You can use cardboard, construction paper, or old maps. You can find images on the Internet. Print out 1 image to cover the entire notebook, or use your computer to make a collage of photos. You can select fabric like canvas, denim, or old T-shirts. You could also paint a separate sheet on paper and glue it onto the cover. You can use duct tape and stick it onto the cover.
You can cut out a cover for the front and a cover for the back separately, or cut out a size that would fit both the front and back cover in one piece. Be sure to lay your book open flat if you are covering both sides.
If the cover is too big, trim it down so it fits the size of your notebook. If it is too small, you can cut out another cover or improvise with other accessories, like ribbon or stickers. If you are using fabric, use fabric scissors for sharp, straight lines.
Avoid applying too much glue on your cover. It will take a long time to dry and create a mess. Try to use thin, even layers.
If any edges aren’t sticking completely, apply a tiny dab of glue in between the cover and your notebook, and rub both layers together. You can rub the cover a few times to make sure it’s securely applied.
Liquid glue will take the longest to dry. It will dry in about 2 hours, but it is recommended to wait 24 hours for it to dry entirely. Glue sticks and hot glue guns usually have quick drying times, taking only about 1-2 minutes. If you painted your cover, your paint may take up to 1 hour to dry.
You can glue on a notecard or paper scrap before you write on your cover, if you wish.
You could use liquid glue or a glue stick. You can cover as much of the notebook as you like to personalize your notebook.
You can also partially cover the pictures you’ve glued onto the notebook, for a layered effect. You can also make your own stickers and put them on your notebook. Try using 3-D stickers, too!
You can also save some open space and add drawings later.
If you’re using fabric, you can apply it to your notebook by dabbing glue to the outside edges. Then, stick your fabric to your glue spots. Using a hot glue gun or fabric glue is recommended. If you are using washi tape, peel off the tape from the roll and apply it to the edge of your notebook, like you would a sticker. Apply washi tape in long pieces or in small sections.
Add a few buttons or glue on a bunch!
You can put glitter on large surfaces, like the entire cover, or in small areas, like around your name. When you are dumping extra glitter, stand over a piece of paper or newspaper, and try to reuse the extras if you can. If not, dump your extra glitter into a trash can. This should take 3-5 minutes to dry fully. If your glitter keeps falling off, add a top layer of liquid glue or Mod Podge to seal it. Apply another layer of adhesive once the first layer is fully dry, after about 3-5 minutes.
You can create a border around your name or the edge of your journal by drawing a line with your polish’s brush. You can add polka dots to your cover by dabbing dots of polish around your notebook. Try drawing multiple lines to create stripes. You can make them straight, curvy, or zig-zag. Also, try using a few different nail polish colors to make the cover stand out.
Trace shapes onto your felt using stencils and a pencil, if that helps you. You can also create a cover out of felt, if you’d like.
You can apply your duct tape nearly anywhere on your notebook. The cover, back, inside covers, or even individual pages.
Try origami shapes, candy bar wrappers, or trading cards.
