Though you can buy paper tablets to write on, with some common office supplies and a little time and effort, you can make your own. "Go green” by recycling the blank sides of old printer paper. Be creative and use colored paper, blank newsprint, handmade papers or any other kind of paper. Consider using your computer to generate specialty covers and printed sheets for notes and lists. Personalized, handmade writing tablets you designed yourself are creative and thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
Things You'll Need:
- Tacky Glue
- Paper Cutter
- 2 Extra-Large Binder Clips
- ½-Inch Thick Stack Of Paper
- 2 Wooden Rulers
Choose a paper size, and cut enough sheets to make a stack of paper about 1/2-inch high. If you are adding a backing, such as cardboard, put it on the bottom of your stack. If you are adding a cover, put it on top.
Tap the sides of the stack firmly on a flat, hard surface to make sure the paper is evenly aligned on both sides. Tap the end you are going to apply the glue to with extra care to make sure all the sheets are flush with each other.
Place two wooden rulers with flat sides against the paper, so that one is under the stack and one is on top, about 1/2-inch back from the top.
Secure your rulers to the paper by placing binder clips sideways to the rulers and about 1/4 inch away from the sides of the paper, allowing the binder clip edges to close on the center of each ruler. Double check to see that the paper on the end to be glued is still flush and flat. If not, loosen the binder clips and readjust the paper.
Squeeze some tacky glue onto the top edge of your stack of paper, and use your finger to spread a solid coating evenly, all the way to the edges. Allow the glue to dry for 30 minutes.
Spread on a second layer of tacky glue, and allow it to dry thoroughly. You will know it is dry when it is smooth and shiny, and not sticky to the touch.
Remove the binder clips and rulers.
Tip
If you get glue on the pages, wipe the excess away with a dry finger or a slightly damp paper towel.
If you don't have access to a paper cutter, use an Exacto knife and ruler. Do this on a safe cutting surface, such as layers of corrugated cardboard.
Use other thin, flat pieces of wood if you don't have rulers.
If you are making a narrow or small writing tablet, put the binder clips directly onto the sides of the paper stack, near the top.
Warnings:
- Be very cautious when using paper cutters and Exacto knives. Children should be supervised closely, or the paper should be pre-cut by an adult. Protect your work surface with newspapers or plastic.
Resources
Writer Bio
Carol Holaday's writing preferences are metaphysics, self-help, alternative health products, and general arts and crafts. She has written monthly columns for PlanetLightworker.com; direct marketing letters, brochures and leaflets for Sedgbeer Creative Media; ongoing special assignment writing for PP E-Commerce; and her own book, "Crafting a Magical Life," Findhorn Press, 2009.
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