Are you a list maker? I am not naturally one but have found that if I use them I get SO much more accomplished and remember what I need to WHEN I need to. Christmastime is really overwhelming at times and I find that making and keeping list help me stay on tray and save money! One problems is that I often lose my little loose paper lists. This year I thought I would try to be smart and alter a mini composition book, that will easily fit into my purse, to be my official lists book!
There are a few tricks to making this that I wanted to share...
A list book isn't very useful unless you have a pen at all times. I personally lose pens so I thought I'd better incorporate a pen holder of some sort into the design. I used a crop-a-dile to punch out the holes for a ribbon tie. (I wanted to be able to close it to keep the pages nice and keep things in.)
Here is what the inside looks like. I used glue to adhere the twill on the inside.
I trimmed the Holiday Vintage Prints patterned paper to fit the measurement of the book and rounded the corners. (I punched a hole in the same place that the note book had be punching it before gluing the ribbon on. I did the same with the decorative stamped layer)
I tend to collect coupons and also like to keep receipts, both gift and regular so I utilized these great envelopes. (available here)
I used Fresh Alphabet to label the outsides of the envelope... I just LOVE this alphabet!
I used Fancy Flourishes and Peaceful Poinsettia to decorate the envelopes then glued them in. I kept the flap on the envelope and glued it behind and onto the book cover. Now I have a smooth opening to place the coupons and receipts in.
I used a few circles as tabs to help me keep organized...
I wanted to keep it simple and flush with the sides of the paper.
The finished lists book! (I call it "lists" because It will hold multiple lists for me!)
Now... you can make these as a quick and inexpensive gift... and make them general, not just for holidays! How easy would it be to personalize these too!
Let me know if you have any questions. I'd love to know if you make one yourself!
Thanks for poppy-ing by!
All supplies by Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted.
Stamps- Fancy Flourishes, Fresh Alphabet, Holiday Treats, Peaceful Poinsettia, Beyond Basics Borders
- Ink- Pure Poppy, Ripe Avocado, True Black
- Paper- Vintage Holiday Prints, Ripe Avocado, Vintage Cream, white 2.5 x4.5 envelopes
- other- Vintage Pure poppy buttons, Rustic twine, Mini comp book (Target), Ripe Avocado Twill.
OH MY THIS IS MARVELOUS....
Posted by: regina easter | September 24, 2009 at 09:10 PM
I so LOVE this list book Lisa!! I love everything about it...... the envelopes attached to inside covers for your coupons and receipts, the pen holder, the decoratins. Everything! It is perfect!!!! I am making one tomorrow, first thing!
Posted by: Shawna | September 24, 2009 at 09:12 PM
Too cute! I love that it's a mini book and easy to tote around! Very cute and effective!
Posted by: Ashley Cannon Newell | September 24, 2009 at 09:27 PM
That is absolutely darling!! I love how you included a pen using the ribbon - I need to try that :) Great job!!
Posted by: Deepa | September 24, 2009 at 09:27 PM
Such a great project Leese! Love the great idea on threading the twill through the book! Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Geny | September 24, 2009 at 10:02 PM
I love this little book - I am definitely a list-maker! My husband teases me about this. I am going to try your idea - thanks so much!
Posted by: kerry davis | September 24, 2009 at 10:04 PM
FABULOUS design, especially the ribbon to hold the pen! I have GOT to try that! Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Tammy Hershberger | September 24, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Wow, Lisa! This is a fabulous gift idea- and VERY beautiful!
Posted by: jen shears | September 24, 2009 at 10:48 PM
Love this idea. I'm going to make one for myself and my mother-in-law. She'll love this!
Posted by: Lynn | September 24, 2009 at 10:54 PM
Absolutely fantastic!
Posted by: Heather P. | September 24, 2009 at 11:41 PM
I've been following your blog for awhile and forgive me, but this is the first time I've left a comment. I love your classy style!
