QUICK AND EASY NOTEBOOK PEN HOLDER

This is my first Instructable, so I'm looking forward to feedback...

I always wanted to find a quick and easy pen holder for my pocket notebooks and diaries (the ones with a pocket inside the back cover - like Moleskine, Leuchtturm 1917, or any of the Chinese imitations).

Most of the pen holders I found on the web are bulky or involve serious drilling or glueing, and often leave the books with bits hanging off or sticking out so they're not stackable any more once you're done with them.

My pen holder can be done cheaply in under 10 minutes, is completely removable, and still serves the purpose. If it gets torn or tacky it's very easy to insert a new one...

Step 1: MATERIALS

Materials you will need:

- cardboard strips, approximately 12cm (5") x 3cm (1")  - I use offcuts from card stock
- sticky tape
- X-acto or Stanley knife

The scissors and ruler in the picture are optional.

Step 2: COVER STRIP WITH STICKY TAPE

Cover your card strip with sticky tape to make it more durable. If you want, you can add the tape to both sides, but I prefer the smooth card on the inside, which lets the pen slide in easier.

Step 3: PULL OVER TABLE EDGE

Firmly hold the strip at both ends and pull over the edge of a table to make it more pliable and round.

Step 4: MAKE LOOP

Double the strip to make a loop. Tape the loop shut close to the open end.

Step 5: CUT THE POCKET

Somewhere in the middle of the long side of the pocket, cut an opening of about the width of your strip.

Step 6: INSERT STRIP

Insert the strip into the pocket, leaving the loop outside the book.

Step 7: PUSH LOOP SNUG

Insert your chosen pen to get a feeling of how big you want to have the loop, then open the pocket and push/pull the loop snug against the book.

Step 8: SECURE LOOP

Secure the loop inside the pocket with a bit of sticky tape.

Step 9: DONE

Here you are - a quick and easy pen holder for your favourite notebook or diary.