DIY personalized notepaper

With Mother’s Day coming up, and the end of school on the horizon, gifts for mom and teacher gifts are definitely on the mind.  I’ve got a really fun solution for you–for both of them! More than ten years ago, we made my mom personalized notepaper for Mother’s Day.  It was a huge hit, and from that point on, it has been highly requested time and time again.  It is one of my favorite gifts to give for so many occasions and people–it makes an awesome teacher gift and it’s perfect for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, and even wedding and hostess gifts.  My sister served as a missionary for our church several years ago, and we made a set for her for one of her birthdays while she was gone.  It’s just so fun to make and give!

It’s very easy to make, and can be designed specifically for the person you’re giving it to.  My favorite way to make it is using my kids’ artwork and/or text, especially when giving to my parents, family members, and teachers.  It’s a gift that easily be given more than once, because the design can be different each time, and it’s something that can be replenished. It’s very easy to make, but anyone who receives it will love it!

Here’s how you do it!

1.  Open up Word (or similar program), and type desired text at the top, leaving regular margins.  We have put things like: “From the desk of….”, and “_______’s Desk”.  If you’re doing it for a teacher, you could just put the teacher’s name at the top (that’s what I’m making this year for my girls’ teachers). Whatever you like!  Print onto a piece of 8×5 x 11 white copy paper.

2.  Design time!  Whatever design you choose to do at the bottom, make sure it’s only the bottom 2 inches or so.  If not, they won’t have much space to actually take notes.  I squished all six of my kids onto one piece, but you could have each child design their own page.  It will be more expensive when it comes to printing, but it’s definitely an option. I just have them use a pen, and draw or write whatever they like! You can also use the computer to design that space as well, with different fonts and graphics.

3. Take the designed paper into your local printing store and ask them to make it into a notepad.  You will be able to choose how many sheets are in one pad, how many pads you want, and the size of the sheets.  I always have them reduce our design and make it so four fit on one page, so I get four notebook sheets per piece of paper printed.  This time I did 200 sheets of notebook paper, 100 per pad.  I did four different colors, so 50 copies (with four to a page).  The choice is really up to you–I’ve done it many different ways.

I would definitely call around to some different printing stores, because their prices can really vary.  I can usually spend around $15 for 2 notepads, 200 total sheets.

That’s it!!  Seriously!  Just pick them up, and you’re ready to mail or hand deliver your cute, DIY personalized notepaper!