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DIY Notebook in a Matter of Minutes!

This adventure themed DIY notebook is the perfect gift idea for everyone from hostesses to teachers to kids! So simple to personalize.

Skills Required: None. Even if you’ve never Mod Podged before you can complete this project with ease. Perfect for adults, tweens, or kids!

DIY notebook made with Mod Podge

Hello, friends! Are you also working like crazy on Christmas gifts? Every year I give my kids a new sketchbook or notebook to write in, and this year I thought it would be fun to make it myself!

I love the idea of each of my kids having their own personalized DIY notebook for the year. They can use it to draw, write down ideas and thoughts, or just color when they need something to do.

My kids have such different personalities, I love the idea of creating something unique just for them. And encouraging them to write and draw is just another added bonus!

notebook, paper, Mod Podge hard coat, paper punch, and a paintbrush

If you aren’t familiar with Mod Podge Hard Coat sealer, it hands down one of my favorite Mod Podge products. My kids are . . . well kids! The are rough on just about every surface in our house.

It’s important to me that if I am going to put a lot of time into this project, that I create something that will last. The Mod Podge Hard Coat is the perfect solution.

It works as a sealer, glue, and durable finish. It’s just the thing to keep my handmade books safe. Let’s jump into this DIY notebook!

Make a Notebook Gift

To make this decoupage idea, I started with a few supplies. A doily punch (or paper doilies), embellishments, paint brush, and a blank sketchbook. You probably have most of these things lying around the house!

DIY Notebook Decorating

Gather These Supplies

Paint Mod Podge on a paper mache sketchbook with a paint brush

To get started, first coat your book in a thin layer of Mod Podge Hard Coat.

Cutting paper with a doily punch from scrapbook paper

Next, punch out a paper doily, or use one that you have on hand. Apply a think coat of Mod Podge Hard Coat to the back of the doily, and adhere it to you book. I love how it looks wrapped around the book!

After wrapping it around, apply another thin coat to the top.

Adhering a paper doily to the front of a notebook with Mod Podge

This sealer is so perfect for intricate cut shapes, like this doily. This book will never hold up without the Mod Podge Hard Coat!

Paper doily dried to the front of a notebook

After letting your book dry, add additional embellishments to your book following the same method. Keep your coat of Mod Podge thin and even if you can.

Personalized notebook gift

When done, check your book for any areas that are lifting up. Some embellishments can need more adhesive than others. Feel free to give it one last coat on top for good measure!

handmade notebook ideas

That’s it! This DIY notebook gift idea is so easy! My oldest is going to LOVE it. She loves to draw, and she is such an adventurer.

Yield: 1 notebook

DIY Notebook

handmade notebook ideas

Learn how to decorate a notebook with scrapbook paper, Mod Podge, and other embellishments. Makes a great gift!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Active Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $2

Materials

  • Blank sketchbook - a paper or chipboard cover works best
  • Mod Podge Hard Coat
  • Scrapbook paper
  • Adhesive letters
  • Stickers or other embellishments

Tools

  • Design punches
  • Paintbrush
  • Scissors

Instructions

  1. Coat the notebook in a thin layer of Mod Podge Hard Coat.
  2. Punch out a doily or other shape. Apply a think coat of Mod Podge Hard Coat to the back of the shape and adhere to the book. Smooth down and let dry.
  3. Apply another thin coat of Mod Podge to the top and let dry.
  4. Add additional embellishments to the book following the same method. Keep the coat of Mod Podge thin and even.
  5. Check the book for any areas that are lifting up. Some embellishments May need more Mod Podge than others.
  6. Let dry completely before using.

Did You Make This Project?

Please leave a rating or share a photo on Pinterest!


I just love creating gifts that help showcase how much I love and appreciate others. Now I am off to make more! Maybe I need to make these for close friends and family too. I better get craftin’! 😉

XOXOXO
Natalie

Helen Gullett

Wednesday 23rd of December 2015

This is fantastic idea! I made a travel journals for my daughters and they fell apart at the end of the trip. I do need this Hard Coat! Thanks for the inspiration!

CreativeKhadija

Friday 27th of November 2015

This is so pretty.. Love it :) I enjoyed decorating my diary & planner with mod podge & podgeable paper! Thanks Natalie for sharing!

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