Since I last wrote about the different methods of binding a mini book together, I have discovered a new binding method that I had to try out! It’s called disk binding.
I saw this system online in the DIY planner communities, where people love to DIY notebooks and daily planners by designing or downloading calendars and printable notebook pages, and then fully customize their planner. When I saw it I thought, why limit it to planners? There’s all kinds of possibilities with custom notebooks and mini-albums! So I braved the back-to-school crowds and went to Staples to buy the supplies.
The system is called the Arc system and it’s available at Staples. (Not in any way affiliated with them. It’s just where it’s sold exclusively.) It’s basically a line of modular planners where you can move pages around however you like, because the pages are removable due to the special holes on it. All the pages are bound with disks.
The disks come in 1” and 1.5” sizes. I only got the 1” disks this time.
This is what they look like laid flat.
I bought the special hole puncher and started punching different sized scrapbooking papers.
See the holes? They’re sort of mushroom-shaped half-circles with a slit. I lined up a couple of pieces of paper and put the disks in. Then I added more papers to the disks. The different sizes can be put into the disks however you want to line them up.
And they’re totally removable! You can move one page into a different part of the book at any time, unlike traditional binding, where the page placement is permanent.
I added an overlay for the cover and back of the mini book and embellished it. This mini book is sized 6”x8” overall, with different-sized papers in there. The disks look huge now, but once my notebook is filled with my lists and added embellishments and additional journal cards, it will become thicker.
And why stop at mini scrapbooks? I took some 8.5”x11” lined and graph papers and punched them with the Arc paper punch. Then I added the disks and added white cardstock and a Hambly overlay as the cover.
I LOVE the concept of a DIY notebook, because you can add whatever type of papers in there you want! They also sell Arc page dividers that you can add into your notebook, or you can make your own with some cardstock as well. And with this system the pages are fully removable and re-orderable. I love it!
Christine (listgirl)
Jan says
How much were the discs and hole puncher?
The Lilypad says
The discs come in a packet of 12. The 1″ is $1.99 and the 1.5″ is $2.99. The punch is $40. I used a $10 off $50 coupon. They often have coupons that they email you or you can find online.
Christine (listgirl)
stampin_rachel says
So cool christine! I just love your creativity :)
Cassi says
Awesome!
Jolene says
THANK YOU for this neat idea. I have the ARC system and totally love it…it goes everywhere with me lol. Now I can jazz it up to suit my personality! Great tut and great idea!