adhesive and the speed of application.  I have one in pink that dispenses 1/4 wide tape but rarely use it.  Thanks for reading best wishes for the rest of the week!  Cindy

[Lana]

Cindy, thank you so much for this tutorial. I love making them! The October Afternoon paper works so good for these! I have got to order more now!