After my first “reasons” post – I decided that it might be fun to tempt you all with a few more of my favorite creative tools by listing out all the reasons that I think you should be adding to your stash. Far be it from me to tell you what to do with your money, but let’s be honest – we crafters are not known for our frugal ways. We like to grab up the best creative goodies – so I’m here to simply steer your wallet in the right direction!
Today, I’m on a mission to turn you into a notebook making fiend…just like me. It’s obvious that I love making notebooks so it only makes sense that I would own The Cinch Binding Tool from We R Memory Keepers. Here’s why you should have one too:
We R Memory Keepers does a great job of offering incredibly innovative products that are really easy to use. Unlike other binding tools out there, The Cinch includes all of the instructions you need directly on the machine, so no need to keep up with a manual. Hallelujah.
Whenever I purchase a new notebook, I feel like I need to wait to use it…like the pages are too precious to actually touch. But here’s the problem: I’ve been known to write down a to-do list of things I’ve already done, just so that I can cross something off the list …thereby creating the semblance of productivity. Please tell me I’m not the only one.
With such excessive list-making practices going on, I really have to have plenty of notebooks on hand to keep up with myself and I don’t want to feel guilty about using up the notebook pages. If you’re a list making fool like I am – The Cinch will make you feel a little better about jotting down notes. As soon as you fill up one notebook – it won’t take long to make another.
There is another binding tool out there called the Bind It All. I owned one for years – but never used it. It was just too much of a pain…literally. The lever was really tough to push down and I could only punch through a few sheets of paper at a time. At one point, I had a sore bicep after using it. That thing is in craft supply heaven.
Just like Sade, The Cinch is a smooth operator. The lever does not require much exertion at all and the weighty machine stays in place as you use it so you don’t have to deal with securing it as you punch your pages. It also can punch through super thick book board with ease and can handle up to 20 sheets of text weight paper at one time. 
It’s not quite the same as when Oprah handed out all of those cars, but trust me…notebooks make an awesome gift and with The Cinch, you can create handmade notebooks for all your friends. You can personalize them with pretty paper or monograms. You can customize the colors for a special occasion or select exactly the size you need. Whenever a birthday rolls around, you can whip out The Cinch and make a pretty notebook, then package it up with some pens and you’ve got a great gift (trust me – I’ve done this plenty of times and the recipient is always happy!) No need to scour the aisles of Target for a last minute present. Make it yourself. 
If you need a little help getting started with The Cinch – there are kits that give you everything you need. You can make a desk calendar, a wall calendar, a recipe book or a journal. Each kit contains all the basic components you need and it’s just up to you to dress it up with embellishments, stamps, paper, photos or whatever else you want. These completely customizable kits let you flex some crafty muscle without figuring out what supplies you need to stock up on. The kits are an especially fun way to get beginners involved or even your kids!
The Cinch is on the pricier end of crafting tools. It rings in at about $90 bucks which is nothing to scoff at, but if you are a paper love like me – this machine will pay for itself over time. A stylish notebook can easily run you $10-$20 and you don’t even get the DIY bragging rights that we all love so much! Once you have The Cinch tool in your arsenal, you can create notebooks for about $1-$5 each depending on what supplies you use. Considering the many gifting options you have with this tool, it won’t take long before you’ve made the purchase worth your while. Now, if you don’t expect to use this tool very much – then of course, this will take a bit longer…but chances are, if you have one, you’ll come up with lots of ways to use it. Handmade planners, photo books, personalized desk calendars…get creative!
Now you know I wouldn’t pitch you on this fun tool without giving you the chance to win one! You have until Friday, January 20th to enter below and the winner will be announced on Saturday, January 21st. Good luck and happy crafting!
Would love a chance to own a Cinch….I love the way an 8 1/2 X 11 layout looks all pretty and bound up with the cinch. Thank you so much for the chance.
oh yes,nI would love to win.xx
I have never made one but had one made for me for my Husband with all the Poems he wrote for me. I would love to have the way to make my own. thanks for the chance to win.
nooo omg I didn’t even know this existed!!! I love collecting notebooks but now I can make my own?!??! WHAT??!?!? This is sooo awesome!!!
I have never made my own notebook, but I can sure think of reasons (beyond those in your post) why this is a fantastic idea! I would LOVE to own this tool! Custom toddler story books, anyone? Yes, please!
Awesome!
