While searching for ideas on what handmade gifts I could give some friends and family members this Christmas, I saw an article on decorating notebooks in an old Family Fun magazine. And then I thought, hey – my daughter could totally help me make these (everything is cuter when a kid helps make it) and I’ve got blank notebooks in my crafting stash!
I had wisely picked up a pack of 6 small notebooks with plain white covers at Hobby Lobby when they were 90% off after summer; I think they were part of their VBS stuff that they were trying to get rid of. Definitely a good move on my part!
So instead of creating some notebooks with sailboat pictures like the article suggested (BORING), I grabbed some leftover letter stickers I had from when I put together our play room, along with some butcher paper and wash tape, and the girl and I went to work making monogrammed notebooks.
They were so easy as long as you’ve got all the materials on hand.
Here’s what you need:
- Notebooks (even if it’s got a decorated cover, you can glue over it, so check those $1 bins!)
- Crafting glue (I prefer acid free glue from Helmar; it doesn’t cause paper to wrinkle and dries clear)
- Butcher paper or scrapbook paper
- Washi tape
- Letter stickers
- Ruler
Here’s how you do it:
- Trace your cover onto the butcher paper. Cut out shape, making sure to cut a straight line along where the spine of the notebook goes (I used a paper trimmer to get it straight).
- Spread glue on your notebook cover.
- Smooth the butcher paper on top of the cover, matching up corners. Use a ruler to smooth out the glue and squeeze out any excess, while also getting rid of bubbles.
- You can let it dry for a bit or move on to the next step. I waited a few minutes (my glue sets really quickly) and put something heavy on top of it to help with curling.
- Put washi tape along the spine of the notebook (or anywhere else you please!)
- Put a letter sticker on the cover.
Boom. So easy.
Here’s a little video tutorial:
We made one for Mia’s aunt and uncle (because what adult doesn’t need a notebook to jot down grocery lists, to-do lists, etc?) and some for her little friends in Preschool. If they love to color, write and draw as much as my almost 5-year-old, then they’ll be thrilled!