Disc Binding for Beginners! | Sea Lemon

[@AmeliaAce]

I'd never heard of disk binding but oh my gosh it looks so practical and pretty? The idea of a spiral-style notebook with removable sheets just sounds so useful.

[@itzameylin8133]

AmeliaAce yessss

[@adrianahernandez3480]

Let me tell youuuuu!!! I had struggles with planning with standard planners... I wanted to include LIFE aspects other than calendar days. I wanted to invent something that could allow people to do that... I dont even know how i came across disc binding but i felt like an idiot for not knowing sooner!

[@demonheart13]

The spiral punch can be a abit expebsive depending where you buy it. I reccomend waiting for it to go on sale at staples (just search staples arc) they also have a lot of nice binder rings. (I got some fancy metal silver ones)

[@mitchgreenberg6754]

Hello Sea Lemon. I was so glad to see your video. My name is Mitch Greenberg and I was a founder of a company called Rollabind which was the original company that brought disc binding to this country. We sold the company several years ago, New ownership mismanged company and they have lost their foothold on the market, allowing others to join in (Staples, Office Depot/OfficeMax, etc.). We originally manufactured the system for a major catalog company and also made many products as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for other concerns. We had a huge success just before we sold, in the craft and hobby market. I loved your analogy that if a 3-ring binder and a spiral binder had a baby, you would have a disc binder. Genius. Wishing you all the best...Mitchell

[@crystalautumnluna]

Thank you for an ingenious idea!

[@MJ-rt9pi]

Rollabind is what I used YEARS ago! It was great and less expensive than Levenger which was really the only other option at the time. My entire office used it (we shared a paper punch) ;)

[@chickenleg002]

Mitch Greenberg WOW! The original Rollabind system was my first disc bound system. They had fabulous paper and were such a terrific notebook. Thanks for all your hard work!

[@artofflying5650]

Not theirs... Search for Atoma system.. an original Belgian idea from 1948

[@nadinedobbe6852]

I have been a disc binding fan for years! I bought my first notebooks and filler paper in our campus bookstore probably 15+ years ago). I still have my original covers and disks and continue to use them. I now have a punch and it is easier to create notebooks that meet my specific needs and preferences. Thank you for your contribution disc binding, and thus also indirectly to my creative and organizational efforts over the years.

[@SeaLemonDIY]

A BIG THANK YOU to the viewers who contributed subtitles or closed captions on this video! 😘

[@Gerry-TFuchs]

+Sea Lemon this is the adress of my cooking portal, i made a cheap and easy system for archiviring reciepes and more: www.daskochrezept.de/community/board-gruppen-forum/thread-kochrezepte-und-anderes-----guenstig-archivieren-24923-page-1.html you may reach the side verry quick by drag and drop the adress into your browser. so far ... here you can see how to make a cheap archiv system and you will have to get wise: a photo says more than hundreds of words ... ehhh puhhhhhh it won t be easy for me to translate the step-by-step infos into english language.but i think you'll find it out also without a coment ah ... ! if you are interested in cooking: i wrote a cookbook with recieps from my great-grand-ma, my grandmother and some of them i created by my self. the price is about 12$ (so sorry: plus 8$ for sending to usa, i sent a copy to a friend in maine.)

[@NREnger]

is it possible to do a diy discs? Can they be painted and still fit?

[@Drewsumwalt]

Whenever I wanted to reinforce pages for three ring binders, I would put a strip of tape on each side of the edge I was going to punch. It really added a lot of strength to the paper so that they could survive the constant page turning. maybe that would help with this! You could even use decorative tape to add some flair~

[@FunWithCats2]

Amazing idea!!

[@PatriciaIsSoJokes]

This is the video that started my whole addiction with disc bound. It's almost two months and I've converted all of my school spiral notebooks into one Arc Notebook and bought the new line of Happy Planner that was released for July 2016 to the end of 2017 (both with coupons). I also got a portable punch that fits perfectly in my backpack for school. I bought a laminator to make my own covers/dividers/dashboards/etc with and have made some notebooks for family and friends. This system is wonderful and I'm really happy I found it (even if my family is tired of hearing me talk about it). I've become more organized because of it and I'm glad that Jennifer shared this. Side note, I heard that Office Max/Depot is trying to get back into the disc bound game and that Walmart is now starting to carry disc bound products (IQ 360, but it isn't listed on Walmart's website), as someone in the middle of nowhere this is hopeful news.

[@stephaniesanchez7321]

Just bought my first ARc notebook because I was a mess with having one subject notebooks for each class or buying a 5 subject notebook but then running out of room in one subject. Im hoping this solves my problems. If I dont tear pages out often do they still hold up up with the constant turning and opening?

[@phxxer]

They will not wear out from careful turning. Removing and replacing will cause the pages to wear out more quickly.

