DIY Custom Notebook With Mod Podge

Personalize your office supplies and school supplies with paper and washi tape for a cute DIY custom notebook. This Mod Podge craft is easy to make to match your style.

Hello! I’m Keri from One Mama’s Daily Drama. With back to school season almost here, I’m stocking up on office supplies and finding easy ways that my kids can personalize them so they are unique. This DIY custom notebook is simple to make, so you can get creative and design one for every class.

Brightly colored mini notebook standing on a purple folder beside a pen

I’m a writer, so I always carry a mini notebook just about everywhere I go. You never know when you’ll need to jot down a list, a phone number, or some other quick info.

I also keep our office cabinet stocked with notebooks for my kids to take to school and use at home. It seems like every year they need about a dozen of them for back to school, so this tutorial makes it fun and easy to create a custom notebook – or several!

How to Make a DIY custom notebook

You can use scrapbook paper and washi tape in any color or pattern.

What you need:

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Craft/DIY Tools Needed:

scissors
pencil
sponge brush
ruler (optional)

Supplies Needed:

notebook – I used a mini composition book but you can also do this with a full-sized one.
Mod Podge
scrapbook paper – This one is similar to what I used.
washi tape

Scrapbook paper, a ruler, scissors, mini composition book, washi tape roll, and Mod Podge with a sponge brush

Instructions:

1. Cut out the custom notebook covers

The first step is to cut the scrapbook paper pieces for the front and back of the notebook. You can do this one of two ways. (1) If you have a paper cutter, simply measure the notebook with a ruler and cut paper to size. (2) Alternatively, place the notebook on top of the scrapbook paper and trace the outline.

I used method number 2 and lined up the black edge of the notebook with the edge of the scrapbook paper. Repeat the process to cut paper for the front and back covers.

A hand with a pencil tracing around a small composition book onto scrapbook paper

Scissors beside a cutout corner of paper

A notebook beside two pieces of scrapbook paper and a pair of scissors

2. Glue the covers in place

Using the foam brush, spread a thin layer of Mod Podge on the outside front cover. Carefully place the cut paper on it and smooth it flat.

A hand placing the cutout cover onto the notebook

Repeat the process with the back cover. Be sure to wipe away any excess Mod Podge that squeezes out along the edge.

A hand using a sponge to brush Mod Podge onto the notebook

3. Allow the covers to dry

Place a few heavy books on top of the notebook and let it dry for about an hour.

A stack of books covering the drying book

4. Add the washi tape edges

Tear a piece of wash tape that is just a bit longer than the notebook. Carefully line the edges up with the end of the notebook and smooth it down. Fold the ends over the notebook cover and smooth them down.

Washi tape on the front edge of the notebook with the cover open

Inside cover of the open notebook showing tape edges folded in

Repeat the process to add tape to the back cover too.

Notebook back cover with washi tape along the edge

Notebook folded open on a desk to shop both covers and washi tape

When you’re finished, you’ll have a cute notebook that’s handy for school, work or home. You can easily customize all of your notebooks to match your other supplies or coordinate with school colors.

Completed notebook standing on a white table

Colorful notebook beside a zip pouch and pen on top of purple and blue folders

How to Personalize the Notebook

This is a really basic tutorial. Take this and run with it. Still stumped on how to creatively decorate it? Try one of these ideas:

Add stickers
Use more washi tape
Add additional layers of scrapbook paper
Cut out pictures from magazines
Use plain paper and draw a picture on the cover
Embellish with glitter

Make this DIY custom notebook completely your own, or decorate it for someone else. It’s a simple but thoughtful gift too.

Colorful notebook stacked on top of purple and blue folders

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