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If you love crafting functional, beautiful notebooks and journals, you’re going to enjoy today’s project. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a passport-size laminated traveler’s notebook from start to finish. It’s compact, durable, and a wonderful addition to your travel journaling, scrapbooking, or gift-giving lineup.

This particular notebook features cozy fall florals, a soft laminated finish, and two altered mini composition notebooks tucked neatly inside. It even includes a beaded pen and cute charm accessories. Whether you’re a seasoned paper crafter or just starting out, this project is simple, satisfying, and very customizable.

Why Choose a Laminated Traveler’s Notebook?

Laminated TNs (traveler’s notebooks) are a great way to keep your journal sturdy, clean, and long-lasting. The lamination protects against spills and tears, making it perfect for planners on the go. The passport size is especially convenient — it fits in purses, pouches, or travel bags with ease.

Because you can customize the cover, charms, inserts, and closure bands, each TN becomes a reflection of your own creative personality.

What You’ll Need to Make One

To make your own laminated traveler’s notebook like the one in the video, here’s what you’ll need:

• Decorative cardstock (for the cover)
• Laminating sheets and a laminator
• Passport-size composition notebooks (or trim your own)
• Paper trimmer
• Corner rounder (optional)
• Hole punch and grommets
• Elastic cord (2mm)
• Beads, charms, and jump rings
• Craft glue or double sided tape
• Beaded pen and clip (optional but cute!)

Step-by-Step Laminated TN Tutorial

You can follow along with me in the video below, but here’s the basic overview:

1. Trim your cover paper to 8 x 5 inches, then score at 3 5/8, 4, and 4 3/8 inches.
2. Score the cardstock at 1/4″ (in a vertical direction) at top and then bottom. Then Score at 2 1/2 inch (in a vertical direction)
3. Punch holes where the guidelines cross
4. Laminate the covers using a thermal laminating machine and laminating sheets.
5. String your elastic through the holes to create the notebook loops and closure band.
6. Prepare your inserts — I used two altered mini notebooks decorated with washi, cardstock and metal embellishments.
7. Add your charms and beads to the spine and elastic for a finished, handmade touch.
8. Clip on your pen if you’re including one!

Watch the Full Tutorial Here

I walk you through every step of this project in my YouTube video tutorial. You’ll see exactly how I laminated the cover, strung the elastic, and assembled everything with a clean, finished look.

📢 Giveaway Alert: This exact traveler’s notebook is part of a YouTube giveaway! All the rules and how to enter are listed in the video description. Head over there to find out how you can win it.

Want One Already Made?

If you’d rather skip the crafting and grab a finished TN like the one shown in the video, I’ve got you covered. A twin version is available right now in my shop.

🛍️ You can find it on:

• My Website
• My Etsy Shop

Each notebook is handmade by me, with love and care. It’s the same size, layout, and charming finish as the one featured in the tutorial — perfect as a travel journal, mini scrapbook, or special gift.