(ESP-ENG) Mini libreta Personalizada hecha a mano. / Handmade personalized mini notebook.

I will start the project by cutting two rectangles out of compact cardboard measuring 11.2 cm high by 8.2 cm wide. These pieces will form the basis of the notebook: one for the front cover and one for the back cover. I will also cut another piece measuring 11.2 cm high by 1 cm wide, which will serve as the spine of the notebook.

Here's an important tip to keep in mind: the measurements may vary depending on the size of the sheets we use as pages. In my case, I chose paper that is 10.5 cm high by 7.5 cm wide, so I adjusted the size of the cardboard to ensure that the sheets are well protected.

Now comes the special detail: in the center of one of the pieces, I design and cut an oval measuring 7.5 cm high by 4.7 cm wide. This will be the cover, and that oval will be the frame where I will later place my friend's initial.

For the second step, I cut a piece of fabric measuring 12.4 cm high by 18 cm wide. This piece will be the final lining that will cover the entire notebook, giving it that durable and visually appealing touch.

Step 3: Now that I have the cardboard and fabric ready, it's time to join them together to form the body of the notebook. I place the pieces on the fabric remnant, leaving the one that will serve as the spine in the center. I leave a 0.3 mm gap between each main piece and the spine, just enough so that the notebook can open and close comfortably without the fabric becoming taut.

Once aligned, I carefully glue them down, making sure everything is centered. Then, I cut the corners of the fabric into triangles to make it easier to fold the corners. I also take this opportunity to shape the oval, marking the edges clearly.

Step 4: Now it's time to work on the inside of the notebook. To do this, I start by cutting a piece of fabric and a piece of cardboard to the same size as the oval on the cover. It's very important that they fit perfectly. Then I cut a strip 9 cm long by 1 cm wide, fold it in half, and glue it right onto the spine. This strip will be the notebook's handle.

And to finish off the inside, cut a piece of black paper measuring 10.2 cm high by 17 cm wide. This will cover the entire inside and give it a clean finish. Using a toothpick, make small slits in the separations on each side of the spine: this is the secret to ensuring that the notebook opens and closes easily, while maintaining its shape and strength.

It's time to insert the pages. I take the necessary amount to reach a thickness of 1 cm, just enough to make the notebook comfortable to use. I line them up neatly and hold them firmly in place with the help of the clips. Then I apply plenty of glue to the spine of the pages and stick a piece of thin wadding over the entire thickness. This procedure is key to helping the pages stay in place. Once everything is dry, I glue the block of pages right in the center of the inside of the notebook, making sure everything is properly aligned.

I also take this opportunity to add the finishing touch to the oval on the cover. I glue the thin cord around the entire outline.

Almost at the finish line, only the most special detail remains: the design of the initial. I start by transferring the design to the cutout. I cut it out and paint the largest piece black with acrylic paint. For the smaller piece, which in my case is a heart, I will cover it with red fabric and make a border with thin cord. Once both pieces are ready, all that remains is to glue them in the center of the oval.

And finally, I place the ring on the handle. The mini notebook is ready.

Thank you for accompanying me every step of the way with this mini notebook made from scraps, cardboard, and a lot of love. greetings