Making Sticky Notes Classy

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.

click on photo to download printable

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.

Use a couple of glue dots to keep the string 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.

Use a cutter for detailed cuts or printable for general elements.

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.

Decorate until you can decorate no more.

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)