Do you have a notebook? If not, and you need one, this article is for you. This is about how to make yourself a small notebook out of just a few ingredients. You’ll also be able to easily decorate and customize it if that’s something you want to do! Let’s get started.

Supplies / Things You Need

Obviously, this is an important step. How would someone make a notebook out of nothing? The things you need are cardboard, paper, scissors and a stapler. Then there are optional supplies, like pencils, markers and stickers.

Making the Notebook

Here comes the most important part of the whole project. Actually making the notebook! Who knew?

Cardboard

Cut out the cardboard into a rectangle, if you hold it the long way with one side against your fingertips, the other side should end about where your hand connects to your wrist.

Paper

Repeat step one, but this time with the paper. Do it for as many sheets as you want, make them slightly smaller than the cardboard rectangle. A recommendation would be to stack the papers on top of each other before cutting. It will likely take less time than cutting them one-by-one, but it’ll be harder due to the fact you’re attempting to cut a rectangle into a stack of paper.

Fold

Place the paper inside the cardboard. Make sure that it’s right in the middle and fold the concoction in half. You should be able to easily hold it in one hand, otherwise you might have used too much paper, and I’d recommend taking some out before continuing on to the next step.

The Finishing Touches

Stapler

Hold the makeshift notebook in place, keeping it folded, and staple the closed end. PLEASE, MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT STAPLE THE SIDE YOU’RE GOING TO OPEN IT FROM. Staple it 2-3 times to make sure it’s stable and won’t have paper spill onto the floor beneath you. That would be very unfortunate.

Decorate!

This is self-explanatory. Decorate your notebook! This is optional, as unlike everything else in this list, you aren’t required to do it if you just want a functional notebook. You can draw on the cover with pencils or marker, you can put stickers on it, do whatever you want to do with the decoration, it really doesn’t matter.

Congratulations! You now have a functional notebook, and you didn’t have to spend money for one at a Dollar Tree. Use it well, it’s yours.