DIY Notebook Ideas – Back to School Supplies

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School is back in session! When I was younger I loved shopping for back to school supplies. But what was even more fun was decorating my new trapper keepers or covering my textbooks with colorful papers. The one thing I never really thought about decorating were my notebooks. Honestly I’m so surprised I never thought to decorate them, they are the perfect canvas for colorful designs and embellishments. Here are five fun DIY notebook ideas for decorating your spiral bound notebooks or composition books. And if you’re looking for more colorful back to school crafts, you might like this post about creating your own pen and pencil pouches.

PAINT CHIP DIY NOTEBOOK

Supplies (affiliate links are provided for your convenience):

• Composition Notebook or spiral notebook
• Circle punch 1.5″
• Paint chip samples
• Glue stick or Mod Podge

Directions:

1. Start by punching a bunch of paint chip samples.
2. Decide how you want to arrange the paint chips on the notebook.
3. Using a glue stick or mod podge and a foam brush, adhere the paint chips to the notebook.
4. For a little added fun, create a matching painted pencil. Use a small paintbrush and acrylic paint to paint the pencil in coordinating colors.

 

 

WASHI TAPE DIY NOTEBOOK

Supplies:

• Composition notebook or spiral notebook
• Washi tape similar
• Cardstock
• Glue stick or Mod Podge

Directions:

1. Start by placing a series of different washi tapes on a piece of cardstock.
2. Cut out a heart shape from another piece of paper.
3. Outline the heart on top of the washi tape and cut it out.
4. Use mod podge and a foam brush or a glue stick to adhere the washi tape heart to the notebook.
5. For some added fun, create a matching pencil by wrapping a pencil in washi tape. You can even add a few feathers to the top by wrapping the bottoms with washi tape.

 

 

PATCH DIY NOTEBOOK

Supplies:

• Composition notebook or spiral notebook
• Iron on embroidered patches
• Acrylic Paint
• Glue stick or Mod Podge

Directions:

1. Iron on patches are such a fun and easy way to dress up your notebooks.
2. For a cleaner look, cover the rectangle area on the notebook using a paintbrush and white acrylic paint.
3. Pick out your favorite iron on patches and glue them on to a notebook.
4. Add details using acrylic paint and a paintbrush like the donut themed example below.

 

STENCIL DIY NOTEBOOK

Supplies:

• Composition notebook or spiral notebook
• Stencil – similar here
• Acrylic Paint
• Sticker gems (optional)
• Circle Foam Brush

Directions:

1. Tape your stencil to a notebook.
2. Using a round, circle foam brush, lightly pounce acrylic paint over the stencil.
3. Let dry completely before removing the stencil.
4. Add sticker gems for added decoration.

 

 

PAINTED DIY NOTEBOOK (I got the idea for this notebook after seeing some of the wonderful painted notebooks that Erin from Go Font Yourself posted on her Instagram page).

Supplies:

• Composition notebook or spiral notebook
• Washi Tape
• Acrylic Paint
• Paint brush

Directions:

• Start by covering a notebook with a washi tape pattern. Remember that the area you cover with washi tape will remain the color of the notebook.
• Using a paintbrush, paint different colors onto the notebook covering the washi tape as well.
• Let the paint dry completely. This could take at least an hour or more. It’s better to wait longer so you don’t smudge the paint.
• Once dry, remove the washi tape. 

Are you ready to decorate your notebooks? If you want another great back to school DIY idea, check out my post about making your own DIY pen an pencil pouches here.

Make sure you’re following along with Color Made Happy on Instagram and Facebook for more colorful crafts and art.

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