Make an Effortlessly Adorable Notebook With Wood and Leather

Aug 27, 2015

Notebooks are like DIY supplies; there’s no such thing as too many. Yup, we can see you nodding from here. Whether you’re storing DIY ideas or making checklists, notebooks are a must. Sometimes they’re so cool that they spark creativity by simply existing. This year, go back to school in style with a handmade notebook made of the dreamiest combo: wood and leather. PS: These guys are excellent for spicing up your 9-to-5, too.

Materials:

— leather

— balsa wood

— paper

— washi tape

— acrylic paint

— jump rings

— E6000

Tools:

— ruler

— leather hole punch

— gel pen

— foam brush

— paper hole punch

— jewelry pliers

Instructions:
1. Add strips of washi tape to the leather.

2. Apply an even coat of acrylic paint. Let it dry and do its thing.

3. Peel away the tape to reveal your pattern.

4. Glue a leather strip to the edge of a balsa wood piece.

5. Punch three holes down the side.

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 one more time.

7. Punch three holes along the edge of the papers.

8. Stack everything together and attach with jump rings.

The awesome thing about this project is that you can make the notebook as big or as small as you’d like. Our finished notebook measured 5 x 7 inches. We used two 1 3/8 x 7 inch strips of leather and two 4 x 7 inch pieces of balsa wood. The leather overlapped the wood by 3/8 inch. While you can adjust these specs to your liking, make sure the paper is the same height and width as your finished notebook.

How fun is that triangle print? We made it by alternating diagonal strips of washi tape. Feel free to add your own spin and create your own design. You can even use multiple shades of paint for the ultimate pop of color.

We used 12mm jump rings for about 35 sheets of lined paper. If you want to use more, you’ll need bigger jump rings. The same deal goes for thicker paper such as card stock. Here’s a tip: place the punched leather strip on the paper and use the pen to mark the holes before punching. This will make sure everything lines up.

These notebooks are lightweight and refillable. Plus, who can resist the wood + leather combo? We’re dying over here.

Readers, what color and pattern would you create for your notebook? Let us know, below!

(Last photo by Nick Wolf)

Candle Lovers! We Found 20 Fall Scents You'll Want To Burn All Day Long

Candles add an extra layer of coziness to the season. Whether you're curling up with a good book, hosting a fall gathering, or just looking to create a cozy vibe, the right fall candle can transform your space into a fall-scented haven. From the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon and clove to the sweet scents of pumpkin, apple, and vanilla, these are our favorite candles for the season.

Fall Scented Candles

Nest

Nest Pumpkin Chai Classic Candle

Your favorite tea and this blend of wild pumpkin, spicy masala chai, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon will warm you right up this season.

Nordstrom

Apotheke Pumpkin Ginger 3-Wick Candle

Brighten your fall days with fresh roasted pumpkin topped with a spicy blend of ginger, clove, and cinnamon.

Anthropologie

Voluspa Japonica Spiced Pumpkin Latte Glass Jar Candle

Pumpkin spice girls will love this Spiced Pumpkin Latte candle with a hint of vanilla.

Amazon

Calyan Wax Apples & Maple Bourbon

Your sweet tooth might be tempted by this brown sugar, maple syrup, baked apple and a drop or two of Kentucky's finest infused with cinnamon leaf, tangerine, mandarin, and orange essential oils.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Handpainted Pumpkin Glass Pumpkin Candle

For a more decorative vessel, check out this Anthro handpainted glass candle with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon bark, amber, and cedarwood.

Sweet Water Decor

Sweet Water Fall Leaves Candle

Light up your childhood memories with this fall leaves scented candle with notes of apple, orange, cinnamon, and cloves.

Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation Harvest Pumpkin Linnea Candle

Handcrafted in small batches, this candle is autumn in a jar with pumpkin, thyme, and warm spices .

Nordstrom

Homesick Peak Foliage Candle

Imagine a cool fall day with hot apple cider and pumpkin spice and you have this candle. Top notes include nutmeg, lemon, and eucalyptus.

Brooklyn Candle Studio

Brooklyn Candle Limited Edition Toasted Pumpkin

Toasted pumpkin seeds, cardamom, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon notes are the scent of chill in the air and soup on the stove. Made in Brooklyn, these soy wax candles are vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and petroleum-free.

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma Pumpkin Spice Candle

This beeswax and vegetable wax blend features a classic scent for the coziest fall days.

Amazon

FF Spiced Pumpkin Scented Candle

Relax with an aromatherapy of pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla.

Forvr Mood

Forvr Mood Spice of Life Candle

B+C editor Jasmine loves this fiery, bold fragrance that blends ginger, lemongrass, and clementine. Forvr Mood collabed with Claude Kameni, an African designer who uses traditional Nigerian patterns, to design each vessel with a custom Kameni print. It makes a great gift!

