Carol Adams

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How to make a Traveler's Notebook

Have you ever wanted to make your own traveler’s notebook? I love the fact that you can create a notebook that fits your needs. It can be a daily planner, menu/grocery list, Prayer Requests and Sermon Notes, weight loss journal, travel scrapbook.  Plus I love to personalize both the cover and the inside with stickers, photos and scrapbook paper. The possibilities are endless.

It’s not hard to make your own Traveler’s Notebook. All you need is a few supplies.



Supplies Needed:

High quality copy paper like HP 32 Bright White (or just regular copy paper)

8 ½” x 11” piece of cardstock (any color – this is for the cover) or use a piece of scrapbook paper

Long Handled Stapler (I purchased mine from Amazon.com)

Rotary Cutter or X-Acto Knife plus a Cutting Mat

Metal Ruler

Putting Your Notebook Together

There are several ways to put your Traveler’s Notebook together.  I usually use a long handle stapler and I’ve found that you can add approximately 12-14 pages. 

You can use a sewing machine if you are only using 6-8 pages. It really depends on your sewing machine.

Another way is to use the “book binding method” which I will have a blog post and video next week. So be sure and check it out!

  1. Gather your supplies

  2. Staple the traveler’s notebook together. I like to staple on the cover so that the folded part of the staple is on the inside. I usually use about 2 staples per traveler’s notebook but you can use 3-4 if desired

  3. Fold your book. Use a bone folder if necessary

  4. With a metal ruler and rotary cutter or X-Acto knife, begin trimming the edges of the traveler’s notebook. Take your time so that you have smooth edges. For the top/bottom of the notebook I use the grid marks on the cutting mat to make sure that everything is square. HELPFUL HINT: It’s best to wait until you put everything together and then trim if you want the edges to be even. (I’ve learned this from experience)

  5. You now how your Traveler’s Notebook and it’s ready to decorate, write in or share!

Traveler’s Notebook Covers

If you need to keep several traveler’s notebooks together you may want to make or purchase a cover. There are many resources to purchase a cover: Foxy Fix, Amazon and Etsy, just to name a few. It just really depends on if you want a fabric cover or a leather cover…plus how much you want to spend!

Be sure and check out my FREEBIES section to download your own “Daily Planner” and “Menu/Grocery List” pages or click the button below.

Just a warning – it’s addicting!