DIY Network

Cardboard Box Notebook Build a one-of-a-kind binder. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-608

Make this tasty notebook.

The boxes from cereal, cookies, crackers and other items often showcase great graphics and fun design. So why toss them out once they're empty? Instead, recycle them B. Original style, by making a handy notebook from the empty boxes.

Michele Beschen shows how to take a regular cardboard box — just like the ones in your kitchen — and turn it into a funky notebook. Use it as a journal, day planner or even a recipe book. Once you master the easy how-to, you may never buy a binder at the office supply store again.

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Cardboard Box Notebook

Materials:

cardboard boxes (from crackers, cereal or other products)
sharp craft knife or scissors
cardboard furring strips
paper cement
6-ring notebook/binder spine
awl
size #6 machine screws with nuts, 1/2" long
screwdriver

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Note: Cardboard furring strips are found with the drywall supplies in home improvement stores.

• Collect a number of boxes from cereal, crackers and cookies. Pick boxes with attractive, bold graphics or logos.

• Use a craft knife or scissors to remove the top and bottom flaps and one of the sides (figure A). The remaining side will be the spine of the notebook.

• Open up the box and lay it flat, with the plain side facing up. Position a cardboard furring strip in the center; it will reinforce the notebook's spine.

• Trim the furring strip to size and attach it to the notebook spine with paper cement (figure B). Apply the cement to both surfaces and let it dry, then connect the surfaces. This is called a dry mount, and gives an extra-strong hold.

• Position a 6-ring notebook/binder spine over the furring strip with the release lever at the bottom. Use an awl to mark the holes in the spine onto the furring strip.

• Enlarge each hole enough to accommodate a machine screw. Insert machine screws from the outside of the notebook through the holes (figure C). Attach a nut to each screw and tighten.

• Fill with paper and enjoy the cool notebook you created from a throwaway box!