Composition Notebook into Ideas Book

In my attempt to streamline my creative processes I found myself needing one book or journal for my ideas, currently stored in many places and on numerous scraps of paper.

On my recent trip to American I picked up some composition notebooks as I'd seen some wonderful projects done with them and thought that they maybe the solution to my problem. This video is how I covered the notebook to turn it into a book more reflective of my personality and not just a plain composition notebook.

Happy Crafting
Ceri

FaceBook @Ceri Griffiths Creative Designs

[bettylongshore]

This is exactly what I had my students us for their science notebooks! In the back, I had them put glue along the bottom and along the side of one page and then stick in to the page in front of it. That was their pocket for keeping up with unfinished work. We either worked in our notebooks or glued it They are great notebooks. I kept one also to use as a model for the students. Sometimes, I would tie 1/8" ribbons around my spine for decorations - not necessary - just pretty. Some followed suit and did the same thing. Oh, at times I would run a small bead of glue down the stitching, but usually that was all that was necessary to help our books make it through the school year. They used one per semester!!! I am rambling on like a mad woman, sorry! I just love composition

[bartendersdaughter]

Greetings from Chicago 🎉I hope you enjoyed your visit!

[SaraH-ztek]

I love this! I stock up when I find these books for 50 cents. They help me keep my life organized. Can't wait to make decorative coverings.

[phyllisknoll]

Superb job Geri! You are a joy to watch. Thank you very much. 🙏

[emmawarren]

Thank You so much Ceri for sharing your composition book craft ideas. I find it easier to watch videos like yours to help get ideas for my own creations.

[sislertx]

I love the little ones..lists and notes to stuff in a pocket or purse.

[deborahbeatty]

I pick these up at my local office supply place during back to school sales for about 50 cents. I usually get 6 or 8 of them at a time. Never really thought of gussying them up for myself, thanks Ceri! Oh and to clean scissors I use crumpled aluminum foil. Just cut through a few times, then cut through some waxed paper to lubricate. Works for me like a charm.

[thecrafteaneighbor]

Hi Ceri! When I was a teen, way back in the early 70s, I covered a composition book with material and decorated some of the inside to make a journal. I used it, too, and still have it tucked away in my grandmother's cedar chest. I was delighted when I saw you using one in this video. ☺ Hope yours endures as long as mine has! Have a wonderful rest of your week! Sue ♥

[ludmilaschicchi]

Great idea. So many possible uses. And a cute gift for back to school grandchildren.

[lynnlebedda]

Love this idea. Thank-you for showing when and how to use double sided tape.My nieces will be getting these for back to school in Sept..

[ultraviolet]

Ceri, I've seen a few videos where the glue was applied only along the three edges of the page before gluing the two pages together. This way, you don't get the wrinkling and buckling. Like you said, though, if you're going to use it as a glue book, it doesn't really matter because you'd be covering the pages up with more paper or collage, etc. Love the way you decorated this one! TFS!

[darleneferree]

I hav used these notebooks just to do my morning journaling while drinking that first cup of coffee. I covered mine with pics from outdated calendars which made them look better but not as better as yours! You took yours to a whole new level-loved the colors & it made it look like a journal not a store bought composition book!

[robinsismai]

Your journal is gorgeous! those papers!! You can also use essential oils to clean your scissors, bonus, they smell good!

[zanne]

I would suggest that, after your carpet tape is down, you can add a nice layer of the glue stick on top, which will slow down the immediate “stick” of the tape. There may be a slight warp to the paper, but I have found that using the scraper will smooth all that out as it dries, and it’s worth it for the wiggle room it affords. You can also add gaffer’s tape which comes in black to the spine if it’s not as straight or as wide or as strong as you would like, in case the sharpie trick doesn’t work. I don’t like the white strip on the inside covers so I color those in with black sharpie before I glue down the covers. I personally use xyron instead of double sided tape and use glue stick to manage the immediate stick down. I also cut my papers an inch too tall and wide and trim the paper to fit the cover to avoid having to line up the edges perfectly. I have taught myself to use the cover edge as a ruler, and trim paper to fit with my scalpel, as I find it easier than dealing with a ruler, too. As long as I go slowly, it works. Once the paper is on and smooth, I do 2 additional steps - I use an acrylic nail emery board or sanding block and smooth the paper into the covers, just at the edge. That’s not to distress but to make the paper become one with the covers. After that’s done and wiped off, I use fat black sharpie to edge the cover edges on all 3 sides - it makes the cardboard color turn black and I think makes the covers look more finished. Again, I go slowly and don’t press down hard so my pen doesn’t slip off the edge and mark the paper. Beautiful work u did, and TFS.

[vanessabroad]

Another fantastic idea - great to see those pages put to use after you printed them. Love those colour combos.

[kathyfarnsworth]

Thank you for showing step by step how to do the cover. Have a great day

[lindapark]

I have covered composition notebooks before, but liked seeing how you did it. I have also used gesso to cover the colorful covers, then decoupaged Tim Holtz collage tissue. When the tissue is totally dry, I remove the excess with sandpaper going down and away from the cover for a clean edge. Added a few washes of color for a fun cover.

[jackieroberts]

Excellent presentation or a great idea.

[cherylg.]

Very nice. I use them every day to make notes lists etc. Now I have to personalize them!!

[gladysward]

Pleased to see this, as I need a notebook, too. Wish the covers were as sturdy as they were when I was in school, but then the pages were fewer. I will pick one up at the local dollar star and alter it so the pages will be thicker and the cover prettier. Thanks, Ceri. 📕