Here’s a quick and easy way to re-use a cereal box and make a useful journal from it. Ever use the Moleskine notebooks? I love them, so thought I’d make some of my own with materials that I had around the house. There are lots of possibilities for this project. You could stamp or print the cover, paint it, add a collage or a simple drawing, or use decorative paper to cover the inside. This would also make a fun project for the kids – they could decorate the covers and write a story.
I made this on my sewing machine, but I can’t be held responsible for broken needles! I set the tension to a very low setting and made the stitch long. I used 8 pieces of paper (for a 16-page journal) and wouldn’t recommend many more than that.
Supplies:
- cereal box
- paper (recycled or handmade would be even better)
- thread
- rounded corner punch
- paper cutter
- painter’s tape
Step 1: Cut cardboard box down to desired size. I made mine 10”x7” (for a 5”x7” journal).
Step 2: Cut journal paper down to size as well. You might want to deduct 1/8” to make sure the paper folds nicely into the inside of the journal. (see this next post for more instructions about this).
Step 3: Round corners with the corner punch.
Step 4: Score cereal box cover down the center until it folds crisply. I used a utensil knife and ruler to do this.
Step 5: Place cardboard (plain side up) on top of paper and tape together with painter’s tape.
Step 6: With sewing machine tension set to low, slowly stitch long stitches along the scored line.
Step 7: Fold over and place under a heavy book to press flat.
I find this very interesting.I will have to try it soon :0)
I’ve been saving cereal boxes looking for a project to use them. This is a great idea. Thanks
I would enjoy making this but i do not happen to have a sewing machine.Do you know where i can find one cheap?
Karyl, you can make your own moleskine, by hand, just make stitches wide holes with an awl, and then get into the tips with a hand sewing needle.
This will make a great gift for pupils to give their teachers at the end of the year.
Great idea! Another way of repurposing what would otherwise be thrown in the rubbish bin into somethings useful and of beauty. Thanks for the tutorial.
What’s the best way to cut the paper and make it even?
I never heard of a corner punch until I read this. Is this something people normally have around the house?
And since the pages are folded inside each other, don’t you have to make each one a slightly different dimension to get them to come out even?