DIY New Years Notebooks

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Newell Rubbermaid , but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #stockup4schools http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

I'm finally back from my vacation! I was having a major case of the post-vacation blues the day we had to drive back from Utah. (Read: I was grumpy the entire way back in the car. Sorry Sam.) But then, we pulled up to our old familiar apartment at 8pm, and it was a beautiful cool breezy night, and I was greeted by my favorite succulents, and I got to sleep in my own bed again, and I thought - hey, this isn't too bad after all.

I have missed regular posting though, and I'm excited to get back to the grindstone. So here we go!

I'm sure you know by now I have an undying love for notebooks. And don't we all need a new notebook in January? Whether it's to write your New Years Resolutions in, to keep as a journal, to take notes in as you start a new semester at school, or just to keep track of the million little grocery lists and doctor's phone numbers and doodles throughout the day, I am a huge fan of notebooks and can never get enough.

This year, I decided to make my own notebooks. I also got supplies for the girls in my church youth group to make some as we talk about New Years Resolutions and they head back to school after a break.

Here's how: Start with your notebook. I personally love the Moleskine books, but any brand will do! If your notebook isn't the color you want, simply cut out paper for the front and back panels, and then glue or mod podge them on.

Then, decorate! I love getting the 24-pack of Sharpies from Staples (While supplies last during the week of January 3rd, Sharpie Fine and Ultra Fine Sharpie 12 packs are only $6 and Sharpie Fine and Ultra Fine 24 packs are only $10. Plus there is a buy 2 get 1 free deal on all Newell writing instruments. Find these deals at Staples!). I also got a little three-pack of metallic Sharpies for all my black notebooks. Then, figure out your decoration and start creating!

I personalized the inside of my notebook with categories and tabs and to-do lists.

I made these on a wonderful sunny snow day with my sister on my vacation. We turned up some music (that my brother promptly made us turn down a bit), ate the last of the Christmas candy, and had fun trying out different designs. In the end, we loved the metallic sharpies on black paper the best. Add a personalized message on the back and tie them up with some twine and you have the perfect little gift!

Sam needed a huge five-section notebook for his new semester, so I got him one and I'm still working on covering the entire thing with a cool design. It's slow-going because I am NOT the most artistic person in the world, but it's also encouraging because even the less-artistic among us can do this craft.

Anyone else as obsessed with Sharpies (and notebooks in general) as I am?

Favorite things to stock up on before the new semester starts?

Happy crafting!