Woodsy Fall Scents

Jenni Kayne

Jenni Kayne Cedar Candle

Grab your cozy fall sweater and sit by a candle fire with romantic notes of rose, tobacco leaf, fir needle, and cedarwood.

HomeCourt

HomeCourt Cece Candle

This new brand from actress Courtney Cox uses eco-friendly and sustainably sourced ingredients. The Cece Candle has notes of cedarwood smoke, sweet cardamom, cinnamon, and white leather.

(Malin + Goetz)

(Malin + Goetz) Leather Candle

The rustic smell of smooth leather combined with muted florals has a bit of a '70s vintage vibe.

Public Goods

Public Goods Cedar & Suede Soy Candle

This sandalwood, jasmine, Turkish rose, amber, and notes of leather bring you warm and woodsy spice at home.

Baobab Collection

Les Prestigieuses Encre De Chine Scented Candle

This is another one of Jasmine's favorites with hints of leather, sequoia, and amber.

Buck Mason

Buck Mason LP Candle

B+C editor Kayla loves this hand-poured ceramic candle inspired by Lone Pine, California with notes of atlas cedar, charred hickory, musk, and amber. "I use it every day, it's that good!," she says.

Anthropologie

Capri Blue Volcano Capiz Jar Candle

B+C editor Haley loves this popular citrus scent for fall with sugared oranges, lemons, and limes. Plus, the pearl-esque jar goes with all of her home decor as she shifts from season to season!

Otherland Moonstruck Candle

B+C editor Meredith finds this one "not overtly fall-y, but I’ve been loving it for the woody/leathery smell! It honestly smells like incense." The Moonstruck variety has hints of sweet myrrh, white mahogany, and smoked birch.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Why Timothée Chalamet Abandoned “Good Friend” Austin Butler’s ‘Elvis’ Method For Bob Dylan Role

Austin Butler as Elvis, Selena Gomez as Linda Rondstat, and now Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan — there will never be enough biopics for me! (The real question is when are we going to get a Taylor Swift movie?). When pictures from the set of the new Bob Dylan movie, A Complete Unknown, hit Twitter, I had to do a double take because Timothée Chalamet looks so much like the musician I couldn't believe my eyes! You can watch the A Complete Unknown trailer here.

Timothée is going to be joined by Met Gala queen Elle Fanning, as well as Top Gun superstar Monica Barbaro. Here's everything you need to know about the movie — and our favorite Bob Dylan songs to listen to while you wait for its release.

Keep reading to see the latest updates from Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

Timothée Chalamet stars in A Complete Unknown, coming to theaters December 25, 2024.
He's joined by Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro.
The movie follows Bob Dylan's career in the 1960s as he rises to fame and later shifts from folk to rock'n'roll.

Did Timothée Chalamet take inspiration from Austin Butler’s Elvis?

Timothée Chalamet recently revealed that while he originally wanted to approach A Complete Unknown by taking direct inspiration from Bob Dylan, he quickly changed his tone...so to speak. "Somebody once said to me, you can't make a movie about a painter because it's not interesting to watch paint dry," he says in People's exclusive video. "Bob has that element because he's not one of these forward-facing musicians."

While Timmy saw Natalie Portman a sequence in Jackie "step-for-step exactly what Jackie did," and paid attention to "all this stuff that I saw my good friend Austin Butler crush it with on Elvis," he quickly realized "I gotta do none of this because this is not my style."

"Bob did not have a vocal coach," he continues. "He had two bottles of red wine and four packs of cigarettes. There's no way to impersonate that." One of my favorite things about biopics is seeing how a well-known actor portrays a recognizable figure. And you can see Timothée Chalamet's interpretation of Bob Dylan in theaters December 25!

Monica Barbaro Sings Her Heart Out

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We got a look at Monica Barbaro as singer-songwriter Joan Baez, who was one of the first major artists in the 1960s to record Bob Dylan's music!

I was super impressed to learn Timothée showed up and sang live for the film. "It was important for me to play and sing on set because it was in the spirit of the movie to do it live," he says in a video from People. "Many of the artists through American pop culture that had the balls to turn their back on what was expected of them, that moment started with Bob. His words are relevant; 'Times They are A Changing' ' is relevant, 'Blowin' in the Wind' is relevant."

Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet In "A Complete Unknown"

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Elle Fanning totally embodies the late '60s vibe in this fall outfit. The bold maroon blazer, the long straight hair, and the striped turtleneck — I love it all! Elle is starring this Bob Dylan movie as Sylvie Russo, a university student and artist Bob falls for in the '60s.

