Video: Creating a DIY Notepad with Confetti Dies

Die Cutting DIY/Crafts Videos

Feb 18, 2019 Jessica Frost-Ballas

Good morning and Happy Monday! Jess here with a fun video sharing how to create DIY notepads using the Dancing Music Notes Confetti Die and lots of our beautiful Hero Hues cardstock!

I have a video sharing how to create this card that you can watch below:

(If you are having problems viewing this video, please try watching it HERE on YouTube.)

To start, I gathered a stack of printer paper cut down to 4.25" by 5.5" and a piece of chipboard also cut to the same size. I actually cut down the cardboard backing from one of my watercolor pads to use for my notepad. I used a scrap piece of chipboard to stabilize the front of the notepad and held the stack in place with binder clips. Then I applied a thin layer of bonding compound to the top of the notepad. I made sure it covered all the paper and the backing chipboard. Padding compound is what is specifically used to create tear-away notepads and can be found in small amounts online or in some office supply stores. But I also did a little research and read that you can use Elmer’s glue or rubber cement in the same way. Since I knew I was going to make a bunch of these as gifts for my music students I decided to go ahead and purchase the real deal but I wouldn't hesitate to try one of the other options if you're just going to make one or two! I used a cheap paintbrush to apply the compound and let it dry for about 10 minutes before applying a second layer.

While the padding compound was drying I worked on the cover for my notepad. I die-cut the Dancing Music Notes Confetti Die from Black, Mist, Paradise, and Adriatic Hero Hues cardstock and reserved all of the music notes. I arranged the colorful music notes over the black panel and then adhered them with the new Precision Glue. I actually created 15 of these notepads in a variety of color schemes so I kept all the panels and leftover notes as I was working and used them on different covers. Then I stamped the sentiment from Hello Stamp & Cut onto Paradise cardstock and heat-embossed it with White Embossing Powder. I trimmed it down and adhered it to the panel with Precision Glue.

Next I cut a piece of Adriatic cardstock to 4.25" by 7" and scored it at 5.5" and 6". I used a bone folder to make sure the edges were nice and crisp. Then I applied Precision Glue to the back of the black panel and adhered it to the Adriatic panel. Once the padding compound was dry I removed the binder clips and I tore off the first page that had a little residual glue on the front. Then I applied Precision Glue to the scored areas of the Adriatic panel and folded them over the top of the note pad.

Once the cover dries completely you can open up the cover and easily tear away sheets of the notepad as needed! And of course you can swap any of our Confetti Dies for a similar design and change up the sentiment as needed. And, if you’re just looking to make a card you can create the same design and sentiment and just include something inside that finishes the sentiment like just a note to say happy birthday or just a note to say thanks! But I hope this encourages you to give DIY notepads a try...I really had fun making them and I hope my students like them, too! ;)

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a fabulous crafty day!

Jessica Frost-Ballas

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10 Responses

Annette Reed

February 24, 2019

This is such a great idea. I have this die and when I saw your post I immediately though of the music teacher at the school where I work. She would love one of these. I may have to try this.

Michele W

February 19, 2019

Thanks for a great video! I love this idea. It’s a great idea for gift giving. I’ll definitely be giving it a try.

Viveca V.

February 18, 2019

I love this cover die. Your videos always feature your creative style. Here you go again, with another inspiring project. I would love to try this project and do more with my die collection.
Thanks for sharing.

Henriétte

February 18, 2019

Awesome Jessica, I love the stunning frontpanel of the notebook and the video how to make a notebook! I use them so much and I love this.
Thank you so much for showing.