DIY Trendy Journal from a Composition Notebook

Do you love to journal, keep notes, or are you a listing maker? Boy do I have a great project for you today! Trendy notebook journals  are lots of fun to make. I discovered this project last year. My Trailer Accessories blog  featured one of these Trendy Journal Notebooks. This was also a feature at some bazaars I did last year. They were such a hit. The best part is that they are easy to make, inexpensive, they make great presents and are very useful. You can use them everyday for both work or school and keeping notes of my Fun Stuff Craft projects.

I mentioned that I made some of these for a bazaar. I think they were such a hit because I sold the trendy notebook journals for only $10 each. The composition notebooks are .88 cents at Wal-Mart, and during back to school, you can even find them for less. This is a great project to use up some of your scrapbook paper. You only need two sheets of 12×12  paper for the project and you will completelty use both of the sheets.

So let’s get started. I have a video tutorial for you here, and below I have a step back step tutorial.

Step 1 – Measure Paper

The first step I do is measure my journal. The standard size of the composition notebook I use is 9 3/4 by 7 1/2. I recommend that you always double check the size. My dad always said measure twice and cut once! You only need to measure the height of the notebook.

Step 2 – Cut Paper

Once you have measured your paper add 1/4 inch to the measurement. It is always better to cut a little bigger and then trim. I then use my exact-o knife and cutting mat to cut both sheets of paper at the same time.

Step 3 – Apply Tape to Cover

Now it is time to apply the double-sided tape to the cover. You will want to cover all four corners of the front cover and then apply tape to the inside of the front cover.

Step 4 – Remove Tape Cover

Once the tape is all in place on the front cover, you are ready for the next step. Peel back the protective cover that will expose the sticky side. Remove all cover strips for the tape.

Step 5 – Adhere Cover

The next step is to adhere the cover. You will want to be very careful laying down the paper on the taped cover. I lined up the side of the paper next to the binding and laid it straight. Then carefully lay the rest of the paper down on the taped cover.

Once the paper is down and in place, I use my scraper to adhere the paper to the cover.

Step 6 – Adhere Inside Front Cover

The next step is to finish the inside of the front cover. I like to turn over the journal and crease the inside cover.

Then you will apply tape for the inside cover. Remove tape cover and fold over the paper to finish off the cover.

Step 7 – Trim Front Cover Edges

Once you have the front cover you will want to trim the edges. I use my Cricut Ruler, Cricut Exacto Knife, and Cricut Self Healing Mat for this step.

Step 8 – Adhering Front Cover Pocket

Now we will be attaching the front cover pocket. The excess paper that you trimmed off in step 2 will be used for the pocket. Trim the strip of paper to 10 inches. Then apply tape to three of the sides of the excess piece of paper. The two short ends and one long side. The long side of the paper that has tape on it will be placed down first next to the inside binding. Then trim off any excess paper from the pocket.

Step 9 – Back Cover

Repeat steps 3 through 8 for back cover.

Step 10 – Trim Corners

Using my We R Memory Makers Corner Chopper, I curve all four corners. I feel that this gives a finished look to the journal.

Step 11 – Apply Tag

It is always fun to pick out a saying for the front of the cover. So many of the scrapbook paper packets come with tags. I usually look for packs that come with the tags. You could also make a tag. I like to use my Corner Chopper on the tags too! Then I apply some double-sided tape and apply it to the front cover.

The Finished Product!

And there you have it, a classy and trendy notebook journal. There are so many uses for these journals. Here are a few more that I have made. The positive sayings on the front of these journals are my favorite part!

Did I  inspire you to create today? I would love to hear from you. Send me pictures of your journals! Until next time, thanks for joining me today at Fun Stuff Crafts, where we get inspired to create!