Custom Notebooks {Back to School Project!}

A couple weeks ago I shared this fun tutorial over at illistyle...and today I'm sharing it here!

Speaking of illistyle, did you see the CUTE Tropical Fantel (that's Faux Mantel, of course!) that April from illistyle shared here yesterday?? If not, go check it out! 

This Summer has been (and will continue to be!) a busy time for me! I've gone on a few trips and a handful of ladies retreats. Busy AND fun! These Custom Notebooks were made for 5 friends who I had the joy of spending a weekend retreat with. This project is easy and inexpensive and makes for great gifts, party favors or back to school goodies for the students (or teachers!) in your life. 

To make a Custom Notebook, start with a simple composition notebook, 4 sheets of scrapbook paper (I used two coordinating papers for each notebook), a roll of crafting tape, washi tape or paper tape and a glue stick!

1) For this project, you'll leave the existing black binding in place. To start, trace the cover (from the edge of the binding, on) of your notebook onto the back of one piece of scrapbook paper 2) Cut this template out and use it to make 3 more equally sized pieces from your remaining paper 3) Take the glue stick and apply it to the front cover of the notebook and press one sheet of cut paper onto it 4) Open the notebook and repeat that process to the inside of the front cover (using a coordinating paper) 5) Take your washi tape (or similar product) and bind the three edges. Repeat the entire process on the back cover!

I chose to make each of the five notebooks in varying combinations of paper and tape....because, well, I like the whimsy of mixing patterns and colors! 

These turned out to be the perfect gifts to take on my retreat, but I may make a few more for myself. I think they are super fun!

Do you have school supply shopping to do this year? As a kid, that was my favorite part of school. Hands down.

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