[@melimel9265]

f the holes get warped from pulling pages in n out, u can line the top with tape. duck tape or clear packing tape n re punch holes. to strengthen the paper again. jus a thought. tfs

[@olinrace8283]

Sea lemon I have had to make my covers out of reinforced sheet protectors. I put in cardboard in the folder part, then I made a 2 inch strip and folded it over the binder holes and used double-sided tape to hold this strip in place on both sides of the binder holes. Then I punched the reinforced sheet protector binder strip with my ARC punch. It made the cover “give” so it wouldn’t hurt the punched holes. I hope this helps. You have given so much already!!!!!!

[@deyawosa]

actually here in indonesia, disc binding is quite common. we have this one brand who preduce a good disc bind sketchbook. it is pretty good because we can refill it and costumized it. i'm so happy that finally you have a video that talked about it! Thank You!! i'm waiting for any DIY for disc binding!

[@kestiameshad]

Would love to see any link that I can buy online of the disc binding you mentioned? I'm from Sarawak and we don't have these here.

[@TheAnimemiz]

@@kestiameshad It's a Lyra Sketchbook

[@kestiameshad]

Thank you!

[@Flower-od8vs]

Mbak punch nya pakai apaaa mbak? Apa pake pembolong kertas biasa terus digunting ya?

[@kuramaathecat4632]

@@Flower-od8vs telat 1 thn tp gpp lah. Kertasnya dijual sama pembuat sketchbooknya. Sejauh ini jarang ada yang ngejual pembolongnya setau aku. Cmiiw

[@nicolem376]

OMG No more first page sketchbook anxiety. 🤗 I just watched this and your watercolor disc bound sketchbook video and I’m getting dressed to go to Office Depot RIGHT NOW. What a fantastic idea. i am going to combine different types of paper so depending on what media I feel like using I’ll only have to carry one book. And..idk if it’ll work but for the covers I think I’ll try punching a few layers of cereal box, glueing together and painting. I liked someone else’s comment about using washi tape to reinforce the page holes. You can remove it later if you want. I am strangely jazzed about this whole thing 😎

[@citigirlcountrified1927]

I thought I was the only one...lol

[@sparkingclarity5023]

I've been using disc-binding for about a year, and I don't know if I'll ever go back to regular journals again!!! Two months ago, I started teaching creative journaling classes (writing and art with a theme), and it has worked perfectly!! My students complete their pages using a variety paper weights, depending on the project, and when they are done, they punch the pages, and insert them into their journal.

[@PinkFleetwood]

some years ago I bought a puncher and some rings at a local stampingstuffstore, they were from rollabind. different sizes and many colours were available. my puncher was a small type with a kind of ruler for to punch holes up to A4 sheets of paper and thicker materials. the holes are the same as they are punched with the arc-puncher. i still got the puncher and a few rings and it is ideal for to take with. I used it at workshops and buisnessclasses and the books I made myself there are still ringbound in my shelf. I always did the covers by myself, rollabind didnt sell those at that time or they didnt sell it at my localstore. I love to laminate beautiful papers for to use them as covers and it always worked well. I love the way you made your notebook, with the rings at the upper side. I will make myself one, too. have fun with your discboundsystem!

[@ecollier722]

You can laminate your cover and then punch it. I've also used a plastic flimsy cutting board from the dollar tree. Cut it down to size and that too you can punch it worked great! I used cute card stock behind the cutting board which you could see through.

[@reasonnottheneed]

For the thing with your hand running into the binding, since the notebook is editable, you can take the pages out and onto a clipboard to write with and slot them back in when you're done, if you think that's worth the effort. It's how I take notes in class; I write on pre-punched paper and slot in into the notebook after class.

[@bhanani5480]

Yes, that's a good tip and a tick for the disc binding concept... thanks for that suggestion @Leo Anbu

[@alyxiavr7623]

I’m absolutely in love with the Tūl discbound system, b/c basically it’s all the functionality of a binder but with the pleasing aesthetics of a notebook. If a page starts to get some wear, I just put a piece or two of scotch tape over the holes and then hole punch through that, and it’s practically good as new.

[@wayneessar7489]

I made a sketch book for pastels adding in a vellum sheet between each Bristol page to keep the pastels smudging off on the back of the preceding leaf. I round cornered all four point to make it look neater, longer.

[@jennw6809]

Just heard of this last night and it brought me to your channel. This is very much like a filofax, but instead of a metal comb bind you have the discs. I notice the punches are cheap compared to a metal comb or spiral binder, but the discs are expensive. I love the idea of making watercolor sketchbooks with these and being able to add or subtract single pages. You could just paint on single pages and bind the ones you like - much better than trying to make something wonderful on EVERY page LOL

[@GinGin12]

I have the Levenger punch and it works with the Arc disc.

[@VampyRagDoll]

This needs to be a series never mind a DIY. I'm obsessed with watching disc bound planner videos. I got an arc punch and happy planner rings and I haven't got round to them yet.

