Sticky Notes Cover Tutorial and Printable
I am always wandering the interwebs and pinterest looking for inspiration to fire up the old Cricut Explore. I didn’t have to go far to see this sticky note holder over at Lori Whitlock’s site. Immediately I had to give it a try. And now I get to share that with you along with a free printable to go along with it.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Click here for more details.
Creating the Template
I saw a lot of sites that sold templates for making a paper cover for a small note pad or sticky pad. There is absolutely no need to pay for this. With a little math anyone can create their own template. (those of you that don’t do math don’t worry – I have you covered)
Just measure up any post it or note pad. Add 1/8 inch to three of the sides (both sides and bottom) and you have the base and the top dimensions. Then measure the spine of the pad and add just a little bit extra. I suggest just measuring to the closed 1/8 of an inch.
Then line up all the parts in the order they would be used to create the cover. Add up the dimensions and you have a template created. You really can do this for any size of note pad or sticky pad. So the possibilities are endless.
For today I am sticking with a standard 3 inch by 3 inch sticky pad.
Making the Basic Cover
The great part about this craft is you can used random pieces of paper. No need to buy anything new – just use what you have. Also, since these are standard square shapes any paper cutter could cut them out. No need for specialized tool. (now of course I used a Cricut Explore as overkill)
For the second layer of paper I just made a template that was slightly smaller. You could easily cut this out too and use a corner rounder to make the rounded edges. So easy.
Now for those that are mathematically challenged click here for my printable that includes a template for the 3 inch x 3 inch sticky pad. If you have a personal cutter I do have the svg file in my subscriber only section. Just sign up for my newsletter to get it and access to a lot more freebies.
There is one trick to this project – adding something to keep the holder closed. You can use string, twine, ribbon, etc. Anything will do.
What I did was used two glue dots to hold about 5 inches of bakers twine to the top and bottom. I then added the decorative paper layer to keep the bakers twine firmly in place.
Taking It Up a Notch
Let me tell you that stopping with just the paper and the decorative layer is enough. You really don’t need any more but where is the fun in that.
Included with the printable are two embellishment ideas for your sticky note cover; state of Texas (for all my fellow Texans) and Minnie Mouse (for my fellow Disneyphiles). I have it where you can either print them or uses them as templates to cut out of other paper.
For my example I used the subscriber exclusive cutting files to create the Minnie Mouse head elements. The cutting file is great because it cuts out all those little polka dots.
Using a glue pen makes quick work of putting the pieces together. Now for some fun. Pull out all of your other scraps and begin decorating. Anything goes. From stickers to washi tape it’s all about just having fun.
The Final Product
What I love about this project is it is easy and there really is no wrong way to do it. Perfect for kids and adults. You could also make them as teacher gifts, party favors, etc.
What other ways do you think you could use this? I would love to know because I want to make more!! (insert evil crafting laugh)
Naturally I LOVE the Minnie Mouse one! These are great ideas I’m going to save them for next week’s lunches!
I LOVE this. My kids need to take sticky notes to school – this is a great way for them to keep track of them. My son would love one that had Bu-cees on it!
This is such a great idea for sending out your own personal touch party invites. The Minnie Mouse one is too cute.
I need the Texas sticky notes! I use sticky notes all the time…my favorite school supply:)
I just love this! Not only is this idea cute, but it would make the best, usable gift tag! Wouldn’t teachers adore this on their gifts this year! Thanks- I better start now, because I’m going to need a ton before Christmas!
What a great project to use little bits and pieces of left over craft materials. I use post it notes every day and I love these covers!
Oh I’m definitely going to bookmark this page, I love doing my own thing. I would love to do my own sticky notes and who knows what ideas can come up while trying this. Thanks for sharing.
I’m sorry to see that the links to the Minnie Mouse images is not working. I really wanted to use that file. 🙁
OK, I subscribed just to get the sticky note cut file….I can’t find it any where! =(