These lovely notebooks are a fun activity for the whole family and a great way to recycle paper, which can make a big difference for the environment.

Tools and Materials
25 sheets of scrap paper
Paper cutter
2 pieces of 8 1/2-by-11-inch card stock
2 binder clips
Ruler
Pencil
Stapler
12-by-12-inch decorative craft paper
Bone folder
Double-sided tape

Recycled Notebook How-To
1. Count out 25 sheets of scrap paper. Organize all written text facing up and in same direction. Cut sheets of scrap paper in half, 5 sheets at a time, using a paper cutter.

2. Cut 2 pieces of card stock in half with the paper cutter. Sandwich cut sheets between 2 pieces of card stock. Make sure all the paper is aligned, and then secure sheets to card stock with 2 binder clips on the left side of the notebook.

3. Using a pencil and a ruler, draw a line from top to bottom, 1/8 inch in from the left edge as a guideline for the staples. Staple down on the guideline.
Tip: If you're creating recycled notebooks in bulk, it's faster to staple both sides -- creating 2 books for each 25 sheets of 8 1/2-by-11-inch paper -- and then get the paper cut in half at a copy store that has a heavy-duty paper cutter.

4. Cut decorative craft paper to 8 5/8 inches wide. Fold paper in half with bone folder. Press a stapled-together stack of 25 sheets of scrap paper and card stock against the middle of the decorative craft paper to create a book spine. Use double-sided tape to secure decorative paper to card stock.

5. Trim edge of cover for neatness and fit: With ruler and bone folder, score about 1/2 inch in from spine; fold to create finished notebook shape. Excess decorative paper can be used as a matching bookmark.

Resources
The supplies used to make these recycled notebooks can be found at your local crafts store. Special thanks to PaperPro for giving Prodigy Staplers to our studio audience. For more eco-friendly ideas, visit MyCommitment.org.