She's Crafty: How to make a matching Notebook and Pen set for Back to school

My kids went back to school last week, so naturally my mind is filled with all things school. Our family is trying to get into a routine with bedtimes, wake times, seminary, what time to leave for school, new classes, learning new teachers and even a new school (my baby is in middle school, sniff)

If you're looking for a simple gift idea for a new teacher or even a little something for yourself at this busy season, I have a great and super simple gift idea - A Matching Notebook and Pen set for Back to School

How to make a matching notebook and pen set for Back to School- teacher gift, back to school gift

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I used to make matching notebook and pens a long time ago. I would mod podge cute, patterned papers to the front of a notebook then tie ribbons on each of the metal spirals. On the front I liked to put tons of stickers and glitter or puff paint. Ah the good old days!

This new and improved notebook is similar but much simpler.

Teacher gift idea - back to school - matching pen and notebook set

Supplies needed to recover a notebook

notebook
scrapbook paper
1/8" hole punch
adhesive
pentel pens
paper cutter or scissors
pencil
printables to embellish the front

How to recover a Spiral Notebook and make a matching pen

Get a 5 x 7 notebook, any sprial bound notebook. It has to be spiral bound. Ok, maybe you like non-spiral notebooks, but spiral is #1 for me! It doesn't matter what the front of the notebook looks like, because you are going to cover that. You'll also need clear barrel, removable ink pens. I like Pentel RSVP pens.

Cut scrapbook paper to fit the front of the notebook. Mark where all of the spirals go.

Make holes at each mark with a 1/8" hole punch. You may need to punch 2-3 holes at each mark to make the hole big enough for the spirals.

Cut tiny slits from the edge of the paper to the punched holes. Lay the scrapbook paper on top of the notebook and put the paper around the spirals.

How to recover a notebook - back to school - school supplies

Glue the back of the scrapbook paper to the front of the notebook with a liquid glue. Let the glue dry and then the notebook is complete.

Matching pen

Unscrew bottom of pen and take ink out, set aside. Cut a piece of matching scrapbook paper to 1" x 3.5". Roll tightly into a long roll and insert into clear barrel of pen. Put ink back into pen and screw bottom back on.

Super simple and customized! I think making a pen to match a notebook is so dang cute!

Grab a printable here to help with mindset (there are several to choose from) to add to the front of the notebook. Print it on cardstock, trim it to size and glue it to the front.

Happy Back to School!

A matching Notebook and Pen set is a great back to school gift idea! I'm going to be using this one to journal as I sit in carpool lane again!

Don't leave just yet, it's the 2nd Wednesday of the month so it's the Inspire My Creativity Link Party with this month's theme, Back to School.

Shani | Sunshine & Munchkins

Christine | Swordfights & Starry Nights

Meg | See The Happy

Candice | She's Crafty

Julia | The Quiet Grove

Anna | Practical and Pretty

Alexandra | EyeLoveKnots

Ashley | A Day in the Life of Mom

Aimee | Things Small and Simple

Link up to 3 of your Back To School posts.

Join us next month on September 11, when we will be hosting another link party with the theme, Use Your Stash. Lucky for me my stash is pretty big so I'm excited for this!