How to Make a DIY Sketchbook from Recycled Paper

This easy sketchbook from recycled paper is a relaxed way to turn cardboard, scrap paper, and other recycled materials into a handmade journal you can use for drawing, writing or creative play.

Last night, my daughter and I made sketchbooks using recycled materials we already had at home. 

My daughter used a David Bowie picture from a magazine for the front cover, and I really loved what she made with it.

In my first attempt I used newspaper, bits of leftover gold paper, and some Christmas wrapping paper. The inside of the book is filled entirely with recycled paper, and that’s what makes it so interesting to use.

This kind of easy book is perfect for drawing, journaling, collage, or creative play. And it’s a lovely way to use up scraps you already have.

Let’s make one together!

Gather Your Materials

Use whatever you have around the house! Part of the fun is getting creative with what you already have.

Here are some ideas:

• A cereal box or other old packaging for the outside
• Scrap cardboard or an old box for the book cover
• Mixed sheets of paper for the inside
• Newspaper, envelopes, paper bags, wrapping paper
• Lined paper, watercolour paper, or paper with old drawings
• Scissors
• Glue
• Stapler or hole punch and string
• Optional: a bone folder or paper creaser (or just use your fingers)

Every kind of paper adds a different texture and feeling. Don’t overthink it.

Choose a Cover

First, look for something sturdy for your cover. Cardboard or card works well.

I decided to use an old box and turn it into a simple book cover. Cut two pieces the same size for the front and back, or fold one piece in half if your cardboard allows it.

Fold the cover in half to create the spine. If you have a bone folder or paper creaser, you can use it to make a sharper fold but your hands work just fine too.

Prepare the Inside Pages

Now choose your papers for the inside of the book. My daughter has a box full of scrap paper with old envelopes, stained paper, painted paper, newspaper, and leftovers from crafts.

Some of the paper she used were stained with coffee or tea. I love that. Stains, writing, and old drawings can actually make a paper sketchbook more interesting.

Stack your sheets of paper and cut them to roughly the same size as your cover. They don’t all have to match. Slightly different sizes add interest and make the book feel more playful.

You can decide whether to keep printed text or writing visible or cut around it. There’s no right or wrong here.

Assemble the Book

Lay out your pages and decide on the order. Maybe start with a thicker page, then mix in lighter paper.

Once you’re happy, line everything up inside the cover.

To bind the book:

• Use a stapler along the folded edge, or
• Use a hole punch to make holes and tie with string or yarn

If the staples show and you don’t like that, you can cover them with washi tape, a strip of newspaper, or another piece of paper glued over the spine.

Decorate the Front Cover

Now comes the fun part.

You can decorate the front cover with:

• Magazine cutouts
• Simple shapes like hearts or stars
• Scrap paper or wrapping paper
• Drawing, painting, or writing

Freehand shapes often look nicer than perfect ones. Just try things out and see what you like. 

How to Use Your Sketchbook

These little handmade books are incredibly versatile. You can use them for:

• Drawing and painting
• Art journaling
• Travel journaling
• Collage
• Nature journaling
• Writing and reflection

They also make unique gifts, especially when made with care and personal touches.

And once you’ve made one, you’ll probably want to make more. These little books are surprisingly addictive.

Making a paper sketchbook like this is a gentle reminder that you don’t need new supplies to create something meaningful. Sometimes the best materials are already waiting in a drawer or a box on the floor.

If you enjoyed this, you might like making a small stack of sketchbooks in different sizes, each one a little different, just like the papers inside.