Making Simple EDC Notebooks

In this video I'm going to show you how I make super affordable...super simple every day carry notebooks. I believe that all makers should have a notebook handy at all times as you never know when inspiration will hit you...or you'll come across a great idea you want to put in your notes. Rather than spend money buying these...make them yourself! I also teach my middle school students to make these as a first project in my Maker's Space class so they get used to the idea of jotting down sketches, notes and reflections on the work they've done...and the work they are planning to do.

[@MarkMcCluney]

Hey Stan! The way you showed the saddle stitch was the clearest I'd ever seen that explained! Good job mate. Also, the teacher in you made me sit up straight and stop giggling.

[@StanCrafted]

Thank you, Mark...sometimes it's just so hard to show what we're doing on video and a simple diagram seemed like a much better fit. BTW, I giggled a lot in class when I was a kid too...

[@heyimamaker]

Hey Mark!

[@ChrisFranklyn]

That's a good thing to make with kids because it's something they can actually use after, or decorate and gift.

[@StanCrafted]

Thanks, Chris. I have students that really get into book binding after making one of these. I use one all the time. This is one of the first projects I do with my Basic Maker’s Space students. In advanced Maker’s Space we build hard cover notebooks...but this is a great way to start that learning process. Many of the kids do make these as gifts.

[@stunningmisadventures]

I love how tiny they are! Great for a small purse or bag to carry around.

[@StanCrafted]

Yep...that’s why I call it my every day carry notebook. Only useful if you have it with you 😊

[@heyimamaker]

I have been putting this project off for years! I NEED to make some note books!
Awesome work!

[@StanCrafted]

Thanks so much...go for it! They are so simple and so easy and yet...for years I would buy these things for more than I should've. They are so handy.

[@heyimamaker]

@@StanCrafted I have a pile of moleskins that I am afraid to use!

[@KirstiePervinDavies]

Really cool project. Love how you detailed the stitching so it was easy to see and follow. Couldn’t agree more that every maker or creative person should carry a note book. 🙌🏻

[@StanCrafted]

Thank you...been doodling quite a bit this month...these are handy.

[@Everythings_Adjustable]

Nice work Stan 👍

[@MoscaWoodworking]

Now I understand how to bookbind (hope it's the right word). simple and clear explanation Stan. I really liked the video. it's also beautiful to see how you sketch and draw your ideas!

[@StanCrafted]

Thank you, Alberto. I try to sketch all my ideas for a build in a book like this first...then transfer them to a bigger notebook with grid paper to make scale drawings before I start cutting wood.

[@TurningsbyTurner]

Nice hammer stamp at the end. They are a lot nicer then my lose sheets of papers! I wish my old eyes could thread a needle....it seems even with glasses it’s gotten really hard to do! Take care Stan! 👍

[@StanCrafted]

Thanks, Turner! I know what you mean about old eyes! LOL...I will do another video soon about making the stamps out of erasers. I usually teach these projects in my Maker's Space class...but, because we are doing distance learning I'm going to have to start making videos of each project and posting them up...sheesh...what a pain!

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Hi Stan, Brilliant!! As Mark said your explanation of the Saddle Stich was excellent. This is one project that has just been added to my to do list. Take care Stan. Cheers, Huw

[@StanCrafted]

Thank you, Huw!

[@Poor_Mans_DIY]

Hey Teach! cool simple little project. I will place a virtual apple on your desk Monday morning. 😀

[@StanCrafted]

Thank you, Richard! These days just about everything I do is virtual...😆

[@IrishChippy]

Great stuff Stan. Now I know how to make a saddle stitch. If I forget, I can come back here. This time you had help 🤣

[@StanCrafted]

Yes, Pascal...help with the knot tying and help with the filming...my daughter to thank for that.

[@AndyCPugh]

Nice work!

[@StanCrafted]

Thank you, Andy...I think I'm going to use this one as a sketchbook...inspired by the drawing you posted on Instagram.

[@LonghornWorkshop]

Well I got a lesson in book making today, nice tutorial. It was kinda scary being a student in school again, it’s been almost 30 years...lol

[@StanCrafted]

Thanks, Harki... I try to make the classroom experience as painless as possible 😊 Must have made and filled a dozen of these things by now. Handy little notebooks and super cheap!

[@sydneybrink9757]

Good job Mr.Mercer!

[@StanCrafted]

Thanks, Sydney! Do you remember making these? 😊

[@sydneybrink9757]

@@StanCrafted Yes I still have mine from 6th grade its in my old binder. I keep meaning to show you this project that I've been doing maybe I can email you a picture or something

[@TheWoodYogi]

This is really handy to know Stan 😊 Now I have a way to salvage miles of printing calculator paper rolls that are piling up from my son playing shop 😁 ॐ

[@StanCrafted]

Yes...I make a lot of these with salvaged paper too. Sometimes I get the misprinted papers out of the recycle bin and use them...they still have one good side left.

[@TheWoodYogi]

That's great to here Stan 😊 I try to salvage as much as I can for notes and my Son to scribble or practice on 😊 ॐ

[@tanner1226]

Thanks it worked👍👍

[@StanCrafted]

I am so glad! Now...tomorrow you'll have to show it to the class in Zoom :-)

[@tanner1226]

Ok i will

[@StanCrafted]

@@tanner1226 Thank you...that way I can find out who Yeet Yeet is...I think I know...but not certain.

[@tanner1226]

Ha

[@tanner1226]

@stancrafted you didn’t guess who I am