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Thanks to some onset leaks, we also got a glimpse of the movie's version of The Freewheelin'! Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet look incredible as Sylvia Russo and Bob Dylan. I'm a sucker for any kind of recreation, so seeing this new version of the classic record cover is incredible!!

The First Pictures From Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan Movie

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Timothée Chalamet has totally transformed into Bob Dylan on the set of A Complete Unknown. And when I saw the pictures of Timothée carrying the guitar my jaw dropped!! He completely engrossed himself in Wonka and Dune 2 and I'm so excited to see him do the same for this Bob Dylan movie.

What is the movie about Bob Dylan called?

H. Thompson/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Plot

Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie is called A Complete Unknown. The movie filmed around New York City in the spring of 2024, and James Mangold is serving as director (you might recognize his name from Logan, Girl, Interrupted, and Walk the Line). The movie will cover the period during the 1960s when Bob Dylan shifted from folk to rock'n'roll, changing the face of pop culture (and culture in general, TBH), forever.

"When that movie finally comes out, people are going to be shocked because you're going to think you're hearing Bob Dylan sing," vocal coach Eric Vetro tells PEOPLE. "[Timothée Chalamet] just has this uncanny ability to not impersonate, but really breathe life into it. He's embodying Bob Dylan and what he was like at that age."

Who else is in A Complete Unknown with Timothée Chalamet?

Amy Sussman/Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute

A Complete Unknown Cast

The A Complete Unknown cast is incredible! Alongside Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, we'll see Top Gun: Maverick's Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, and Nick Offerman as Alan Lomax.

When is the Bob Dylan movie coming out?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Release Date

A Complete Unknown will hit theaters on December 25, 2024. And since Timothée Chalamet has been seen in turtlenecks, hats, and jackets on set, this sounds like the perfect cozy movie to me!

I always need some brand new music to listen to once the weather gets chilly, and I will for sure be listening to anything Timothée records.

What song did Bob Dylan write for a movie?

Christopher Polk/Getty Images for VH1

Bob Dylan wrote "Things Have Changed" for the 2000 movie Wonder Boys, which starred Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, and Katie Holmes. This Bob Dylan song ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Original Songand the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song!

"Knockin' On Heaven's Door," which is arguably the singer's most popular track, was released two months after the 1973 premiere of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid as a part of the film's soundtrack.

What are some other Bob Dylan songs to listen to?

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

I totally agree that one of the best Bob Dylan songs is "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," but "Blowin' In The Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'" are also great songs to listen to if you're a new Bob Dylan fan. So far, "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is my personal favorite song.

His style is the perfect blend of rock and folk that reminds me of summer picnics and walks in the woods. His sound also reportedly inspired Taylor Swift's Folklore!

What are you most excited to see in Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie A Complete Unknown? Check out our Facebook for more movie news!

This post has been updated.

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17 Stylish And Comfortable Leather Jackets To Elevate Your Fall Wardrobe

Out of all the fall coats I own, It's dawned on me that I have zeroleather jackets at the moment. I used to wear them constantly — to the point where they were literally falling apart — and I just haven't picked up a new jacket since my mom uh, strongly encouraged I get rid of their ratty remains. If that sounds familiar, let's bow our heads for what we've lost so we can make room for the new styles we're about to embrace!

I'm teasing, but I really have found 17 leather jackets that are equally edgy and chic — a perfect combination for fall. I even spy a couple to match some of the H&M fall fashion I can't stop thinking about! So what are you waiting for? Scroll on to find your new sleek outerwear!

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Enola Leather Moto Jacket

One of the first leather jackets I owned was a moto, and I just love this style! Their classic design reminds me of scenes from movies like Grease and Cry-Baby — the ultimate bada-- rom-com movies IMO.

This version is more relaxed and cropped than usual, but that's only half the fun! It has a light inner lining that makes it easy for you to layer when it starts becoming clear summer is on it's way out.

Dynamite Clothing

Dynamite Clothing Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

This elevated jacket works great for those who aren't into the edgier 'biker' look. The relaxed fit is there, but it looks like a mature version of most leather jackets we've seen. With it's concealed zipper and elasticized cuffs, your 9-5 work outfits will get a much needed fall boost.

Pistola Denim

Pistola Denim Nicolette Mod Moto Jacket

There's no rule that says leather jackets have to be black, but they do need to have a few signature staples. The silver hardware and wide lapels on this design give an edge to what seems like more of a cutesy jacket. I like to think of it as "the one you never saw coming" in terms of how it'll gradually command attention.

Target

Wild Fable Faux Leather Oversized Moto Jacket

Some of us just want to drape our bodies in oversized jackets — like this piece by Wild Fable — as soon as a chill hits the air. It's on the heavier side and it has a soft lining that'll keep your bones warm on chilly days.

This option also has zippered pockets to keep your cold weather essentials in place when you're briskly walking from one place to another. Love it!

