How to make composition notebook into wonderful giftsamballi

I use composition notebooks for so many things. Composition notebook can be found at most stores. This is one of my favorite ways to make them for gifts and such. It looks more professionally done than the typical way of doing it. The edges on these are more polished and put together. Look at the finished project:

Here is how I make my regular, everyday altered journals: How to alter a composition notebook journal. The professionally done book is similar but has a few more steps. I am only going to demonstrate the additional steps in this post. Here is what you will need.

Supplies

• Composition Notebook
• Coordinating Cardstock
• Strong Adhesive such as Xyron 900 Permanent Adhesive , Krylon Spray Adhesive, or Snail Adhesive
• Paper Trimmer
• X-Acto 
• Ribbon
• Decorative elements

I have made many of these over the years and what I have discovered is that all composition notebooks are not equal in size. They vary from 1/5 of an inch to 1 1/4 inches. For that reason I am not providing measurements. When covering the front of the composition notebook you will need to have about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch excess on all sides.

I usually just eyeball it and cut off some of the excess.

The next step is to cut three snips around the corners just like this:

The next step is to put some of your glue or snail strip on the corner and begin folding those snips inward.

This will make the paper curve around the edges on the corner and give you one straight edge to glue down on each of the sides. Glue those down next.

Once they are all glued down this is what your corners and edges will look like. She’s pretty, huh? 

Then to make the inside look more polished simply glue a piece of paper in the center like this. Afterwards you can glue a more narrow strip along the edge on the inside. You will see it in one of the following photos.

Next, measure out a 4 inch strip to cover your side binding. Then we will place the binding cover on the side of the notebook. I start by placing it on the book (no glue) and get it how I want it and into that shape. Once the paper is shaped where I want to affix it then I add my snail adhesive to it and put it in place.

Next find some coordinating ribbon to make it even prettier. Once you have the ribbon you like wrap it around the book vertically and leave a few inches on each side for tying a bow. Use sticky strip to adhere it as shown.

Tie it into a bow and cut off the excess ribbon.

Inside:

Back:

From amballiss.com
I have been making these for years.