You can say goodbye to the boring notebook case, similar to all the others you find around. The time has come to create yours! In this article we will talk about fabrics, washi tape, decoupage and more. Take a look at step 1 to make a truly original notebook case!
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Felt or Fabric
Step 1. Measure your notebook and cut the fabric of your choice
Any type of format is fine. Start measuring your back, back and front. Whatever number you get, add 16cm. You will need an extra piece of fabric to wrap it up later. Add 1.25cm from top to bottom. For example, if the notebook is 12.7x27.94cm, the final result will be 13.97cm wide and 48.26cm high.
- You can also use one or two pieces of fabric / felt. For felt, one is usually enough; for the fabric, it is advisable to use two pieces so that each side is perfect. If you choose this option, cut two pieces of fabric and sew them together, leaving the best part exposed.
- You could also use an old T-shirt!
Step 2. If you want to make a pen holder, take advantage of it now
(If you don't need it, skip this step.) Grab your favorite pen and cut a piece of felt about 7.5cm long, extending 2.54cm from both sides of the pen.
- Open the notebook and center it on the fabric. Wrap the walls of the notebook with the fabric. Decide where to connect the pen holder, mark the spot with a washable marker. You should draw a line along the edge of the right side.
- Cut a slit along this line.
- Insert the pen into the small rectangle of fabric to determine how snug it should be.
- Pin the edges and sew with the sewing machine. The ends should be slightly curved towards the crease at the edge.
- Cut off the excess material. Done!
Step 3. If you are going to sew a design on the front, you can now do it
After that it will be too late, because the flaps will be sewn! You could make shapes with leftover fabric or sew some cute buttons! Since fabric shapes need no explanation (cut the shape and sew), we'll talk about adding buttons:
- Apply a light dose of glue (just a little!) To the button. Stick it where you want on the case. Repeat for all the buttons, until you have obtained the desired design. Let it dry.
- Attach the buttons to the felt, with 2 or 3 stitches for each.
Step 4. Turn the case upside down on a flat surface
Fold the sides of the case inward and secure them with pins.
You may need to remeasure and check how big the tabs need to be
Step 5. Make a reinforcement stitch along the underside of the top cover
Cotton embroidery thread goes well with felt. Start on one corner and finish on the opposite, then repeat on the other side.
Manual stitching is fine too, it just takes more time and precision. Remember to stay within 6.35mm of each edge to leave room for your notebook
Step 6. Slide the notebook into the case
Tada!
Method 2 of 2: Explore the Extras
The following ideas are dedicated to those who already own a notebook cover and want to spice it up
Step 1. Use washi tape
As the only tape materials needed are a pair of scissors, the only drawback of this method could be the lack of accuracy and time involved. If you have an afternoon off, you can create a design that is simple to make, but still cute and impactful. Washi tape is like regular tape, only it has decorative patterns and is sturdy.
The idea is to have different templates to cut the ribbon into different geometric shapes (triangles, generally). One hundred pieces of tape carefully placed and combined will form a stunning abstract masterpiece. If you have a steady hand, give it a try
Step 2. Use your decoupage skills
Do you have beautiful colored paper? Or do you have some sheet music or an old book you can tear off? Any wrapping paper? Excellent. With a little glue stick, some paint (decoupage glue consists of 1 part water and 1 part white glue) and a brush, you are ready to go!
- Cut the paper into small pieces - or tear it for an aged effect. You can make it even more casual or patchwork style.
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Glue each piece to the cover, overlapping them slightly. Make sure that the pieces of paper on the edges wrap well around the sides, leaving no part of the original cover visible when the notebook is turned on.
Eliminate air bubbles, squeeze the pieces of paper well
- Apply one or two coats of paint to the composition when finished. Let it dry and that's it!
Step 3. Add your favorite quote
If your notebook cover is paper (on plastic it doesn't work), there is an easy way to make it unique: add your favorite quote!
- With Photoshop (or another similar program), write your favorite quote with the font and pattern you like best. Check that the dimensions match the size of your notebook cover.
- Print the sentence and glue it to the front of the notebook with clear tape. Make sure the tape doesn't cover any of the letters.
- Trace the letters with a ballpoint pen, pressing it down well. Check the edges to see if the ink has moved slightly, creating a stencil.
- Once you've finished tracing, remove the cover and tape.
- Paint the letters with acrylic paints. If you want, use a black permanent marker to trace the edges. Cover each letter with a layer of clear varnish to set the color and let dry.
Step 4. Add some glitter
If you have any doubts about the result, add some glitter. With decoupage glue and a brush, you can create some stunning glitter designs. Just apply glue to the cover where you want to add some color. Add the glitter and let it dry. Follow with the glue on the next area, add the glitter and again, let it dry. Repeat this for as many colors as you want!
A sponge brush works best, but a regular one will do as well. For the most difficult areas you can also use your fingers. Just keep a bowl of water and a towel nearby
Step 5. Finished
Things You Will Need:
Notebook
Optional materials:
- Felt
- Sewing accessories
- Scissors
- Washable marker
- Ruler
- Buttons
- Glitter
- Decoupage materials
- Washi tape
- Paper and acrylic colors
