A Simple Altered Notebook and Move: Complete (almost)

Now that I am “moving” blogs I am kicking myself! LOL Sheesh, I did not realize how much info really was on my other blog and how hard it is to “virtually move”. Wow. I am still working on getting all the tips and techniques moved over. That might have to wait until next month. For now, my new blog here is functional, with some new sections as I divided the blogs I read into more sections (broke out the Challenges and Manu Blogs) and added a Labels section. I love that last part the most. Now if you want to see a tutorial, you can click “tutorials” from the labels list and post like this one right here will come up. Yay!!!

I created this little altered notebook as a sample for a guest blog I did for Father's Day but we ended up not using it. Be it for Father's Day, Graduation, Back To School, a simple gift, or just a “the kids need something to do” project, altered notebooks are easy to make and personalize.

Altered notebooks or journals are an easy, yet meaningful, gift to create. You can pick up journals and notebooks in clearance aisles and “dollar spots” in discount stores. The decoration on the cover does not matter because it can be altered to fit any theme! Choose an icon or theme special to the person to whom you are giving the journal to give it that personal touch. My husband loves mountain biking so I created a biking journal for him. He may use it to write about trails he likes or record his racing times or he may just use it for notes. Either way, it is a custom journal I made from the heart. And it is easy too!

Supplies:

Notebook – Target (on clearance for about 25 cents)

Paper – Rusty Pickle

Cardstock – Bazzill

Ink – Chalk Ink by Colorbox

Gaffer’s Tape – 7Gypsies

Assembly:

1. Measure the cover of the book. Cut two pieces of paper to that size.

2. Adhere the paper to front and back covers of the book.

3. Cut out a sentiment or image from the patterned paper. I chose a bicycle.

4. Adhere the sentiment or image to complimentary cardstock, trim, and adhere to front of book.

5. Add a title using rub-on letters.

6. Add book binding or gaffer’s tape to the spine of the book. This will help protect the edges of the patterned paper from tearing and it gives the notebook and finished look.

7. Ink the edges of the notebook.

I actually gave this notebook to Xaver right after Father's Day. He really liked it. It's not that it is a spectacular project–it is the thought and the personalization that counts. So if the kids are going wild or you're just looking for something to do with “the girls” on Friday night while you crop, pick up a few clearanced notebooks, grab an assortment of paper, and personalize!

Author: Jennifer Priest

It started with jewelry, beading, sewing, home decor, painting, basket weaving, pottery, and cross-stitch. Marry that to an entrepreneurial spirit & at 9 years old a girl is selling her wares at craft fairs as far as her parents and grandparents would drive her. These days, Jennifer enjoys crafts of all genres from sewing to scrapbooking to jewelry with a little dabbling in the mixed media world. Her style is approachable and she wants everyone who sees her work to feel that they too can embrace creativity and make their home and life beautiful.