[@bryannakellogg2029]

A friend of mine bought two Arc binders and gave one of them to me to use for college. (This was very generous of her because they are quite expensive, $25 for just the book without any accessories). I went in to staples later on to get section dividers and I also got a mini Arc hole punch for about $12 while I was in there. The mini hole punch works wonders and it's a great alternative if you don't have the money or the space for a big classroom style hole punch. I've only been using this binder system for a few weeks, but I'm in love with it.

[@madelinetheater6897]

Me and my mom use the brand happy planner with disc binding stuff. She bought a punch from them because she uses the planners and sometimes likes to add her own pages. A fun little bonus to the brand is that the sell planners and notebooks along with individual items like dividers folders and pages. They also sell both sizes of discs. Also their discs have hearts in the middle so they are fairly cute

[@_morningglory196]

I have made covers using craft paper and then laminating the paper with a thicker laminating sheet. I also have used poly folders from Target dollar spot,Walmart and Dollar tree. I just cut and punch. I use gift bags and laminate them as well😀

[@helloalicecraft]

I made my covers the same way Arc makes their leather covers. You use poly plastic (I used a plastic notebook divider) for the part with the holes, then you attach whatever you want for your cover to that. Just let enough of the plastic stick out where the holes are to pop into the discs. I've done 4 this way and I was able to use paper, canvas, fabric, and faux leather for covers. Hope this helps.

[@ChristinaNelson_Xenographicx]

I bought the Levenger 3 or 4 page punch (cheap $20 and wonderful) which I use to punch my own grid printed planner pages (24 lb) and note pages. I can punch 1 or 2 card stock as well. I bought it to test the disc system, but see no reason to change it after over a year. I have no problem using ANY brand of the rings and plastic dividers and am using 1 1/2" rings for my planner. I archive previous months and blank punched pages in another set of rings. If you buy extra wide plastic 3 ring dividers, you can cut off the holes, and the tab, punch the top, and have a cover. I used matte medium to paste designed paper on each side so it looks how I want. I also decorated the dividers that way. I love the system and will never go back to using another one. I'm sure you are going to find it the best ever

[@joychapman2300]

Oh my I have been binge watching you again and was a little sleepy But when your punch Snapped open I woke up and burst into giggle thank you

[@simplelsie]

Thank you for this video. I have seen quite a few videos about disc bound systems, but have never seen one that gave me so much actual information and presented the pros and cons of using this kind of binding. Watching this was such a worthwhile use of my time and helps me decide what is right for me. By the way, I'm right handed, but also prefer top-bound sketchbooks and notebooks. I don't know why, but this is a major advantage when available.

[@smruthipradeep1941]

I diy-ed a disk binding book. I got a few pages punched in the spiral binding system from a local copy shop. I then slit all the holes and punched it into the spiral wire thing. Just a suggestion if you're on a budget😊

[@BPGRYT]

The Office Depot TUL system is my favorite. Personal preference though. They also partner with dress for success and have limited run products in the series. Like seasonal designs and stuff as well. TUL also has a top bound system.

[@chzn156]

I love how you made this your own and it's giving me great ideas for what I might want for myself when I try out disc binding. Thanks for sharing! Also, love the reasoning behind the top bound, that really makes so much sense!

[@mallorikerr4092]

I just started using happy planner and um I love this. It's easier than a regular binder and you can use good adhesive washi tape to help reinforce any pages you plan to use a lot. You can use 1/8" eyelets to secure any poly plastic to the covers too.

[@shinjuxpearl]

You can combine the Levenger and Arc brand. Their discs are pretty similar. But I prefer the Levenger punch, it makes larger punch holes that makes it easier to flip pages in your disc-bound binder.

[@DeniseSkidmore]

I've heard that Levenger is the most cross compatible punch.

[@annagering8430]

Staples Arc system and Office Depot TUL system (which are really the exact same thing) both have top disc bound notebooks available.

[@southpawcreationsamandamcm5958]

So does levenger and happy planner

[@chloepearce3839]

Can I use tul and arc together

[@chloepearce3839]

Tul has top bound now 😊

[@ValerieRaya]

I found this in a shop in my country (finally!) and I am coming back here to get informed. I love notebooks but I never want to write in them, because my thoughts are scattered (like yours) and I knew I could not take that out. This is an amazing thing for me.

[@tatyanagarcia6723]

Pleeeeease give us an update on your disc binding! I'm so interested in creating notebooks like these for myself

[@FlutePlayer777]

I love that you try new things all the time. That is the reason I am still subbed to you.

[@skrillzfn4183]

I've used a TUL discbound notebook for school, and it worked nicely. I prefer discbound instead of a spiral notebook when writing. Planning on using it for a custom academic planner. Wish me luck!

