Altered Composition Notebooks

Supplies:
• Composition notebook ($.97 at walmart or Target
• Paper for outside cover (choose 1 of the following options)
1 – 12x12 sheet of small scale all over design or stripe.
2 – 12x12 sheets for large scale designs, or one pattern
that isn’t repeated
2 – 8.5 x 11 sheets
• Paper for the inside covers
For plain inside covers
2 – 12x12 or 8.5x11 papers – same pattern/
design.
For inside covers with pockets
2 – 12x12 or 8.5x11 papers – same pattern/
design
1 – 12x12 or 8.5x11 paper that coordinates with
the above paper.
• Cover embellishments—scrap papers from cover papers, or
1-2 pieces of 8.5x11 solid sheets of cardstock in coordinat-
ing colors. Could also use monograms, etc.
• Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue
• Craft knife
• Sewing machine with coordinating thread if making pockets.
• 1 yard each of three different coordinating ribbons—try to mix textures and widths (ex. satin, gros-
grain & organza— 3/8”, 1/4”, 1/8”

Directions:

Outside covers:
1. Make sure notebook surface is free of dust and particles.
2. Cover the notebook with a thin layer of Tacky Glue. Spread all over the notebook, making sure to
take the glue all the way to the outer edges. (An index card or junk mail postcard works well for
spreading the glue)
3. To conserve paper and leave enough to cover the back cover with the same piece of paper, place
paper down on the front cover lining it up along the black binding edge and either the top or bot-
tom edge of the notebook.
4. Rub firmly and evenly all over the cover, to remove bubbles, create a smooth surface and insure a
firm hold. Pay special attention to the edges and corners.
5. Allow cover to dry before removing the excess paper with the craft knife. Open cover onto a self
healing mat, or other protected surface, and firmly and carefully cut excess paper away. Cut right
along the edge of the notebook. Save excess paper (should look like a large L) for back cover if
only using one sheet of paper for front and back.
6. Over back cover with second sheet of paper using the above method. To use remaining paper from
front cover, using a ruler or straight edge, cut the thinnest strip of paper, 2-1/4” wide x 12” long,
square up larger rectangle.
7. Repeat above instructions, placing the ~4+” x 9-3/4” rectangle down first (lining up left edge of
paper with left edge of notebook, and the 2-1/4” strip down second (this goes along the spine of
the notebook—along strip of black binding tape and covers the raw edge of first sheet of paper. Be
sure to run a bead of glue along the edge of strip that will overlap the first sheet of paper. Allow
glue to dry, and cut off excess paper using craft knife.
Inside covers.
1. Cut pages down to 7-5/8” x 9-7/8” (1/8” larger than cover). If making pockets, cut to 4-1/2” x 7-
5/8”
2. If making pockets, sew pockets to inside cover paper using a slightly longer stitch than normal. Pull
all thread to the back, knot and trim. If not, skip to next step.
3. Cover one of the inside covers with a thin, layer of glue. Spread glue over entire surface.
4. Carefully place paper down, using one of the outer edges (ex. The top and side) as a guide.
5. Vigorously rub to smooth out paper, and push out air bubbles and excess glue.
6. Allow glue to dry.
7. Trim excess paper with craft knife.
8. Repeat for second inside cover.

Finishing:
To make a front cover “book plate” embellishment, cut a square of coordinating paper 3” x 3-1/2”.
Matte with 1-2 other coordinating papers (solid or very small scale print) Cutting each 1/4” bigger
(width & length). Glue or use double sized adhesive squares to attach to book.

Tie ribbon around front cover, trim ends of ribbon for finished look.