Finally, a cheap DIY gift that your loved ones won't think is a hot mess.

As a college student, I could always use a little more money in my pocket, especially to get the perfect holiday gift for my friends and family. In years past, I'd tried so many DIY presents in order to save money. My loved ones were always grateful, don't get me wrong, but it felt like being five years old again and presenting a mediocre-at-best art project. I felt ashamed. They deserve better than a looks like a macaroni necklace.

As I was scrambling to find gifts for my family, searching Pinterest (as always), I saw so many projects that looked good but required me to go out and buy several pricey things I didn't already have in my house. My interest is filled with bullet journal spreads, so I thought, why not make a gift with my journaling supplies?

Here's what you'll need:

• Dotted or grid journal paper. Any kind of paper will do, really, but the dots/grid help you to visualize where certain elements should go in order for it to be symmetrical and look the best it can. This paper will be our card. A good ruler will do in a pinch!

• Magazines and/or a paper pad. I got my paper pad from Michael's. It's the Colorbök Flea Market Signature Paper Pad. I always get the 12x12 size. With magazines, just flip though a magazine that is along the lines of whatever theme you're looking to create. Look at my dad's card that I made. Even patterns that you wouldn't normally think about, like a leather suitcase, can be great material.

• Adhesive. Elmer's school glue to my (preferred) tape runner, it should work. If you're working with magazine cutouts instead of paper, though, be sure to steer clear from the Elmer's school glue. A glue stick or tape runner would be best.

• Pens, markers, etc. You could realistically do a card like the one labeled "Carsyn" below with only a black pen.

• Washi tape (optional). No one really needs washi tape, but our lives are so much better with it.

The next step is to simply fold a dotted or grid journal page in half, making it look like a card that opens. Glue, tape, and

otherwise attach your decorative paper or magazine cutouts to the paper. Experiment with different placements and patterns. Google a calligraphy tutorial so you can write their name in a fancy way. It also helps if you write something super sassy and sentimental inside (lol).