Traveler’s Notebook with Blend Fabrics and Mixed Media Sheets

I have recently hopped on the “Traveler’s Notebook” bandwagon and decided that there are so many great products from Therm O Web that I could use to make my own.  I wanted my cover to be sturdy, so I decided using the HeatnBond® Iron-on Vinyl would be a great touch.

Materials for Notebook Cover:

Fabric for inner and out cover- cut two pieces 9 1/2″ x 9 1/4″ (folded book will be approximately 4 3/4″ x 9 1/4″) (pay attention to print direction!)
Fabric for inner pocket (optional)- 9 1/2″ x 8″. (pay attention to print direction!)
HeatnBond® Fusible Interfacing Xtra Firm-one piece 9 1/2″ x 9 1/4″
HeatnBond® Iron-On Vinyl
5 Grommets or Eyelets
Elastic Thread (found in the jewelry section of your craft store)
1/4″ elastic- about 1 1/2″ long for pen holder
Aurifil Thread to match fabric (I used color   2115   to match my Blend Fabrics pineapple print)
Oliso Iron

Instructions for Notebook Cover:

1. Iron the HeatnBond® Fusible Xtra Firm interfacing to the wrong side of the front cover fabric.
2. Turn over and following directions for HeatnBond® Iron-On Vinyl, iron vinyl to front fabric.
3. Fold the pocket piece to measure 9 1/2″ x 4″ and iron.
4. Layer front cover with interfacing face down, then put the inner fabric face up and then the pocket on top. Machine stitch with a zig zag stitch around the outside edge. (Note: to make the inner fabric stay in place, you could use double sided fusible interfacing, or just use a few pieces of hem tape around the edges to help secure while stitching.)
5. Fold small elastic band and stitch on the edge of the back cover for a pen holder.
6. Measure the middle point on the “seam” of the book and using an awl or strong punch, punch 5 holes: one 1/2″ down from the top and a 2nd another 1/2″ down (so 1″ from the top).  Repeat on the bottom.  Then punch a hole directly in the center of the seam.
7. Use an eyelet or grommet setting tool to set the grommets.
8. Thread the elastic thread through for a closure and another long piece to hold the booklets in place inside.

Materials for Inner Pages and Notebook:

iCraft Heavy Weight Mixed Media Sheets
Mixed Media Art Paper by Rebekah Meier
Printer paper
Other assorted papers (graph paper, lined paper, whatever!)

Inner Pages and Notebook Instructions:

1. Cut each paper 8 1/2″ x 8 1/2″.  Fold each paper individual and crease on the edge.
2. Stack papers together at the seam and either machine stitch or staple booklet on the seam.
3. Insert notebook into elastic threads in cover.

You can watch the entire process here to see how this notebook came together:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uPu0tU48jI

Be sure to take your notebook with you to keep all kinds of notes throughout your days!

Stay tuned for a 2nd video showing how I decorated the inside of my notebook and filled my pages.