Summer is here, and what better way to keep the kiddos entertained than with a fun and easy DIY project? Today, we’re making adorable mini notebooks that are perfect for jotting down summer memories, doodles, or even secret messages.
And guess what? You can decorate the cover however you want! We chose a fruity watermelon theme to keep things fresh and fun.
These cute mini notebooks are perfect to encourage kids to write, get them excited about journaling, and even get them ready for the new school year, because who doesn’t love getting a bunch of new stationary?
Materials You’ll Need to make a DIY Mini Notebook
For this cute little mini notebook project, you’ll need just a few basic materials: one sheet of paper, scissors, markers, double-sided tape, and some colored paper for decoration. The best part is that the main notebook is crafted from a single sheet of paper!
It’s a simple, yet ingenious way to create something functional and fun, making it perfect for a quick craft session with kids.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Mini Notebook DIY
Follow along with the step by step below to make your own mini watermelon notebook. If you want to make the pineapple, or any other kind of mini notebook design of your choice, then follow the beginning of the tutorial to make your notebook from one piece of paper, and then continue with the cover however you like best.
How to Make a Mini Notebook From One Piece of Paper
Ready for a fun summer craft? We're making mini notebooks from a single sheet of paper!
Our step-by-step guide will walk you through creating a cute watermelon-themed cover, but feel free to let your creativity run wild and design your cover however you like.
Perfect for kids and bursting with potential, these mini notebooks are a fantastic way to keep little hands busy and minds creative!
Materials
- Paper for the pages
- Scissors
- Markers
- Double-sided tape
- Red and green paper for the cover
Instructions
- Crease and Fold the Paper
First things first, let's prep our notebook paper. To make the folding process super easy, we need to create some creases. Fold the paper twice vertically
and twice horizontally. 
This is done with just one sheet of paper. Once you've completed two folds in each direction, you will have a piece of paper with 16 little squares. - Cut Along the Creases
Next, make three vertical cuts along the creases, but don’t cut all the way through the paper. You should have four sections with the top and bottom parts still connected.
- Fold the Paper
Fold the paper in a zigzag manner following the creases, so it forms a booklet shape.
- Stick the Folds Together - Now comes the magic! Use double-sided tape to stick the folds together. This will give your notebook some structure and make it feel like a real mini notebook.
You will have a little book shape like this 
- Create the Cover
Time to get fruity! Grab your red and green paper for the watermelon theme. Cut a piece of red paper to match the size of your paper notebook.
This will be the main part of your watermelon cover. Attach it to the front of your notebook using double-sided tape, or a glue stick. 
- Add the Watermelon Rind
No watermelon is complete without its rind! Cut a strip from the green paper.
This strip should be long enough to cover the left side of your notebook, creating that classic watermelon look. Attach the green strip with double-sided tape or a glue stick like pritt stick, making sure it lines up nicely with the edge of your red cover. 
- Draw the Seeds
Finally, grab a black marker and draw some seeds on your red cover.
Space them out randomly to mimic real watermelon seeds. And there you have it – your very own mini watermelon notebook! 
Personalize Your Notebook!
One of the best things about this project is that you can get as creative as you want. Not into watermelons? No problem!
You can decorate your cover with any theme you like – think pineapples, strawberries, or even your favorite cartoon characters. Let your imagination run wild!
This mini notebook project is perfect for kids because it’s simple, quick, and uses materials you probably already have at home.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to encourage creativity and fine motor skills. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a cute, personalized notebook?
Once they have been made, kids can use their own diy notebooks to write messages to their friends, draw little pictures, or practice some spellings ready for school, the possibilities are endless.
So, gather your supplies and let’s get crafting! Whether you’re making these notebooks as a solo project or with friends and family, we guarantee you’ll have a blast and the great thing is that it is one of those crafts which has a real purpose.
Happy crafting, and enjoy your summer with these sweet little notebooks!
Want to make more fruit crafts? Try these fun bubble wrap printed fruits
More Fun Crafts for Kids
Looking for more ways to keep your kids entertained and creative? Check out these other fun and easy crafts we’ve put together. From painting projects to DIY toys, there’s something for every little artist in your home. Be sure to explore all the links below for more crafting inspiration!
- Papercraft Toucan Bookmark
- Moving Car Craft for Kids
- Paper Plate Pokeball and Pokemon Craft
- DIY Paint Palette Recycled Cardboard Craft
If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends and family! We love seeing your creations, so don’t forget to tag us on social media.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
1 thought on “Diy Mini Notebook Craft”