Upcycle a Tissue Box

     I've noticed that tissue companies are putting more eye-catching, colorful patterns on their boxes. Such a shame to just toss them out once they're empty. Perhaps something could be done with the used boxes... maybe mini notebooks?


Supplies:
- Used tissue box with a colorful pattern
- Several sheets of computer paper (you can decide how many pages you want. I used 10 sheets).
- Embroidery floss
- Embroidery needle
- Scissors

     Cut out one panel of your box. 

     Cut your sheets of paper as well, making sure they're the same length and width of your notebook.

 

     Fold your notebook and sheets of paper in half. Using a ruler, mark where you want the holes to be. 

     Using your embroidery needle or scissors (or in my case, both) punch holes where you marked.

     Center your pages over your notebook, making sure the holes line up. Then thread your embroidery needle.

     Stick the needle through the top hole twice, thus creating a loop in the floss, and tie it off.

     Then continue threading the floss through the remaining holes. Once reaching the bottom hole, again thread the needle through the hole twice creating a loop, and tie it off as done above.

     Lastly, sew on a button, cut another length of embroidery floss, tie one end to the button, and then create a loop on the other end to slide over the button. 

Voila, your mini notebook is complete!

   These can be used as small gifts, prizes for children, or stocking stuffers. I use mine when I go hiking and want to sketch some of the wildlife. It's small, light, and easy to throw in a backpack. 

~Gloria