Whether you’re constantly looking for journals for recording your thoughts, recipes or to-dos, or you’re looking for a good low-cost gift idea, this Instructable is right up your alley. If you’ve got a nice-looking paper bag, 8 sheets of paper and a piece of string or elastic, then you can make yourself a cute, simple bound journal!

Instructable user maudlin finds that paper grocery bags make really great covers. And if your grocer “has a personality like Trader Joe’s” your cover can have some fun imagery. You could also use old maps for covers if you have any of those lying around.

Making nice-looking journals isn’t too difficult at all. Just check out the full Instructable for the direction you need to complete this project.