[@AngelManuelPerez]

I started using Staples' Arc by M in college because it allowed me to keep a single notebook for note taking on campus and when I got home I would separate them by class or curriculum; i.e., Core Curriculum in one notebook, and Business/Major classes each in their own. Because I didn't care much for the first, I just used the poly cover for it but ended up purchasing the leather cover for latter two, and they have worked perfectly well for me. In hindsight, the leather cover was a fabulous investment because even now I find myself going back and searching through those notebooks. I also bought the hole puncher and printed out my own college-ruled pages with numbering which I then used to fill out a table of contents to make it easier to find stuff when looking through it later on. Saved a bunch of money on notebooks this way. :) I still use a similar system nowadays except it is now separated by different aspects of my life.

[@donnasamuelson9145]

as far as interchanging with different brand punches, I've found that they interchange really well actually! they're all spaced the same distance, even though the holes are slightly different in shape. :)

[@julienotsmith7068]

Thank you for this comment because I brain farted and got components from three different systems that are all in the mail to me now. Hooray! They'll work!

[@nektariakazakopoulou553]

MAMBI (Me & my Big Ideas) have a planner out with the same disc binding system (Happy Planner), and the covers are made of laminated cardstock. Many ladies who own one of their planners make their own covers to change it up, by just laminating some paper. It is sturdy, and holds up to taking in and out, and you can print or use any pretty paper you want for the cover. TfS all your ideas and tips! Nektaria

[@chobensa]

Love disc binding. You inspired me to adopt this and I’ve now made several art journals with watercolor paper and chipboard covers. Just saw a genius tip for using the WRMK Crop-A-Dile to punch the chipboard covers. I’ll have to figure out how to turn those holes into disc holes, but I think I can just snip them with scissors. Oh, and I’m totally enjoying my Doodle Challenge Book (snagged on sale via Etsy). Thanks again for all the great ideas and for continuing to inspire. :)

[@chobensa]

PS: I buy discs super inexpensively via AliExpress!!

[@sekaihatsu]

I thought I was the only one! I had tons of scraps of paper that I would stick in notebooks and pin to a "mood" board to put together at a later date. My ideas would be in a bunch of different notebooks and I always felt lacking in organization. I would end up losing some here and there, too. Thanks for sharing about disc binding. This might be a great solution for me.

[@junerowlands8717]

I love notebooks of all kinds but, having discovered disk binding just a few days ago, I am totally hooked! Managed to find a pink (!) leather A5 Arc binder which came with 60 lined pages and the undated diary pages I ordered were dropped off by the postman this morning... Keeping it simple for now - diary pages for a couple of months at the front, transparent ruler separating these from the notes pages - but I'm sure that won't last for long as I start exploring all the other things I can add to it!! Great video btw - thanks x

[@Ali-in8xi]

Wanted to spread the word to anyone interested in black aluminum discs. There are two websites, Dokibook and Eleven Discs, that offer black metal discs. Of the two, I prefer Eleven Discs because I don't like the center circular cutout found with Dokibook discs. I prefer black discs for most of my discbounds because the parts of the notebook that hold the discs in place are black and I prefer the black-on-black look. I also haven't been able to find colored metal discs that pair up well with certain notebook cover colors. I own discbounds in the following colors: hot pink, royal blue, lime green, seaform green, and mint green and have been using either corresponding colored plastic discs or silver aluminum discs which up until now seemed like my only options. This is no longer true. With the black discs I get a great pairing of color from discs made of reliable material. Also, I own Staples ARC, Levenger CIRCA, and Martha Stewart discbound notebooks and the Eleven Discs expansion discs work well with all of them. The discs are offered in the following sizes: 3/4" (up to 90 sheets of 32 lb paper/120 sheets of standard paper), 1" (110 sheets of 32 lb paper/150 sheets of standard), and 1 1/2" (140 sheets of 32 lb paper/200 sheets of standard). Thank you for the video!

[@terrielee5989]

I love the ARC system and have been using it as my primary planner and notes notebook for over two years. I have tried a pack of the Levenger disc and calendar pages but prefer the Staples system. The Mambi set is a bit large for me so I have not tried any of it. Good news as far as top binding covers. Staples now has a few. I have only seen one (the black) in store but I understand more colors can be purchased online. Loved the video and good luck in finding covers that work for you!

[@EllePlowPlow]

@3:03 - I didn’t know what idea you were going to introduce but I knew you were going to introduce some new idea that isn’t commonly seen. Thank you! Your videos are always informative and super helpful. Also I’m looking forward to your diy hardcover tutorial!

[@LethannAeda]

Thank you so much for this! I've seen these in the stores and while I thought they were neat I never realized the possibilities with them until watching your video.

[@vkiel1]

Thank you so much for the suggestion for top binding. I'm left handed and have always had trouble with notebooks and have tried using them backwards.

[@findingtina7967]

I use the arc system. I love it. However I did not think of changing the layout like you did. That will be this weekends project. I have the combination of the staples system with levenger brand. They work well together. 😀

[@burrowscarol]

Hi - I have been experimenting with disc notebooks too. I want to let you know that the Levenger High capacity punch is worth the investment. It's about $80. It will punch about 15 pages of 20lb paper at once and it will punch through chipboard very easily. This is great if you want to make your own covers and dividers. ("if"? ha ha ha!) I find the punch action much easier and smoother than the Arc or the smaller Levenger punch.

