Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Altered mini-composition book tutorial

I'm excited to present my very first tutorial today! I recently made these to give as birthday gifts to my coworkers:


Aren't they cute? They're super easy and super cheap to make (my favorite kind of project!). And I'm going to show you how I did it -- although most of you out there are so crafty, I'm sure you can tell just by looking at the picture how to duplicate this :).


Step 1: I started with these supplies:
  • Mini-composition books (three for a dollar at your local dollar store!)
  • Spray adhesive glue (PVC glue or Yes Paste would also work)
  • Scissors and/or paper trimmer
  • Fun scrapbook paper
  • Something to protect your work area from the spray adhesive

Step 2: Measure the length and width of your composition book. Don't include the black binding. But do include some overhang. I ended up cutting mine to 3 inches by 4.5 inches.


Step 3: Cut two panels per book (one for the front, and one for the back)

Step 4: Spray the backside of the paper with the adhesive. Attach to the cover of the book, working quickly. [No picture of this step... was too busy working quickly!]


Step 5: Trim the overhang around the edges.

Step 6 (optional): You could add coordinating paper to the inside of the front cover and the back cover, but I was too hungry for lunch at this point to care!


Step 7: Admire!

You could also add embellishments to the front of the cover, but I would make sure they weren't too bulky or three-dimensional: you want to make sure they're easy to carry around in a purse! I also thought about personalizing them with stamped initials on the front. Have fun with it!






10 comments:

  1. how awesome! :D i love these. i go through them like crazy at the lab!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Very cute! Sooo much better than the boring originals! Would be cute on a regular size one also - maybe a class project??

    ReplyDelete
  3. These area awesome! Thanks for sharing your easy to follow step by step instructions. I am going to give those a try, my daughter will love them.

    ReplyDelete
  4. These are adorable! Nice tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow, fantastic tutorial - how fun and just just in time for school!

    ReplyDelete
  6. YES they are cute! I love covering mini comp books too, it so fitting for teachers to craft using them don't you think? I made a bunch for my entire grade level one year for Christmas and they loved them. I stock up after Back to School sales and got some once for ten cents each. You are too funny, too hungry for finishing the inside!

    Thank you for joining us at A Crafty Soiree! I love to meet other creative teachers. I hope to see you next week too!

    ReplyDelete
  7. these look gorgeous. love the papers you have chosen.
    thanks for your comment on my blog :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for auditioning on American Crafter! These are adorable and functional- perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sarah,
    Very cute! Love the paper u used.
    Happy crafting!
    Linda
    American Crafter judge

    ReplyDelete
  10. Super cute! Stopping by to say hi from the American Crafter Auditions! AND I am a new follower =)!
    Michelle
    www.landofthemisfittoyz.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete