GATHER THE MATERIALS - The first step in how to bind a paper notepad, is to make sure you have the necessary tools. While the basic tools are listed above, homemade notepads can be made with many alternatives and I feel its important to explore those as well.
For your Paper material you can use a variety of objects including: Printer Paper (cut up into any shape/size), stationary, scrapbook paper, business cards, etc. Use your imagination.
For the compounding material, I HIGHLY recommend buying a padding compound (See link in resource section below for Amazon, although you can also buy at Ebay). A padding compound will dry quickly and has a more professional texture. It comes in a 1qt size which will last you throughout any projects you would need it for in the future. If you don't want to use a Padding Compound, many people report using Mod Podge and Elmer's Glue with success. If using Elmer's Glue make sure to use at least two coats and to give it a half day to dry.
Binder Clips - Although Binder clips are the easiest method, if you don't have any on hand, you can use any heavy substance to press down on the paper. This includes heavy books, clean bricks, etc.
STACK THE PAPER - Now that you have the supplies necessary. It is time to stack your paper material for the homemade notepad. Cut your cardboard so that it fits the rest of the paper and place it on the back.
Tap your stack of paper on a hard surface so that one side is perfectly lined up.
ADD THE BINDER CLIPS - The next step in how to bind a paper notepad is to add the binder clips. Be careful to make sure one side of the stack of paper material is still lined up. (If this is not the case, redo step 2 to make sure it is perfectly straight).
**If you are not using binder clips put the heavy objects on top of the paper stack. As with the binder clips. Make sure that one side is still lined up.
PAINT ON THE PADDING COMPOUND - Use your small paintbrush to paint over the straight side of the stack of paper with your padding compound or glue. Do two layers to be safe.
LET IT DRY & ENJOY - Depending on which gluing agent you used, you will have to wait from a couple minutes to possibly an entire day. Once the substance is dry take off the binder clips or heavy object and enjoy your homemade notepad!!