[@maggiesilva5608]

I've recently become aquainted with disc binding too. I bought the punch at staplesand made my own covers with pretty papers which I laminates. iI love it!

[@tipsyturtle6934]

Having made a couple of DIY ARC covers, I recommend laminating paper slightly thinner than a chipboard. If I am using the ARC notebook as a heavy duty notebook, then I will also use a strip of duct tape to reinforce/protect the side holding the discs from wear.

[@ThatLazyStray]

just about rummage through your video's to see if you ever got around to making your own hard covers because i am literally running into that problem myself right now. I use disk binding for custom watercolour sketchbooks so you're a total life saver right now!

[@shellyelle1374]

Disc binding is my absolute favorite of all, because of the reasons you've mentioned. It keeps things together, but you can organize sections whichever way you want without having to rip out a page and the holes being all weird as in a spiral bound book, or just being loose when the binding has been glued. Here in Belgium we have one brand called Atoma which is very popular, and it has been around for ages. I knew it from my childhood and I'm closing in on 29, so! When I decided to make a bullet journal-ish planner and separate the "collections" behind different tabs, I only came across one problem: it took me a long long time to find some place that sold those arc punches so I could make everything myself. Around here they don't sell anything like that at all, so I searched on Amazon (both .com and .co.uk) and found only two different punches which were pretty expensive. Eventually I ended up buying the cheapest of them all, the 3-in-1 Levenger arc punch. In my opinion it isn't the best punch to work with (it feels really flimsy) but it works fine, aside from being able to only punch 2-3 normal weight papers without too much problems, or 1 page with more thickness. Also, the arc is a little more rounded out like a mushroom cap, which is a bit too rounded for the rings we have here. I didn't know they were so different with each brand. I noticed the one you have on Amazon too, and the arc seems a little flatter and just what I need, so I'm thinking I'll be saving up to get one for myself since it is my favorite system to work with.

[@lyllydd]

I like your use of the disc bound books. It's kind of a creative rolodex. Have you seen some of the other crafty uses for the discs themselves? One idea I saw waaaay back at the dawn of time involved discs that were black, gold, or silver. You get some round letter stickers in an old typewriter font, put them in the discs, and cover either with a round epoxy sticker or a layer of diamond glaze. Voila -- instant old typewriter keys for your journal covers or scrapbook pages.

[@MJ-rt9pi]

I've used Rollabind and Levenger in the past. I was given a Tul Jr. size as a gift recently. I love the disc system as much now as I did then. I need to buy a paper punch so I can create my own paper ... the inserts can get pricey.

[@sally-annmannering]

I've only used the ARC system as thats the only one we can get easily in the UK - I purchased the punch and different sized discs and use the smaller for school (uni) and only needing one note book with me all day and then when I get home I can put them in their own binder - really helps me keep organised :-)

[@dfsgirl]

I have a happy planner and I love it! I did upgrade to bigger rings and it was wonderful.

[@rosiescraftyshack7177]

Hello, I am happy to see that this system is still around. I used it for a long time about ten years ago. I made several albums. I still have some discs, I think I bought them at rolabind. You have inspired me to go back to using it again. I also own the punch. TFS.😊

[@LTHanlon]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm investigating discbound systems and I appreciated your demonstration of your creative workflow.

[@vikibanaszak4881]

Back when I got into rubber stamping, Rollabind was hugely popular for putting pictures in the discs and adding glitter and such or to make fake vintage type writer keys.

[@azurekitty2917]

The Levenger circa has a letter size top bound notebook available, it does come with blank pages inside, but as far as I can tell the disc bound systems can be interchanged, but Levenger has the largest punch hole. With Levenger punched holes on ARC rings I have never experienced any sticking issues. Also Walmart has disc bound notebooks as well, they are more affordable then the other systems and work fairly well for the price, they range from about $4.99-9.99 from smallest to largest

[@ZoeysMusings]

This has changed my life for the better!

[@binkapooh]

I have used disc binding for probably 15 years. I first discovered Rollabind one year at Target on clearance for like 75% off. I bought probably a dozen full sized notebooks that came with a smaller notebook. I then found Circa at Levenger.com. I bought one of their travel punches and the paper fits fine in a Rollabind. I am now using a Filofax notebook. It is wire bound but the paper is punched similar to Rollabind and Circa. I have put my Circa grid paper in it and it fits fine. I just had to trim the top and bottom 1/8th inch since Filofax is German/European sized paper and Circa is American. I love the system.

[@binkapooh]

The Filofax I discovered at gouletpens.com

[@MsLadyL]

Do it! Sounds great...most importantly easier than the other types of binding.