Amazon

The Drop Heather Faux Leather Moto Jacket

I've always wanted a cognac leather jacket that reminds me of a nice, smooth glass of whiskey. This one is designed to be a perfect fit that doesn't overpower or cling to your body, so you'll be super comfortable in it. And just like whiskey, it'll keep you nice and warm whenever you leave home.

Urban Outfitters

Silence + Noise Fallon Snake Embossed Faux Leather Jacket

Give me anything animal print, and I'll show you how it can become a neutral fall staple. Technically this embossed faux leather jacket is a statement piece, but you can easily build an outfit around it. Actually, it's a great option to wear with a monochromatic black or white outfit.

Levi's

Levi's Lelou Shrunken Moto Jacket

Or you can skip the embossed snake print pattern and go for this shrunken moto jacket instead! This asymmetrical zip design will still add a pop of color to your wardrobe, while giving you the option to play it safe if you're afraid of too much texture with your look.

Though Levi's is known for having the most amazing jeans, don't sleep on their outerwear or else you'll miss out on fun pieces like this leather jacket!

Nasty Gal

Nasty Gal Oversized Real Leather Boyfriend Jacket

This has 'popular girl who wears her boyfriend's jacket' written all over it — and that's intentional. Designed to be oversized, this leather jacket has dropped shoulders and a large notched collar to add to the overall 'boyfriend' look. If you want to go for a cinched waist look, you can utilize the belt on the hemline!

Revolve

Nakedvice The Vince Jacket

Give it up for all the cute cropped jackets in the world. I know some can come across as immature, but not this one! Between the cream color and the sleek frontline zipper, it brings the energy of brat summer into fall!

Land's End

Land's End Leather Jacket

This semi-fitted leather jacket is made of a lamb leather shell and features a snap collar along with shoulder snaps. You'll be snapping your way into fall in no time, but that's not all! It also comes with zippered chest, hand pockets, and cuffs!

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Petite Faux Leather Jacket

This faux leather jacket almost looks like a peacoat, and IMO that's a huge part of its appeal. Instead of zippers, you'll find three buttons on each side and wide lapels that make it look office wear-friendly.

Lucky Brand

Lucky Brand Leather Trucker Jacket

Doesn't this look like a leather denim jacket? It's literally one of the most unique designs — it's super sleek and works so well with everything from jeans to sweater dresses. You can even find a cute pair of tall boots to match the cognac color!

Amazon

Levi's Belted Faux Leather Moto Jacket

This belted faux leather moto jacket will become a new wardrobe staple, especially if you want to deviate from your tried and true basic colors. It has silver hardware, a belted hemline, and it's machine-washable!

Bershka

Bershka Leather Jacket

This sheep leather jacket is the true definition of cool with its relaxed fit and and 100% polyester lining. The lapels aren't as defined as other options, which may be a preference for anyone who prefers a sleeker look.

But unlike other leather jackets, you'll have to take special care of it because you can't wash, bleach, iron, dry clean, or tumble dry it! You'll have to take it to someone who specializes in caring for real leather in order to maintain it's appearance so keep that in mind if you decide to buy it!

Wilson's Leather

Wilson's Leather Quilted Moto Jacket

I usually don't like quilted jackets, but this design is an exception. It's 100% genuine leather that has ample pockets and a snap collar that'll give you the 'effortlessly cool' look.

It's an investment piece, but I think it's worth every penny!

Coach

Coach Outlet Leather Racer Jacket

This lamb leather piece is another smooth option for anyone who doesn't want a traditional looking jacket. The more I stare at it, the more I wonder how it's possible for even the zippers to look sexy.

It's currently 50% off, so don't miss out on this gorgeous jacket that's surprisingly not considered a cognac color.

MANGO

Mango 100% Leather Fur Jacket

I shouldn't be looking at this leather fur jacket, but it's truly a work of art. From the placement of the cow print pattern to the overall fit, it's the perfect option if you're still in your cowgirl era á la Bella Hadid.

It's still lined, even if the straight fit suggests otherwise, and that's my favorite part about it! Unassuming fashion is so much, especially during fall!

Follow us on Pinterest to see more fall fashion inspo!

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Renée Zellwegger & Leo Woodall Prove Age Gaps Are Sexy In 'Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy' Trailer

If you're a rom-com fan who also can't get enough of Jane Austen's books, you've probably seen the Bridget Jones movies. The story (which is loosely based on Pride & Prejudice) follows the titular Bridget Jones, a 30-something who sets out on a mission to improve herself over the course of a year while she looks for a partner. And, in true romantic movie form, she keeps a diary the whole time. Not only can we rewatch the original trilogy as many times as we want, but we're also getting a fourth movie! Here's everything we know about Bridget Jones 4.