This altered notebook is fabulous! It's a step above others I have seen. I LOVE how you incorporated the pen.
Posted by: nori | September 25, 2009 at 01:44 AM
This is an adorable project--I'm definetly going to have to try one myself. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Tina | September 25, 2009 at 03:56 AM
I just covered a mini book. I LOVE this ribbon idea and am going to try to make one this weekend.
Very cool! Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Debbie Fisher | September 25, 2009 at 04:01 AM
What a great idea! I love your new fresh ideas. Beautiful.
Posted by: sylvia | September 25, 2009 at 04:03 AM
just a fantastic project - wonderful, easy to follow directions! now to find the mini-composition books!!!
Posted by: LuAnn | September 25, 2009 at 04:03 AM
Fab idea to use twill as your pen holder/book closure.
I neeeeeed one of these books for me too now! TFS x
Posted by: Rosemary Guthrie | September 25, 2009 at 04:05 AM
What a great idea! I can't wait to make a few of these for my friends and I. Thanks!
Posted by: kimisue | September 25, 2009 at 04:10 AM
Love it!!! I am gonna try making on myself. So many different things I want to do with stamps, so little time.
Posted by: Danisha | September 25, 2009 at 04:13 AM
I have been using the bigger books for Journals. I will now add the pen holder and envelops to enhance these Journals. Thank you so much for these great ideas.
Posted by: Mary Anne P | September 25, 2009 at 04:16 AM
You are fab! Thanks for sharing your talent with us!
Posted by: Christine | September 25, 2009 at 04:19 AM
Wow, I love this idea! Your little book is pretty, and will be practical as well! I'm curious...what did you write on the other circle labels? Thanks Lisa for the great sample...I want one!
Posted by: Donna | September 25, 2009 at 04:21 AM
What a GREAT idea and so sweet and festive to get you in the mood to shop (not that I ever need coaxing)!...and because it is so cute, it would make me very careful not to LOSE it!
Posted by: Kelly Schirmer | September 25, 2009 at 04:24 AM
Great little books! Gotta make some for my little book club (there are only 4 of us). Where do you get those mini composition books, though?
Posted by: Valerie Anderson | September 25, 2009 at 04:24 AM
Wow, what an awesome idea. Compact and yet holds everything you need in the hectic season to come!
Posted by: Susan | September 25, 2009 at 04:29 AM
I really like how you incorporated the ribbon! Just got a bunch of these on clearance - will have to give this a try!
Posted by: Tracy Bakunas | September 25, 2009 at 04:37 AM
This is amazing! Now why didn't I think of it first??? Lol - thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: Patti J. | September 25, 2009 at 04:41 AM
great job as always. so creative. thanks for sharing with all of us.
Posted by: paula | September 25, 2009 at 04:46 AM
Seen a lot of altered notebooks, but this has to be the best! Love the idea of adding envelopes to hold loose paper. I've read your blog now and again, but subscribed this morning thru' Feedblitz. Thank you for all your inspiration.
Posted by: Karen (ON) | September 25, 2009 at 04:47 AM
Love it! I've already made Nichols heat pack, and want to make Mish's bag, and now a personalized note pad. By Christmas I'll have several gifts~all happily homemade and packaged beautifully! Thanks girls!
Posted by: Ashjoy | September 25, 2009 at 05:10 AM
Lisa, this is fabulous! I'm a list-maker, so this is right up my alley! What a wonderful gift idea...and yours is beautiful as well as useful! Thanks!!
Posted by: CherylQuilts at SCS | September 25, 2009 at 05:11 AM
Fabulous. Thanks for the great pictures of the steps... TFS!
Posted by: Monika Davis | September 25, 2009 at 05:16 AM
What a great adaptable idea. Love it!
