How to Easily Customize a Notebook or Journal

We’re sharing how to easily customize a notebook or journal today!

For those of you who’ve been here a while, you already know I love, love, love all things planning and organizing.

I can clearly remember labeling all the tools in my Dad’s garage when I was in elementary school.

And sitting in the front seat of the car with my pad and pen as my Mom dictated our family’s grocery list on Sunday afternoons.  

Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of people say they get excited about checking or crossing things off their to do list.

But for me, the ritual of getting things out of my head and onto paper feels as comforting as that first sip of coffee in the morning.

So, as we prepare to enter what promises to be another wildly busy season, I wanted to share how to easily customize a notebook or a journal.

That way you can get ahead on gift ideas if you like or create a commonplace book for your lists and projects.

How to Easily Customize a Notebook or Journal…

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Supplies:

• Black Notebook
• Green Notebook
• Pink Notebook
• Bee Patch  
• Horse Patch
• Coffee Patch (old)
• E6000 Multipurpose Adhesive (I’m still using the old version because I had it on hand but wanted to share the new version as it’s supposed to be low odor)
• Ruler or measuring tape, optional
• Painters Tape, optional
• Gel Pens (have and love, no smudging or bleed thru, great for leftys)
• Erasable Pens (have, love and use in my planner to color code)
• Fountain Pen (have and love, their ball point option might be a better choice for these notebooks though)

Steps:

Gather your supplies.

Use a measuring tape or a ruler to help you decide where to place your patch if you need to.

Then use a piece of painter’s tape to help you remember your spot.

Next, read the instructions that come with your E6000 packaging.

E6000 has an obnoxious odor in my honest opinion.

So, I always do projects like these outside.

Place E6000 glue on the back of your patch.

Then carefully secure it to your book by gently pressing the patch down.

Allow the glue to dry completely before using your customized notebook or journal.

I wait about 24 hours.

Simple Ways to Organize Notebooks or Journals…

One of the easiest ways to organize notebooks or journals like these is to give them a singular purpose.

For example, I keep the green one in my purse and only use it for notes related to errands.

There are no stores on the island.

So, on the days we drive into town we try to get as much done as possible, which means a lot of stops to keep track of.

One of my girlfriends uses a similar notebook to keep track of her weekly grocery list.

Another collects quotes and life soundtracks in her journal.

I worked with a client who used the same blue notebook every time we went to Lowe’s for construction related supplies and project ideas.

My Mom uses a red one to keep track of holiday gifts and seasonal menu ideas.

You could also keep a customized journal or notebook and fill it with presents you want to buy loved ones throughout the year.

Truly, the possibilities are endless.

My only word of caution is to not go overboard.

We’ve likely all had unused for half used journals sitting in our drawers taking up valuable space.

So, decide on a custom notebook or journal idea that would be the most helpful for your current season of life.

Be sure to check to see if the notebook has additional features like number pages, interior pockets or a pen holder.

Then allow it to become part of your daily or weekly ritual.

Other Organization Posts to Eplore…

How to Organize Greeting Cards

Quick and Easy Family Command Center

3 Easy Ways to Organize Your Makeup and Skincare Products

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo