Using patterned paper to change the look of the book.
"Hey there, cutie pie." A simple way to re-cover a composition notebook is to tape or glue patterned paper right over it. In fact, that's just what I did for this easy project using a Kawaii Dreams paper pad by Recollections.
Supplies and Stuff
These are the items I used to re-cover my composition notebook:
Composition notebook. I had a composition notebook I bought from the Dollar Tree some years ago. I hoard notebooks, but at least I use them.
Patterned paper. I used a few sheets from a Kawaii pad I bought a year ago.
Double-sided tape. I used a tape runner to adhere the paper onto the covers. Tear tape or glue would work as well.
Scissors. I used scissors to cut off the excess paper.
Ribbon. I used some ribbon to make a simple bow to add to the front cover.
Glue. I used E-6000 to adhere the ribbon, after tied into a bow, onto the cover. Any glue would work for adhering the ribbon and/or paper onto the cover.
Choosing the Paper
I sometimes buy a few Hot Buy 12x12 paper pads when there's a buy one, get 2 free sale at Michael's. I decided to use some sheets of paper from my Kawaii Dream paper pad by Recollections.
When I'm searching through the Hot Buy paper pads at Michael's, I specifically look for the ones that have smaller designs that I can cut out for use in a greeting card, journal spread, or on a notebook cover.
I pulled 2 sheets of a strawberry-like pattern paper that I wanted to use for the front and back covers of my composition notebook. I also pulled one sheet of 4 smaller designs because I wanted to use the design with the Kawaii strawberries on the front cover.
Taping Paper onto the Front Cover
I ran my tape runner over the edges and down the center of the front cover. I then carefully placed my patterned paper along the edge of the cover and bind of the notebook.
When the paper appeared to line evenly along the edges, I pressed the paper onto the cover, making sure to run my fingers over the taped areas.
I then cut a small design from a sheet and taped that over the front cover. I didn't give much thought to where I should've placed it, but at least it looked good once it was adhered onto the cover.
Removing Excess Paper
Once the paper was securely adhered onto the cover, I used scissors to cut the excess. I opened the cover and made sure the blades of the scissors lined up with the cover's edge. Doing so ensured a relatively straight, clean cut.
However, it wasn't a perfect cut, but I was able to trim the paper to make it look more even along the edges. I probably could've used a rounded punch for the corners, but I didn't think of it at the time.
Don't Forget the Back Cover
I almost forgot about the back cover when I did this simple project. I just wanted to say if you attempt to do this project, don't forget the back cover!
Adding a Bow
The re-covered notebook looked good as-is, but I decided to add a bow to the front cover. I had a pink with brown polka dot ribbon to use. I simply cut the ribbon, tied it into a bow, and cut the ends to make it look OK.
I used E-6000 to adhere the bow onto the front cover. I applied the glue onto several areas of the bow because I didn't want it to fall off or become untied once I started using the notebook.
My Thoughts
This was quick (less than 10 minutes), easy, and required few items. I bet my dogs could do this if they had thumbs (but I think my little dog is the type to run with scissors). Well, at least I think this was an easy project.
What's Next?
If you're looking for an easy way to spruce up your notebook, this is one way you can consider doing to do just that. Stickers work well, too.
Login and Sign up to share how you currently or may one day redesign your notebook covers.
If you're interested in future craft posts, Subscribe below to be notified when those and other posts are available.
Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
Comments