Posted by: Mariah | September 25, 2009 at 05:21 AM
maybe the best mini compo book I have ever seen. LOVE it, can't wait to copy! fancymelissa.blogspot.com
Posted by: fancyMelissa | September 25, 2009 at 05:29 AM
I have a feeling I will be making a lot of these! I love the way you did the pen holder/ribbon tie, that is always the biggest challenge...the pen!
Thanks so much for the wonderful inspiration!
Posted by: Victoria Hassink | September 25, 2009 at 05:32 AM
Love this wonderful Idea.... I try to make a list every year and end up writing it time and time again!!! This will help me ever so much!!!
Posted by: Mindy | September 25, 2009 at 05:45 AM
This is a fantastic idea! Your work is beautiful!
Posted by: Tam | September 25, 2009 at 05:47 AM
Now, that is cute ! Darn, I was just in Walmart yesterday, they probably have these too. Gotta get some and make a few N.Taylor WA state
Posted by: Nola Taylor | September 25, 2009 at 05:54 AM
This is such an amazing idea! Love the details of the envelopes for coupons and receipts, as well as the pen holder. Well thought out, functional, and gorgeous :)
Posted by: Jennifer Schmidt | September 25, 2009 at 05:55 AM
Thank you so much for such a fabulous idea!! I am having lunch with a friend today and I might just make her one of these as a "just because" gift! Love it!!
Posted by: Hope Jones | September 25, 2009 at 06:01 AM
Thank you for all the great tips--this is just darling and so functional! Love the inside envies and the flush tabs!
Amy
Posted by: Amy | September 25, 2009 at 06:03 AM
Lisa, this is not only beautiful, but also very useful! I love this idea and will be trying one of these myself!!! Thanks for the inspiration:)
Posted by: Dawn | September 25, 2009 at 06:08 AM
All I can say is WOW! Such a wonderful idea.
Posted by: RobertaW | September 25, 2009 at 06:08 AM
you thought of everything. it's very clever. i'll be making my own to keep with me. thanks again for the inspiration!
Posted by: Mint McKeever | September 25, 2009 at 06:09 AM
I have made a couple of these with the Target mini composition pads and find the size to be very handy. But my next ones are going to be gorgeous and more organized and handy. Thanks for showing yours. So beautiful and inspiring!
Posted by: Deborah | September 25, 2009 at 06:15 AM
Adorable! Great idea for little gifts too!
Posted by: Kris Kilcoyne | September 25, 2009 at 06:21 AM
WOW! These are adorable. Simple but adorable. These are great "just because" gifts. I'm curious too, what did you write on the other circle tabs?
Michelle :O)
Posted by: Michelle E | September 25, 2009 at 06:23 AM
what a fantastic project! The details really make the difference so thanks for taking us step by step!
Posted by: liannallama | September 25, 2009 at 06:23 AM
This is a wonderful project! just love it!
Posted by: Debbie | September 25, 2009 at 06:25 AM
This is fabulous, Lisa! I LOVE how you neatly added the ribbon for the pen - clean and efficient!
Posted by: Stephanie Kraft | September 25, 2009 at 06:28 AM
What a cute idea, I just saw these little composition books on clearance at Target this week for $.24!
Posted by: Kelly | September 25, 2009 at 06:37 AM
Wow, how cute is that?? I just love it!
Posted by: Catherine | September 25, 2009 at 06:38 AM
OHHHH Lisa this is FABULOUS!!! I had planned on making myself a FUN notebook for my LISTS for the holidays.. but never THOUGHT to add envelopes! SO SMART!! I will for SURE be using this idea! THANKS for sharing! Have a WONDERFUL weekend!!!
Posted by: BethieJ | September 25, 2009 at 06:40 AM
this is so cute, and will help me to keep organize and and dont forget my todolonglist! rgds, dalys
Posted by: Dalys | September 25, 2009 at 06:41 AM
Love your mini book!! So smart to incorporate the pen with ribbon! You always have such clever and creative ideas!!!
Posted by: Elizabeth B. | September 25, 2009 at 06:55 AM
What a cool idea!!!
