I love blank notebooks and journals and have all sorts of them. I use them to sketch out art ideas, to track what I plant in the garden, to organize items for my house, class notes, favorite quotes, etc. However, they can get a bit pricey so I decided to create my own.
Supplies
Composition Notebooks
Back-to-school time typically has the best price so I stocked up.
Paper
I used 4 sheets of coordinating paper (2 of one pattern and 2 of another). Depending upon the size of
your book, you can use 12x12 or 8 1/2 x 11 scrapbook paper or decorative wrapping paper. For best
results use a heavier paper.
Glue & Paint Brush or Foam Brush (1 inch)
You can use rubber cement, Mod Podge or tacky glue. I found the easiest to use was Mod Podge.
Just put it on thinly so it doesn't buckle the paper. If it does, just wait till it dries to continue - it usually flattens itself out then.
Just put it on thinly so it doesn't buckle the paper. If it does, just wait till it dries to continue - it usually flattens itself out then.
1. Measure Your Notebook
Height and Width of front cover.
2. Cut Your Paper
Outside Pieces - add 2-3 inches to your width and height and cut two (2) pieces.
Inside Pieces - for the inside of each cover. Subtract 1 inch from your width and height and cut two (2) pieces.
Spine - Cut one piece 3 inches wide and the height of the notebook.
My measurements were: Outside 9x11, Inside 9x7, Spine 3x9 3/4
3. Outside Cover
Using Mod Podge and paintbrush, glue paper to front cover. Align one side of the paper to the edge of the spine and smooth out (make sure to have overlap on the three remaining sides - you will fold these over). Repeat for back cover.
4. Inside Edge
Turn over book, fold in the edges of paper on the top and bottom. Glue down. Then fold over the paper on the sides of the book and glue down. (This will create a square edge)
5. Inside Covers
Align your inside piece so it covers the edges of folded over paper on the inside cover. Glue and smooth. Repeat.
6. Spine
Center the piece to cover the spine of the book. Glue down and then close up the book smoothing down the paper on the spine. (don't let the spine dry when the book is opened flat as you need a little wiggle room to close the book)
Hint: To help the paper lay flat as it's drying, you can place something heavy (I used a covered brick) to weigh it down and keep it flat.
Optional - you can gently brush Mod Podge over all the sides and edges for some additional strength. Do it in sections and let it dry thoroughly in between.
7. Decorate
This is where you can have fun and be all sorts of creative! You can leave them plain or decorate them with layered paper, ribbon, buttons, flowers or other embellishments. You can also add a label or your favorite verse.
Happy Creativity!
Love, Steph
