VB Tutorial: Notepad Accessory Book

Hi VB Fam!

I’m so excited to share my first blog post with you all. For my first project, I created a notepad accessory book to house all my goodies from the April Primrose Garden VBKit, a collaboration with the amazing artist The Primrose Corner. You only need a few things to create this great little on-the-go planner sidekick, so let’s dive right in!

Supplies needed:

Cardstock from VBKit paper pack
Lamination pouch (3mil)
Laminator
Double-sided tape
Business card sized adhesive pouches (from Amazon)
Scoring board and bone folder (optional)

Step 1
I started out by marking two points on the cardstock that I would use to make the scoring lines. Because the paper already has a center crease, I wanted to make sure that the score lines were evenly spaced. I made marks at the 5 ⅛ inch mark and the 5 ⅞ inch mark along the longest edge of the paper (the 11 inch side). I used a bone folder to give it a good crease.

Step 2
Next, I placed the cardstock inside of a 3mil laminating pouch. If you prefer a stiffer feel, you can also choose a 5mil pouch which produces a more rigid folder. I ran it through my laminator twice to ensure all of the air bubbles were sealed. After the first run-through, take a close look to see if more heat is necessary.

There was about a ½ inch overhang, so I trimmed off the excess making sure not to cut into the air pocket along the edge where the laminating film was sealed.

Step 3
Now it’s time to create the pockets to hold the transparent sticky note card and pen stickers. I used two business card-sized adhesive pockets that I found on Amazon. I cut one of them in the shape of a secretarial pocket to hold the sticky note card.

For the pocket I am going to use to hold the pen stickers, I separated it along the horizontal fold, cutting from the open end of the pocket so that the opposite sides remained intact. Then I attached both pockets to the left side of the folder.

Step 4
Next is the pen loop. I cut a 2-inch piece of elastic (mine is ½ in wide) and folded it over itself to form a circle and hot glued it in place. Then I glued it to the spine of the folder, leaving about ½ inch at the top. I decided to use hot glue because I can remove it from the laminate and replace it as needed.

Step 5
The last step is to attach the notepad. I used a strip of double-sided adhesive (any kind will do) across the top of the right side. Then I pressed the notepad in place.

And voila! Add your accessories to the pockets and you have yourself a DIY notepad accessory book that you can throw in your planner bag and go.

Thank you for taking the time to read my first blog! I hope I inspired you to create something cute and super functional for on-the-go planning. If you decide to create one, I would love to see. Be sure to post your creations in the VB Community Facebook group and tag @shopvillabeautifful on Instagram. Feel free to reach out and connect with me on social media if you have any questions. Until next time, happy planning!