Home made note pads for Teacher's gift

My childrens' teachers have asked for a donation be made to a local charity in lieu of gifts this Christmas. I am overjoyed that the school has decided to do this but I know how much my kids love to give their teachers Christmas gifts. So I have decided to make something with my guys so they can give to their teachers in addition to the donation we will make.

Last year I saw on a blog someone made note pads for their teachers with "A note from Mrs. Smith" at the top of each page. (I am sorry I cannot for the life of me remember what blog this is from...if it is yours please let me know so I can give you credit) The process to make these note pads is extremely easy and cost nothing if you have the supplies on hand, like I did.

Materials needed:
Printer paper (15 sheets)(I used resume paper)
Card stock paper (1 sheet)
Rubber Cement glue
Ribbon

Method:  Sorry the photos aren't great; I am doing this in the evening.

Create a Word document and separated the page into 4 equal sections. You can either create 4 'text boxes' or divide the page into 2 columns and hit enter a lot :).

I typed "A note from Miss Smith" for my daughter's English teacher and "Une note de Mlle Smith" for her French teacher.

I made three lines around the text to make it look like the lines in a note book (you know the solid lines with the dotted line in between).

 I then cut the pages into 4 equal sections using a paper cutter (each page ends up being 4.25 inches by 5.5 inches).

 

Stack the pages so they line up perfectly on the top. I put one piece of card stock on the top and bottom and then (IMPORTANT) one blank page on the top and bottom. The blank page will be removed at the end but this allows you to get a good amount of glue on the seam without worrying about getting it on the cover. Clamp on both sides of the pad with butterfly clips.

Using the Rubber Cement, glue the top of the pad with 5 or 6 thin layers of glue. After each layer I move the clips to the top of the page to make sure the pages are pressed tightly together. I have used old cards to get a good seal.

 

 Once dry you can put a piece of ribbon across the glue seam if you would like. Remove the extra blank page on the top and the bottom. 

 Have your child draw on the covers something special for their teacher

 Wrap the notepad with a ribbon and you are done!

What do you think?
Stephanie