Last year around this time of year I did back to school roundups of backpacks & messenger bags and pens, pencils, & cases, so for this year's schooly time of year I decided to bring you a collection of fun notebook projects.  I love notebooks - I have one I carry with me everywhere, for keeping track of ideas, designs, addresses, quotes, anything I want to remember, then I have several more around the house for specific purposes.  So I'm always excited about cool projects to dress up the notebooks I already have, or make more from scratch, since I can never have too many!  I love these little notebooks made with playing cards for covers - Diane of Craftypod gives a full tutorial:

Su of Tangle Crafts did a tutorial for Craft Leftovers for these cute PaintChip Notebooks:



Those use the same basic idea as (or similar to) these Matchbook Notepads on Design*Sponge - I love the idea of making separate tiny notebooks for reminders of books, music, and movies you want to check out!



Paper and Stitch gives a tutorial for making notebooks with recycled papers and memory game cards:



I love these colorful sticky note clipboards by Next to Heaven (via Dollar Store Crafts):



I also like this sticky note project - Greetingarts' Sticky Notes Books:



This Crazy Postcard Notebook by Kiko on Cut Out + Keep uses up junk mail postcards and scrap paper:



Heather Bailey offers a free downloadable tutorial for this cute Mini Notebook:



I like these simple Creative Notepads on esprit cabane:



Les Plus Beauxx give a tutorial for this easy 5 Minute Notebook, which uses a paint swatch for a colorful decoration:



Skip to My Lou shows us how to make a Notepad using silicone sealant to hold the pages together, and also offers the downloadable to-do list that you can print out and use:



If I make that type of notebook, I'll be using Vale Design's The Freakin Never Ending To Do List, and maybe I'll make a Threadbanger roundup version as well, with The Dreamy Blog Topics To Post List!



I did a tutorial on CraftStylish for making an All-Recycled Sketchbook, using an old book cover and recycled papers:



Also on CraftStylish, Diane Gilleland did a couple of notebook tutorials - first, this Woven Scrap Journal, which uses leftover cardboard, yarn, fabric, and paper:



And she shows us how to make these spiral notebook felt covers, which you can embellish with buttons as she did, or you could use appliqué, embroidery, weaving, or the craft of your choice to personalize your cover!



Speaking of personalization, Red Velvet Art sells amazing kits to make your own customized 2010 planners, but you could also get tons of inspiration for crafting your own creations within their planner instructions blog post.  I LOVE all the colors and patterns, and the addition of a mini sewing kit in the back of the planner, and the yarn embroidered tree on the cover!



Up at the top you can see some notebooks I put together for my leethal Quick Knits Club, using basic dollar store notebooks, glued-on recycled cardboard covers, and hand-carved stamps.  Now collect some scrap paper, get inspired, and make some awesome books to hold your ideas, lists, and everything else that needs remembering!  If I missed any good projects, add them in the comments!