Posted by: Bonnie aka raduse | September 25, 2009 at 06:55 AM
What fun! A quick and easy project. Thanks for the idea.I always love your designs.
Posted by: Chris K | September 25, 2009 at 07:01 AM
Wow, this book is gorgeous! Thanks for the inspiration, Lisa!
Posted by: Paulina | September 25, 2009 at 07:05 AM
This is so great. I can't wait to make these for everything -- not only christmas.
Posted by: Sharon Knitter | September 25, 2009 at 07:06 AM
Wow, awesome idea!! It's beautiful too!
Posted by: lan | September 25, 2009 at 07:07 AM
Amazing!! I love it!! I'm going to make some of these and donate them as gifts for our United Way campaign as incentives!! Thanks for the idea!!
Posted by: Kim Bell | September 25, 2009 at 07:13 AM
Lisa,
I love the notebook! It turned out really cute and looks easy to put together. I may just have to make one myself! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Nicki | September 25, 2009 at 07:13 AM
Lisa, what a wonderful project and thank you for showing us how you did it. I love the ribbon for holding the pend and the little envelopes on the inside covers. I wish I had seen this last week because I was in the US last weekend and saw some of these composition books at such a great price, but wasn't sure what I'd do with them. I did buy some of the larger ones though.
Thank you for your inspiration.
Posted by: Darlene Gabriel | September 25, 2009 at 07:22 AM
Absolutely brilliant!!! I love this idea and can't wait to get started on it. Thank you so much for sharing.
Posted by: Isabel Z | September 25, 2009 at 07:23 AM
One of the best "Lists" projects I've seen in a while. LOVE the way you attached the pen and the use of envelops.
Posted by: Sally | September 25, 2009 at 07:32 AM
so pretty, neat idea with the tabs, when I made mine a few years ago I had the tabs sticking out and they are all smashed now, great pen idea too! TFS!
Posted by: Conniecrafter | September 25, 2009 at 07:35 AM
LOVE these!!! thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Mary Jo | September 25, 2009 at 07:36 AM
SO SO CUTE and I love how you add the ribbon to hold the pen and close the book. LOVE IT!!!
Posted by: cindy b. | September 25, 2009 at 07:46 AM
This is just wonderful! Beautiful as well as so useful!! Great tips for the ribbon and envelopes too!!
Posted by: Broni | September 25, 2009 at 07:50 AM
I LOVE making lists and this is a darling notebook in which to corral them. I was wowed, though, with your pen holder. Marvelous idea and thanks for the step-by-step photos.
Posted by: KellyRae | September 25, 2009 at 07:52 AM
What a great idea, just what I am looking for. Thank You. I`ll definately be trying one of these.
Posted by: Yvonne Jackson | September 25, 2009 at 07:53 AM
Adorable - you have inspired me to start thinking about Christmas gifts!
Posted by: Carrie | September 25, 2009 at 07:56 AM
I'm speechless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Shawn Marie O'Connell | September 25, 2009 at 08:00 AM
What a great idea. thanks for this.
Posted by: Marg | September 25, 2009 at 08:04 AM
I love this...what a great idea. Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Jenafor | September 25, 2009 at 08:06 AM
Great, have gifts for those who want something of me and something usable, this is both!!!!
Posted by: Lonely Texas | September 25, 2009 at 08:46 AM
Lisa, I love your version of the alter composition book. I have often wondered how to incorporate a pen holder and this is the best way yet.
Thanks for sharing all you wonderful ideas with us.
Posted by: Jody Marcelis | September 25, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Wonderful project. Beautiful.
Posted by: Leanne | September 25, 2009 at 08:59 AM
Lisa, That is cutest thing I have ever seen!! I love that idea, i have been thinking what to make the teachers and co-worker's in my office for x-mas and this is soooo perfect. I am going to be sooo busy from now til christmas.Thanks for the AWESOME IDEA!! :)
Posted by: debb00 | September 25, 2009 at 09:02 AM
Super inventive! My friends are coming over next weekend for World Card Making Day but I'm sure they will want to make this great little book. Can you tell us where you found the mini composition book?
