DIY Journal Planner Notebook

A Composition Notebook Redesign!

"A great DIY journal that can be super stylish and even better than those extra fancy expensive designer journals just aren't in the normal budget!"

A DIY journal or notebook can be super stylish! Plus, it’s a great option when a fancy designer journal just isn’t in the budget. I’ll show you how to completely transform an ordinary composition notebook with supplies you probably already have!

I’ve had this post on the back burner from a couple of months, and I’m so excited that I can finally share it with you today! One of the most exciting times in my journaling/planner routine is breaking into a brand new one! I now keep a stash of high-quality notebooks around so I’m always prepared to start a new one when the need strikes. But what if you’re brand new to journaling or planner-ing (is that even a word...? well it is now!🙃😉🤣💜) Or on a tight budget? Investing in those designer notebooks can be intimidating. You might not want to drop a pile of cash right now, especially if you’re not sure if this is going to be your jam! They can average $10-20 each! These can cost you between $.50-$2.00 each! 🙃

I’m going to show you how to transform a boring composition notebook into a stylish DIY journal book you can use for planning, Bullet Journaling, studying, doodling, daily journaling, scrapbooking, junk journal, creative writing, or anything else that strikes your fancy!

I have a real soft spot for those all-too-familiar black marble composition notebooks. Not only can you find them everywhere, but they’re the quintessential blank slate for making a DIY journal. You can customize everything from the cover to the index, or even add pockets to the covers.  They’re also lightweight, inexpensive, B5 sized (which is super comfy for writing) and the paper gets a wonderful crinkly quality after it’s been used for a while. There just something about these notebooks I love! Ahhhhhh stationary! 🙃💜

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DIY Journal Planner Notebook

A Composition Notebook Redesign

Materials:

These are the materials I used, but they definitely aren’t the only options. Start with what you have on hand, then switch things up with new materials or color combinations.

• Composition notebook The lined versions are everywhere! I prefer the college ruled and sometimes the wide ruled depending on what I am using them for. You can usually find them in stores for less than a buck. Some folks prefer grid or dot ruled paper for journaling as well. Best time to stock up is on the back to school sales! You can score them 2/$1.00 some places!

• Mod Podge or double sided tape I normally use the paper craft formula or the dishwasher safe because those are what I normally have on hand. But I really like using the thin double sided tape since it doesn't involve dry time... I can be inpatient! 🤣

• Scrapbooking paper or gift wrap I used scrapbook paper here. I love the different designs and colors it comes it, and its so versitile! Have left over wrapping paper that isn't big enough to wrap an actual gift? This is the perfect time to use it! Add a piece o of printer paper on the back side if the wrapping paper isn’t thick enough to hide the marble pattern. This only enforces for you as well!

• Colored duct tape I found this pretty sparkly green at my local dollar store... It called my name and made me think DISNEY! And I knew it would match a few of my scrapbook paper designs I had on hand.

• A flat paintbrush Use one you don’t care about ruining. Remember, you’ll be dipping it in glue!

• A sponge brush

• Scissors

• A sharp craft knife

• A cutting mat or board I finally bought a healing mat for my craft table since I do a lot of cutting, but you can also use a small one designed for paper crafts (they sell them at the dollar stores now, or you can use a cut cardboard box just to protect the table you are using. (Trust me; I have been there with my "Oh 💩" moment, lol)

Directions:

Step 1: 

Start by covering the composition book with a thin layer of Mod Podge, double sided tape or adhesive of your choice. If using tape; place down tape on all edges, and a few in the center. If you're using Mod Podge you need to work quickly so the glue doesn’t dry and smooth out with your sponge brush. Smooth...smooth...smooth! Pay special attention to the edges of the notebook so the paper sticks well on the outside edges. If your decorative paper is thick enough and won't show the composition marbling through you can skip to Step 2 from here.

💡 CWT tip: To avoid getting glue on your pages, hold the cover away from the rest of the notebook while you coat the edges with glue. Smooth everything with your sponge brush.

*If your decorative paper is a light in color, or if it’s not very thick, you’ll need a white layer to hide the marble pattern; while your glue/Mod Podge is still wet, apply a sheet of white printer paper to the front of your notebook. Start at the spine and smooth outward, paying special attention to the edges. Give everything a good once over to make sure you have a smooth application with no air bubbles. Every inch of the paper should be firmly adhered to avoid problems later on. Repeat on the back cover and allow everything to dry for at least two hours before moving on. Otherwise, you can skip the white paper and dive straight in with your decorative paper; skipping on over to step 3.