[@miraculousmosquito]

Yep, my brain totally works the same way as you. This binding system looks like a great idea, I will have to see if I can find it here in New Zealand. Thanks for the video!

[@akiyamada2306]

Caliber at CVS, Staples Arc, and Cica Levenger are all interchangeable products to my knowledge there is just a price difference. I personally have used Circa accessories on a Caliber notebook; so I can attest that they have the same cut.

[@SeaLemonDIY]

I didn't know CVS had them, thanks for the info!

[@notconvincedgranny6573]

+Aki Yamada The main difference is that the punch with the Circa system sold by Levenger makes a slightly larger arc now, which makes turning pages a little easier. Rollabind is the original and still in business. All of the companies make punches, however.

[@Jfresh55]

Aki Yamada I think tul is the best brand for the disc binding system

[@adamarey2299]

Have you tried laminating or some way strengthening the inbound of the page before putting it in to avoid or delay the fraying of the pages from removing and inserting them? Maybe a light press on laminate or even a strong very nice clear tape could look good if done neatly and with precision.

[@adamarey2299]

I've been using Tul for a few years now and that is the only brand I'll use now. Pens and pencils included. The quality and look is on par with the top end very expensive office brands. I just hope they keep releasing more options because I buy everything even when I can't think of an immediate use for it. lol, that's just how nice of a brand it is. like with that punch, I probably didn't use it and then actually frequently use it for almost a year but after watching a few videos and you I use it weekly now. Thanks

[@tanya9kin]

I think it can be a could idea to put some sort of plastic tape (even simple sellotape) before punching the holes to make them sturdier. It will work like the little stickers for the simple ring binders.I would do it to every page to make the holes last longer in good shape :)

[@cbudzyn]

I have had Levenger for years, I love these types of systems because I have to constantly move paper around my planner and notebooks for projects. I use washi tape (or even masking tape if there is no washi tape on hand) to reinforce the edges of the paper. This works well for the "papers" you constantly have to pull-in and out. Also I've had the Arc and Levenger heavy duty punches. The Arc makes a slightly smaller cut in the paper, so it's slightly harder to move pages back and forth. The Levenger is better in my opinion - both systems are interchangeable though which is nice. Last, Levenger makes top loaded (like Sealemon likes) options.

[@SeaLemonDIY]

Good idea with the washi tape! I could only find really small top bound covers from Levenger. That seems to be the common opinion on their punch, it makes the pages turn easier. Thanks for commenting!

[@usagiakileo]

I use washi tape to reinforce the holes.

[@tipsyturtle6934]

+Tidbit Factory I do that too!

[@silviacampa2158]

how?

[@mrs.babzubo7530]

+Silvia Campa I don´t know. maby tabe the edge befor punching?

[@usagiakileo]

+Silvia Campa just put the washi tape on the edge first before punching it.

[@thepwicks]

+Tidbit Factory ohhh is this why people do this I always thought it was just for decoration. I didn't realize there was a function to it.

[@sys253]

Great video! For your little issue with the disks getting in your hand's way when you're writing on the side, usually I just take the page out, write and put it back in.

[@MW-yc2qd]

The arc system and MAMBI (which stands for me and my big ideas) are the same. MAMBI punch is $29.99 and can be found at Michael's. MAMBI has a whole planning system which is awesome.

[@shannonwhite2788]

Thanks that's good to know

[@courtneyhardy8720]

+Shannon White the mambi punch is only good for the Jr size when it comes to the arch system

[@zvezdapadalica15]

In Toronto at Michaels the MAMBI pinch for the happy planner is $49.99 plus 13% tax. I just saw it yesterday and I couldn't believe that it is that expensive for a hole punch. I would love to be able to afford it but it just seems too much for me.

[@kristabelle9581]

I have the Happy Planner punch, the blue one, and find it difficult to work with. I wouldn't recommend it. It doesn't work with anything but lightweight paper. Every attempt to use chipboard or even lightweight plastic like a thin binder pocket has caused it to jam terribly. I've tried to sharpen and lubricate it with aluminum foil and waxed paper but nothing has improved it.

[@thedarkchoices4389]

i disagree if i use paper punched by that puncher with staples Arc discs, they dont move very well :/ the other way around yes

[@violaplayerforever]

The Levenger punchs and the Arc punchs are pretty much identical and I use them together all of the time. I caught the Arc punch on sale for about $20, and my Levenger punch for $2 at a thrift store! From what I've experienced they've all worked about the same. I exclusively use the disc binding system for my school notebooks. To keep from getting wear on the punches when I'm using it for school I make sure to use a reinforced lined paper (like from FiveStar). I absolutely love disc binding. Arc used to have a top bound notebook, but they discontinued it!

[@SeaLemonDIY]

Good deals! And good idea with the pages.

[@GracieLouYT]

+Sea Lemon a further comment on this one; I too use both the arc and the levenger and I like the one from levenger better because a: it's more compact BUT more importantly the holes are ever so slightly larger and the pages turn WAY better for me!

