Matchbook Notepads

Here's a tiny little gift that I like to make in big batches so I always have some on hand--these Matchbook Notepads are fairly simple to make, and they are great to tuck into a card for a little something "extra".  I saw something similar on etsy and decided to make my own.  They are great to have in your purse--if you need a slip of paper, just tear one out!

Here's a tutorial all in one picture! 
1.  For the outside, cut a piece of pretty cardstock 7" x 2 1/4".
2.  Fold the cardstock 1/2" from one end, and 3 1/8" from the other end.  (When both flaps are closed it will measure 2 1/4" x 3 3/8".)
3.  Cut regular computer paper (or any kind of paper you want) into 2 3/4" x 2" slips.  You will want 12-15 slips of paper per notepad.
4.  Position the slips of paper under the short flap at the bottom, and staple in place. (You will want your staple fairly low, to leave room for the big flap to tuck in.)
5.  Decide how you want to decorate the front.  I used my Word computer program and printed the phrase "happy heart" on whitecard stock, and cut it 1 7/8" x 2 1/4".
6.  With the notepad cover closed, center the white card stock and glue it to the cover.
7.  Cut fabric scraps into heart shapes (or flowers, or anything you want) and glue them to the white cardstock.

That's it!  I included the quarter for size reference. (Someone melted a hole in it before it came into my hands!  I will do something with this special quarter some day--but I don't know what!)

I included one of these notepads in each package I sent to partners in the recent Jar of Hearts Swap at Craftster.  They were PERFECT for that!  I also include one when I mail an etsy purchase to a customer.  They are great in a thank-you card too.  Try making a few, I'm sure you will find lots of ways to use them!