These tear away notepads are made using recycled scrap paper and can be made in any size! They’re a great way to upcycle odds and ends into something useful. I’m using drawing paper from another project that I cut to the wrong size and scrap cardstock from packages that I received in the mail. There’s a couple options of adhesives for this— I’m using padding compound, which is an adhesive specifically made for binding books. As an alternative, you can also use any PVA glue such as white school glue.

Materials:

– scrap paper
– adhesive (padding compound or PVA glue such as white school glue)
– washi tape
– clips

Instructions to make scrap paper notepads

Step 1: How to bind your notepad

Fold and cut all of your pieces of scrap paper to the same size. Gather your papers in a single stack, making sure that the edge you plan to glue is nice and flat. Line the papers along one edge, in-between pieces of scrap cardboard. Clip in place to secure. Paint a layer of adhesive along the edge and let dry. Add additional layers as necessary.

Step 2: How to finish your notepads

Make sure that the glued edge is completely dry. It should feel rubbery but not moist. Place a piece of washi tape along the glued edge to secure the covers. Your notepad is now ready to use!