[@Niumane]

2 dollars?! Omg you are so lucky T.T it’s around 22 dollars now, and it’s the cheapest option.

[@vickyls8132]

Try Kraft Text? Love it!

[@ClaudetteWooddell1968]

I have the IQ360 brand from Walmart and it has a punch as well. It was fairly cheap too. The punch will only punch 3 sheets of paper at a time though. And it will not punch through plastic or chipboard. Has various sizes of disks in packs, various types of covers, & various papers. I bought the simple lined papers and a pack of the notes/tasks/errands papers. For the larger pages I bought the undated calendar pages. So far I love my disk bound system. I improvised on my tab dividers I made by using a regular hand held hole punch to line up with my disks, then cut small slits in each hole to use it with my disks. Maybe that is the solution for you once you decide on a cover. :)

[@Maigali55]

Yes!!! I love this system. I'm not Big on bulky folders but I don't want to have a bunch a spiral note book, so this works GREAT. I actually love customizing my disc bound book, I needed some dividers that had a pocket but was only able to find 3 hold punch for regulars folders what I did was put washi tape over the 3 hole front and back and punch the disk holes over the washi and it works perfect. What I have done with the covers are get a card stock I like and laminate it. I used 2 to 3 laminating sheets to make it alil sturdy. Hope that helps :-)

[@Maigali55]

Also I don't buy a lot of arc templates I get regular lined paper and punch those lol 🤓 its and awesome system!!

[@finding_balance]

I have a Happy Planner. Loving it so far. I have the Happy Planner hole puncher too. It does not work well with thicker material. I can't even punch two scrapbook paper pages at once. I love the system, though, since I add so much to the planner with DIY projects.

[@Artofcarissa]

I've never heard of disk binding before. This kind of reminds me of the reckonnect journal where they had removable pages you can take out and put back in. This would be great for a sketchbook because then you could take out a single page of a drawing to scan by itself.

[@SeaLemonDIY]

Yes! That's another good use for it, if you want to scan pages without the book/binding.

[@slickrick5596]

@@SeaLemonDIY hi im new to this. Hoping i knew of this before. Anyway do you consider yourself an intj type?

[@christinagonzalez7125]

Thank for this video helps a lot on disk binding answer your question for sturdy card cover u can laminate ur covers make it more durable to your hard cover one way use ur poly covers & laminate cut punch into your disk binding

[@cyborgzulu2011]

I have the same brand of disc binder as you had (couldn’t help but freak out when I saw the accessories page!). I personally really enjoy it. I am naturally left handed and write left handed with my left hand. I know. It’s odd. So I also agree with the top binding system. I always hate when the binding or the journal itself runs out and my hand cannot sit onto anything. Great video and I will definitely be buying that hole puncher and watch your tutorial for top binders. Thanks again!

[@JuliaRV13]

hello!! personally i dont really like disk binding for school work... it is a very good idea but if you put the notebook in your bag all of the pages could come loose... at least that is what happend to me! here in holland we have a very cheap store where they sold these kind of notebooks and they were really inexpencive. i prefer normal notebooks:) thank you for the video!

[@mcescher1957]

I will be interested to find out how this works for you in the long run. I have heard of this...but it just never looked like it would hold up for me personally. Thanks for taking us on the journey!! Yes, I would very much like to see a tutorial on whatever you decide to do with the hard cover.

[@checklistplanners]

I noticed you said you were looking for a top coiled planner, I make a Left Handed planner that turns on the right page for a top coil, if that makes sense! Anyway, I came here to see more about disc bound because I want to offer it in my shop soon, so thank you so much for the video, it is very helpful for someone who needs to learn the good/bad about them!!

[@poppydarling86]

Think I bought a couple of Circa? disc bound notebooks at Dick Blick at least 20 years ago. Still have them! Now have the Arc system and punch and love it. I use it to bind my Gelli prints and organize random ideas. It fits how my brain works, too!

[@mcdobbs25]

This morning (12/26/18), I saw top bound disk notebooks at my local Walmart. They are U Create product: 9x12 in., 50 sheets of sketch paper for $5.97. I also located them on line by searching for U Create disk bound sketch book. Good luck

[@paintnknitter]

I use a Foray punch, which is compatible with the Levenger and Arc brand discs. It is sold on Amazon. I like being able to move pages and the look of the binding.

