That's Pinteresting!: Cereal Box Books

One of the ways I justify to myself all the time that I spend browsing on Pinterest is to make sure that I actually create some of the projects I pin.  One of my most recent efforts came from my Book and Journal Making board, where I pinned the DIY Cereal Box Notebooks and DIY Mini Pocket Notebooks from a Cereal Box created by Natalie at Crème de la Craft.

We go through cereal boxes like they're going out of style around here, so I have plenty of raw material to work with! 

The larger notebooks, which measure about 4 inches x 5-1/2 inches (though I made one that was slightly larger, too), require almost a whole side of a cereal box, while several of the smaller notebooks, which measure about 2-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches (adorable!), can be made from one box.  The size of the notebook is completely adjustable to your taste, though.

Natalie has all of the instructions you need for the project, so I won't reiterate the steps here; I'll just show you how cute all the little books came out so you will be motivated to dig out some cereal boxes from the recycling bin and have at it!

Instead of using scrapbook paper to cover the stitches in the spines, I used plastic-y electrical tape, and then prettied it up with decorative tapes from Cavallini.  (I thought the numbers and letters tapes looked appropriately school-like for my notebooks!)

Other than that, I think I followed Natalie's instructions exactly.  Using the corner-rounder punch, which she offered as an optional step, really did provide a much more finished professional look to each book.

And, of course, you could add any sort of rubber stamp, painted, drawn, or collaged decoration to the insides and/or outsides of the covers.  I left mine plain, for "cereal box chic."

The smaller notebooks are adorable, using a brad rather than a button for their closure. They are also super-simple, because you can use two staples to hold the paper in, rather than stitching with embroidery floss.  I didn't bother with electrical tape for these; I just used some decorative tape to cover up the staples on the spine. 

I collaged the covers with a piece of a vintage French coupon and a postage stamp.  I also made two Valentine-themed books for part of my daughters' Valentine's Day gifts.  The little ones have the round edges, too. 

These notebooks are seriously simple and fun to make, which make them a very satisfying project for someone like me, who enjoys pretty steady productivity!  Grab some empty cereal boxes and give it a try; I think you'll while away an evening before you know it.