I haven’t made my own notebook. I have made my own scrapbook but that was in a class at Archivers using the Bind-it-all they had. If I won this Cinch–I have plenty of materials to make my own books or albums. Btw you’re not the only one to write down completed things on a “to do” list.
I have only decorated a pre-made notebook. I think I could do something with this!
I LOVE making my own books and journals, especially art journals. Thanks for the great giveaway!
This would make a nice way to put all your favorite recipes in a binder and give them away as gifts! What a great product!
ive never made my own spiral bound notebook, but I have made a pseudo-notebook using rubber cement. I also love decorating notebooks and would use the Cinch to make tons of notebooks for my sons teachers and therapists. I would love to win this!!
I have made a notebook with glue. This old be much faster & cuter.
I have been thinking of getting a Cinch but wasn’t sure how much I would use it. The idea of notebooks convinced me. 5 grandkids ….what great ideas for them.
I am just crazy about any craft that involves paper. I was able to try this machine at a friend of a friend’s house. AMAZINGLY! Now I know why they call it a “cinch”! I would be thrilled to win this and add it to my arsenal!
i used to make sewn books or books with a large cinch type machine at school. Would love to be able to do with my grandkids
Great machine and I
have used one to make
some notebooks! I made
little wooden boxes that
held the notebooks I made
for my co-workers.
Carla from Utah
I’ve never made my own notebooks but I’ve always been a fan, I’ve bought several from eBay . I’d love to make my own, I’ve got some good ideas I’d like to try. Thanks!
I’d definitely make my own notebooks when I get my hands on the cinch!!!
Love the it! But no I’ve never made a notebook!
I have made a calendar for my purse with a Zutter. Hard to use, this looks much easier to use.
awesome blog post.
thanks for the chance to win.
I would love to make some mini albums with this.
Oh the notebooks that could be made with one of these!!!! I see more fun in my future – and lots of birthday gifts to make!
Years ago I worked in a printing company and we used big industrial machines like the Cinch. How exciting it would be to have one of my very own. I love it.
I have never made my own notebooks. I sure would like to. Thanks for the very informative video tutorial. Looks like something I could handle!
i never have but would be so fun to do. Would love to try.
Love your video, looks like a great tool for making notebooks.
It has been on my wish list for a while. Your points about gifting notebooks makes an even better case to get one soon
Yes,I’ve made a book but i don’t have a Cinch ,I used a drill press and “d” rings,it wasn’t very pretty lol
I used to make books of all kinds when I was a teacher – we had some sort of binding machine. I loved it and have missed it so much since I retired! I make all kinds of little books and scrapbooks for my grandchildren (and everyone else, too) and it would be so great to have a cinch!
would love one of these CINCH so I can make genealogy books and personalized calendars for my family and friends …love love love to have this machine
i have a little bind it all but so small and hard to use. Would Love a chance to win a cinch it looks so much easier and FUN to use! Oh yeah that’s probably where it got it’s name, it’s a Cinch to use!
This would be so fun to use! Who doesn’t like a notebook?
Love,love the Cinch!! If I had the Cinch, I could make lots of pretty notebooks! I want to own this fabulous machine!!
No I have not used a Cinch but would love to!
I haven’t done notebooks yet. Looks easy & fun.
Love notebooks, and I have sort of. Cinch love. Thanks.
I love the Cinch, but don’t have one. Would love to make beautiful notebooks and gifts for everyone.
I have decorated notebooks but have not made any yet…Cinch has been on my list for sometime now…& I would love to win this… thanks for the chance 🙂
It has never occurred to me to make a notebook — especially a spiral-bound one. But I’d love to try it!
My sister has one and loves it. Too bad she lives too far away for me to borrow it. Winning would mean I could have my own!
what a creative way to make keepsake books for your family to treasure for years to come
I love those notebooks.. I’d love to win this! Thanks.
I’ve only made them in make & takes
love to make books with this machine …be so much fun
I’ve never made notebooks. It look like such a fun toy!
No, I have not made a notebook before but these would make great and inexpensive gifts!
I’ve recently become hooked on mini albums. Using this as a binding system would be so much easier. I could make even more albums.
I have tried making books and notebooks by hand but it does take a lot of time so this machine would make it a whole lot easier. Would love to own one!
*waving* Hi Amber! I’ve never made a notebook before – I always used to buy them, but I love the fact that you said they make a quick and great gift. Motivates to definitely hustle and save up some dollars to purchase this 🙂