[@PamOrl]

I made my own sketchbook using the Staples Arc system top bound cover and a Levenger punch. It works great. The Levenger punch creates a cutout that works very smoothly with the Arc discs as well as the Circa ones. The Arc covers are also very sturdy which is great when you are sketching without a desk/table handy. One more added plus is they have a handy pen loop. One thing I have noticed is the paper does not shift around as much in these disc bound sketchbooks, especially if you use a band to keep it closed. This helps if you work with graphite, for example, which has a tendency to smear badly in spiral-bound sketchbooks due to the paper shifting around. You do have to trim about 1/2" from the top and side of 9 x 12 art paper for them to fit in the top bound cover. But the 6 x 8 side bound covers will perfectly fit 8.5" x 11" paper cut in half. Love the 6 x 8 covers for travel sketchbooks. I use a large rubber band designed for journals to keep them closed. With this system I can mix art papers (watercolor/marker/drawing) and archive work that I think is worth keeping. Helps prevent having to quickly skip through "those" sketches in a bound sketchbook ;-) Staples Arc top bound: www.staples.com/Staples-Arc-Customizable-Leather-Notebook-System-Black-Top-Bound-11-3-4-x-8-1-2-/product_86071 Would love to see what you come up with!

[@SeaLemonDIY]

+Pen Tool Thanks for the tips!

[@endina]

I got a disk binder two days ago from Michael's. It was from me and my big ideas and I can't stop getting add-ons!

[@kitdubhran2968]

Arc had/has a top bound book (not sure if it's still available) and a less expensive 'travel' style punch. As far as the pages getting wear and tear, I do scrapbooking/planner work with my discbound system and I run washi and/or clear tape along the edge with the holes and then punch. It adds a little bit more sturdiness for heavier paper or pages you want to use for a longer time.

[@dunlap1061]

it's refreshing to hear that someone else thought process is similar to your own. ..I may have to look into this system. I have to many note books with thoughts/ideas that now don't make sense to me because I couldn't keep them together. anyway thanks for this.

[@SeaLemonDIY]

+cdScrapdat Yes! It has definitely helped my creative process. I'm much more organized with my projects and recommend giving it a try!

[@LastingLove82]

I use an ARC binder from staples and use the Levenger hole puncher. It works great, no issues.

[@rabidbutterfli]

Have you thought about making a plastic sleeve to put heavier boards in. You could punch 4 plastic pages then connect two in some sort of pouch with a seal or decorative stitches and then slide the board in and then click the pockets in place.

[@SeaLemonDIY]

Good idea!

[@shemi2958]

+Sea Lemon try laminating covers

[@سفينةالسنّة]

this is one of the best channel on youtube

[@madelinebrownlee5787]

I have learned SO MUCH from you!!! I LOVE the journal/book making videos! You are the best!!!

[@danichan913]

I love this idea for bullet journaling. Might have to try this! Thanks for the info and can't wait til you do another video on this type of binding.

[@SeaLemonDIY]

Thanks! I love being able to switch around the pages. There will be a DIY video coming soon for covers!

[@zynzane9680]

I know this is an older video but it came up when I was looking for making my own disc binder. Just used your link to buy an ARC punch, am glad they are still available! Happy Planner is probably keeping them in business. I didn't think disc binding would be sturdy enough when it first came out, but the Happy Planner minions have shown that it is. I am looking forward to using it for my own journals rather than messing with the Cinch wire binding which I never seem to get right with the covers. Thanks for the info!

[@SeaLemonDIY]

I still love this method :) I ended up breaking my ARC punch after trying to punch too thick materials, so I have since moved on to the Levenger punch for more heavy duty covers/pages: amzn.to/3SaTXsp (affiliate link) You can find more of my recent disc bound adventures in this playlist as well: kzbin.info/aero/PLpKVHhjWeQ695SQ-mj8Gfy5C38ZU7O41e

[@estefizamora]

that type of binding is so cool, and looks a little bit easier than the other ones, maybe i'll try that later

[@josh40383]

While walking through Office Depot, I discovered metal disc in the pen section. Could not figure out what they were for so that brought me here. Thanks for explaining this. Also, Tul makes high end metal disc if you are into this and they can be found at Office Depot.

[@jjamaya01]

I like this system for handwritten notes on my iPad which I can then print out and transfer to this for a physical copy. Seems VERY handy for college

[@AlexisRanae]

JJ Amaya exactly what I did!

[@cup-of-char]

This was a great video! I'm just a little bit familiar with disc bound notebooks/journals and I'm REALLY trying to fall in love with them! I'm glad that this video is specifically about Staples Arc System as that is the system that I am considering. I have two questions that I would really welcome some answers to from you or anyone who comes across this: You mentioned that removing and replacing the pages will eventually wear on the holes of the page, what about just regular page turning? Have you noticed any wear from usual page turning? How do the pages hold up in a backpack/bag? I am considering a plastic (or fancier) cover and back for a discbound system when I get to it eventually. I always purchase notebooks that have the plastic covers because no matter what bag I use, they always chew up cardboard covers. Something that appeals to my with this type of binding, is that I can have a plastic front AND back cover.

[@fungleung0219]

I’m using the Eagle discbound diy notebook. Paper’s thin but ink doesn’t go through, has cheap custom paper and has planner sheets as well so I love it since it’s in my town’s stationary store

[@zayl777]

I'd recommend the Levenger punch, it makes bigger holes and works with any system, whether Levenger, Arc, Tul, etc