Once your notebook 1st layer is completely dry; using a craft knife, trim around and right up next to the covers edge to the front cover of the notebook to remove the excess paper. Repeat on the back cover with the same method. Now you should have a white composition notebook with clean, trimmed edges.

Step 2:

Finally, it’s time for the star of the show! I have a few books of scrapbook paper on hand that I grab when they are on clearance at my local craft store or on the ZON! You can use wrapping paper scraps if you have some, or any crafting style paper you would like.

You can even make a matching pen and paperclip set... I'll post that tutorial next! 😉

💡 CWT tip: If you’re using gift wrap, you’ll need to cut your paper down to a size you can work with.

Just like you did in Step 1, apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge over the white paper layer. Work quickly so your glue doesn’t dry up before you’re finished applying it. Remember to smooth it with your sponge brush. Smooth, smooth!

Step 3:

While your glue is still wet (I know I’ve already said it, but it’s really important that your glue is thin, even, and wet. Otherwise, your paper won’t adhere correctly and trust me that can become frustrating), apply  your decorative paper sheet, starting at the spine and working your way outward. Once your pretty paper is safely applied to both sides of the notebook, let the whole thing set for 2 hours.

💡 CWT tip: If you notice your notebook warping while it dries, you can place a heavy book on it to coax it back into shape.

I personally prefer to use the taping method so I don't have to wait in the drying of the Mod Podge. I will fold over the long edge first, the corners and then the smaller edges over the inside edge of the notebook wrapping the covers edges and pasting or taping the inner paper edges on the inside of the cover. If you prefer to use the craft knife method, trim around and right up next to the covers edge to the front cover of the notebook to remove the excess paper. Repeat on the back cover.

Step 4:

Cut a piece of matching or semi matching paper to cover the inside of the front and back cover. Repeat steps 1 thru 3 to apply. This will leave a finished look to the inside cover. You can stop here or add a pocket if you wish.

Adding a pocket - cut matching designed paper or card stock 3" smaller from the outside edge of the notebooks long edge. Apply a thin line of glue around the three edges of the paper, and apply to the cover starting from the spine of the notebook pushing forward to smooth out any air bubbles. Let dry completely.

Step 5:

Once everything is nice and dry, go around the edges again with your craft knife to remove the excess paper.

Step 6 (optional):

Coat the whole notebook with one more layer of Mod Podge to seal everything.  Pay special attention to the edges again since that’s where you’re most likely to get lifting. This can happen being thrown in a back pack or bag all the time, and just from normal wear and tear of using a notebook. Having an extra layer of Mod Podge also gives it a little more durability against sticky-fingers and accidental coffee spills. The Mod Podge paper formula also doesn't leave it sticky or shiny.

Step 7:

Now that your notebook is covered, let’s take care of the spine. You can cover the spine with colored duct tape that matches your paper. It may take more than one strip to cover the entire spine depending on what kind of notebook you are using. Smooth any air bubbles and trim the top and bottom edges with your scissors.

And Voila! 💜

A beautiful DIY journal that’s ready for all your big ideas. Grid-lined notebooks are great for Bullet Journaling, planning, travel journaling, and even doodling. These make great gifts for teachers, writers, teenagers and budding entrepreneurs. Don't forget to come back for the matching pen and paperclip tutorial. Makes great gift sets for the holidays, birthdays and more! 😉

Wondering about that little black loop holding the pen on... Check back soon... I will be posting that super simple tutorial too! 😉

You'll be adding them to EVERYTHING!

"This is a fantastic tutorial, Tammy. I sell fabric covered composition notebook over on Etsy. I would add to pay particular attention to the edges and make sure they are firmly glued down. As you use this notebook the edges take a beating and the paper will lift if not firmly secured. If that happens you can always put tape around the edge, from the outside folded over to the inside — this will give added protection and a cute edge."

CWT is not a certified dietician or nutritionist. Any nutritional information shared on this site is an estimate counted through measurements and package nutritional information used in each recipe. If calorie, macro counting and other nutritional values are important to you, I recommend running the ingredients through your choice of nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary depending on national brands used per recipe.