Hello there! I’m so giddy about my latest diy project and although it’s not revolutionary, it’s the kind of project that puts a big smile on my face.
After spending boat loads of money over the years buying fancy notebooks and journals, I finally decided to get crafty and make my own designer notebooks.
Since I have a deep love for beautiful paper, this project centered around some of my favorite patterns, colors and designs. I used geometric prints, damask patterns, leather and snakeskin designs and of course bright colors were part of the mix.
The snake skin and embossed croco embossed papers below are actually sheets of vinyl that I found on sale at Michaels for .75 cents.
These diy notebooks were super simple to make and required just a few supplies:
* Notebooks–most of the notebooks I covered I found at HomeGoods but I also covered Composition Notebooks which you can find at any office supply store, Wal-Mart or Target for around .50 cents. The mini notebooks came from Ikea (2/$1.00). This Etsy shop also has a great selection of plain kraft notebooks.
* Decorative paper–you can use scrapbook paper, thick wrapping paper, vinyl sheets and even pages from a book. Most of my decorative scrapbook paper came from Micheals.
* Permanent glue tape–I use my Glue Glider Pro which made applying the tape quick and easy–available from Amazon
* Exacto Knife and Scissors
* Blank Labels and Sticker Letters–available at Michaels
How to:
To cover each book, open the notebook, lay it flat and trace the outline of the notebook onto the backside of your paper. Cut the paper with your scissors.
Apply glue tape to the front of the notebook first and adhere your paper to the front cover. Next, apply glue tape to the spine of the notebook and wrap the paper around towards the back.
Apply glue tape to the back cover of the notebook and secure the paper in place. It’s that easy. You can also cover the inside of the front and back cover if you want.
Finally, apply a label to the front of each notebook and add a sticker monogram to personalize it.
As an added detail, I UpStyled the larger notebooks with metal corner protectors.
I’m on a notebook making marathon because halfway through making a few for myself I realized what great handmade Christmas gifts they’d make.
Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you’re inspired to make your own designer notebooks.
What a great way to get a designer look for less- I love this!
I stopped by from Inspiration Monday.
Hi Jessy,
Thanks for stopping by the blog and for the comment.
Have a great week.
Shelly
How cute! These would make such good stocking stuffers.
Thanks Lisa for stopping by the blog and for the sweet comment.
Shelly
Very cute! Love your choice of covers – the designs are fab!
Thanks Kristen.
Shelly
They’re gorgeous Shelly! One day, when my life slows down I’m going to have to do this. We’ve found our home and now we’re in the negotiating part so my time is about to be taken up with DIY and decorating but I always make sure to take a minute to see what you’re up to and I’m NEVER disappointed. I may not have time to comment much but I do have time to read what you’ve written. I love these notebooks.
Hi Dana,
I am so happy that you have found your home and am excited for your new decorating adventures. I truly appreciate your loyal following of the blog and every comment you take time to leave.
It always brightens my day.
As you begin the decorating process and have any design questions, just email and note and I’ll share solutions/ideas in my Design Chat series.
Shelly
Hi Dana,
I’m so happy that you have found your home and will have lots of decorating fun ahead. Thank you for being such a loyal follwer of the blog and for taking the time to leave comments. You comments brighten my day. As you begin decorating your new home and have design questions, just shoot me an email and I’ll address them and provide ideas in my new Design Chat series.
Shelly
These are so cute. They also look so fun to make. I love the embossed Croc notebook. Think I’ll make Cass a couple to take when she leaves for school.
Have fun making your notebooks.
Shelly
Shelly,
What a great idea! I have tons of scrapbook paper and those would be just a cute idea with these birch bark pencils I want to make!
Happy day friend!
karianne
Thanks for stopping by the blog. Can’t wait to see your birch bark pencils.
Shelly
Shelly, the notebooks are so pretty. You should put a few in your Etsy shop.
I love them.
Thanks Marsha. I’m planning on adding a few to my shop.
Hope its a little cooler for you today.
Shelly