Posted by: Nancy N | September 25, 2009 at 09:02 AM
What a wonderful project.
I will be making a few of these for gifts.
Thank You for the inspiration
Posted by: Margaret Iddon | September 25, 2009 at 09:09 AM
this would be so so cute for teachers gifts!!! Im off to get some comp notebooks!!
Posted by: Kim FAucher | September 25, 2009 at 09:17 AM
I like that you made your Christmas organizer purse size. I have made a holiday planner for a few years now but out of a 3 ring binder with some sleeve for keeping tear outs of decorating ideas, recipes, ect... It is very helpful but huge. Nothing I like taking shopping with me. It was an idea that I got from organizedchristmas.com. They have awesome holiday prep plans too!
Posted by: tania smith | September 25, 2009 at 09:22 AM
Wow, Lisa this is fantastic!! I love how you made the holder for the pen!! I am definitely going to make one or maybe more of these. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Elizabeth S. | September 25, 2009 at 09:29 AM
This is just AWESOME Lisa!! One of my FAVORITES that I have seen!!
Posted by: Maria | September 25, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Love the idea - so cute too!
Posted by: Julie E | September 25, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Sorry about the last comment asking where you got the Composition book, There you have it right in your supply list Target. Thanks so much Lisa
Posted by: Nancy N | September 25, 2009 at 09:35 AM
This is such a great idea Lisa! I can see myself making these for my girls that all live far away. I know they would love one of these cuties as much as I would! Love your creative ideas!
Posted by: Susan from Colorado | September 25, 2009 at 09:43 AM
i love this idea! just in time too, i sat down last week and started to make out our list. i'm just trying to figure out how i'm going to add a calendar to keep up with how many days i have left and what events we have going on every week.
Posted by: cissy | September 25, 2009 at 10:01 AM
What a fantastic idea. I have some notebooks at home to do. Thanks for the idea. I will sure be using this and post in my PTI gallery after they are done. What inspiration you have. Alice R.
Posted by: Alice Roushia | September 25, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Lisa - now I have (HAVE) to go to Target! That is the cutest list book I have ever seen and I must make one for myself! I'm always making lists on Post Its then they stick to everything in my purse and I never see them again. this will give me at least something to stick my stickies in/on. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Anne McIntosh | September 25, 2009 at 11:26 AM
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this! That idea for holding the pen was genius.
Posted by: Jennifer | September 25, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Absolutely beautiful! I'm heading to a crop this weekend and may make some up for gifts (and a Christmas one for me!)
Posted by: Jennie | September 25, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Great little gift ideas, absolutely love it!!!!
Posted by: Cheryl O | September 25, 2009 at 11:53 AM
This is perfect! Thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: Sarah Deakins | September 25, 2009 at 12:07 PM
What a great idea and it looks so fabulous. I'm going to have to make one of these.
Posted by: Melissa F. | September 25, 2009 at 12:12 PM
What a GREAT idea!!!
Posted by: Claudia Piegdon | September 25, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Just love this ~ thanks for sharing a great idea!!
Posted by: Ev Ching | September 25, 2009 at 12:49 PM
This book is the bombdiggity!! I am a notebook fanatic and love learning how to make plain notebooks sparkle and shine with your great ideas. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Donna | September 25, 2009 at 12:50 PM
I already commented once today but had to go back and enjoy your post once again. I question popped into my head as I reread the directions--are the envelopes available at PTI? Thanks so much.
Posted by: Isabel Z | September 25, 2009 at 12:52 PM
I love this idea for a little composition book. I make them but have never tried it with ribbon closure or the envelopes!. You can be sure the next one I make willhave both!!
Posted by: Janet | September 25, 2009 at 01:30 PM