This post will show step-by-step instructions on how to professionally cover a blank notebook. This concept can be adapted to any notebook you have on hand - if you have older kids let them try covering those black and white marbelized composition notebooks for school - and they'll make something as unique and clever as they are!
To start, cut a piece of patterned paper 1" larger than the notebook base. Here, the area to cover on this notebook from Target, measures 3-1/2" x 6-1/4". So I cut the patterned paper (Crate Paper- Cotton Candy) 4-1/2" x 7-1/4". Cut another piece for the notebook inside 1/4" smaller than the covered area dimensions (this second piece measures 3-1/4" x 6").
Cover the front of the notebook with adhesive of choice.
Lay the larger piece of patterned paper over the adhesive and burnish into place, then flip over. Trim corners as shown, but do not trim too close to the corners. Leave a bit of paper.
Fold down the top and bottom flaps and burnish into place.
Using a bone folder or similar tool, neatly tuck in the excess paper as shown.
Fold over the side flap. The corner will look like this. Repeat for the other corner.
Adhere the smaller piece of patterned paper to the notebook inside. Looks good, eh? But let's kick it up a notch! Let's make a pocket!
Cut a piece of cardstock to the height desired plus 3/4", and cut to the width of the inside plus 1-1/2". Score 3/4" in on three sides (bottom and the two sides), as shown. Use a circle punch and notch the pocket top.
Trim the corners of the pocket at an angle, as shown. If you trim at an angle, they will lay neatly and not bump into each other when folding on the score line.
Fold in the scored sides and apply adhesive of choice to the flap backs.
Burnish into place and presto! A pocket!
Next: coloring. Stamp Lockhart #2030 Knit One Purl Two twice onto white cardstock. Using Nestabilities dies punch one image out. On the punched image, color one ball of yarn, knitting needles & shade the whole image. On the other image, color in two balls of yarn then cut out. Adhere cut balls of yarn to punched image with dimensionals.
Gather other materials to complete the notebook outside - I used Nestabilities Rectangle Scallops and punched one piece with Craft-a-Board and another using Memory Box Cotton Candy, then adhered them together. By adding the Craft-a-Board, it gives weight to the notebook, and provides a desired thickness to the base/bottom layer (the green scalloped square layer is the back of the Crate Paper, and the red is Memory Box Persimmon).
Finished notebook closeup.
When you find blank notebooks like these at Target, try and buy a few - they sure make quick and easy gifts for those hard-to-buy-for folks on your list. Thank you for stopping by!
supplies: 2030 Knit One Purl Two Lockhart Stamp Company stamp; Craft-a-Board, Solar White cardstock; decorative paper; Persimmon and Cotton Candy Memory Box cardstocks; Copic markers; Nestabilities dies; charm; foam dimensionals; ribbon.
