As a left handed person I often have to choose the boring notebooks over the pretty ones because they have the non-smudgy paper in them. (My many tests have shown that the fancier the notebook the more likely your ink will dry slowly and smudge everywhere!) To combat the boring notebook look I like to decorate mine. So today I thought I’d share a quick and easy way to decorate a notebook that looks great and is also (school age) kid friendly.
What you’ll need:
- Notebook with a boring cover, this is actually an index that I’m thinking of sticking business cards in with washi tape
- Pop Tape I have the watermelon pattern, but there are lots to choose from*
- Scissors for cutting the tape
- Optional: Utility Knife for any small edging
How to:
- Start by placing the notebook face up and half the width of tape over the left edge with enough tape overhanging so that it will fold around to the back, with some overhang at the top and the bottom and use the scissors to cut the tape from the roll
- Smooth the pop tape into the fold groove at the top and then wrap the tape around the spine flattening and sticking it down as you go. The pop tape isn’t so strong that you can’t reposition it if you make a mistake, so you can lift the tape again if you are noticing that you have some bumps and lumps in the tape. Rub your thumb over the tape once it’s where it should be
- Now take a second piece from the roll and line the design edges up so that the design continues from one piece to the next. Try not to leave a gap if you can
- Repeat step 3 with another piece of tape
- Repeat step 3 once more with another piece of tape but this time leave part of it overhanging on the right so that it folds around the edge of the notebook
- Open the cover and cut the corners of the overhanging tape at the edge so you remove a triangle shape. Then fold the edges in and smooth them so they are attached to the inside of the cover
- Next you can use the scissors to cut at the spine fold on the front and the back and stick the remaining pieces to their respective covers. Leaving the spine piece sticking up. Repeat for the other end of the spine
- Now cut (or use the utility knife) the remaining tape sticking out from the spine so that it just covers that edge and nudges the paper. Repeat for the other end
- Then turn the notebook over so that the uncovered side is up and match the tape with the piece that wrapped around the spine. Repeat for the next piece of tape
- If you end up with a piece that doesn’t quite wrap around like I did, then add your piece of pop tape and leave the left side loose and only stick the right side down
- Then add another piece of tape that sits under it and lines up the pattern as best as possible and then smooth both pieces down with the outer one having more overhang
- Repeat step 6 for the back cover
- Now close the book and inspect that you have the pattern not only on the outside but around the edges too!
- Ta-da! Your (now pretty) notebook is ready to go!
Thoughts on the project:
This was fun and easy to create and complete. The tape is very forgiving and lets you readjust it without any issues. You can also unstick it from itself which is really handy. It’s a great one for school aged kids or people who don’t feel super confident at crafting. Sometimes I didn’t quite get the tape lined up without any gaps, but that doesn’t really worry me. It looks so colourful and fun now and I can’t wait to start using it.
You could also do this with the tape horizontal rather than vertical if the tape pattern you choose works better that way. You would need some adjustments to the tutorial, but the idea is the same. It would make a good rainy day activity without much mess.
What pattern would you love to see on a notebook?
If you do try this, I’d love to see a photo or hear about how it went! Tweet me your pics at: @danniellecresp or instagram me at: @dannielle with the hashtag: #styleforahappyhome
*Disclosure: This pop tape came in a goodie bag I received at a PR event hosted by Spotlight. This isn’t a sponsored post, I just loved the tape and was excited to try it. Will be getting more with my own money in the future. As always, I only share things I love that I think you’ll also enjoy! x
I LOVE notebooks! I think a watercolor cover would be fun. :)
Oh, watercolour would be great! I hadn’t thought of that! :)
Oh I love this! The watermelons are so cute! Think I’m gonna have to start buying ugly notebooks haha :)
Haha! Yes! It’s a good alternative! :)