DIY Handmade Decoupaged Sketch Book

I’ve been wanting to buy a sketchbook/notebook to take with me on my journeys for some time. Yesterday proved the perfect opportunity to do so as I had to pass the mall that houses A.C. Moore on my way home. Unfortunately for me I spent money on more than just a journal. Fortunately for you that means some new upcoming crafty DIY projects.

My first DIY craft project of course is for creating a super easy to make DIY decoupaged journal. Using a sketch book is optional of course. You can do this with school notebooks or journals or even genuine books you want to dress up.

For my journal I purchased a 4×6 spiral bound Sketch book with scored pages for easy removal if I so desire. Some pretty cool Smash tape, a few spools of ribbon, some paper flowers, matte Mod Podge, a foam brush, and giant 12×12 pad of 180 scrapbook papers that was $10 at half price.

Start by choosing a decorative scrapbook paper that you like for the cover of your journal. Then cut it to fit the height of your sketch book. Trim it so it’s a bit smaller than the width which will allow you to add some decorative trim.

Next apply Mod Podge to the cover of the book with a foam brush. Press your paper onto the cover and smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Then apply more Mod Podge over the top of the journal going over the new paper you just placed on it. Next, cut and place ribbons along the side of the decorative paper you are using for the cover. Glue them down with Mod Podge as you did the paper, then go back over the ribbons and the paper with another coat of Mod Podge. (And don’t worry. The Mod Podge will dry clear.)

Now give your sketch book an extra nice, decorative touch and add a decorative flower. Simply apply the flower in the same way you did the ribbons and paper, then brush back over the top with an additional coat of Mod Podge.

Once the Mod Podge has dried completely, spray over the cover with a clear, acrylic sealer to protect your decorative cover.

But you’re only finished if you want to be! There’s still the back of the sketch book to decorate if you so choose. For the back of my journal I used a different paper and lined the edges this time, not with ribbon, but with decorative Smash tape. You can, however, also use washi tape.

Speaking of washi tape, the washi tape I ordered from Downtown Tape arrived today along with several free tags for dressing up. They were just $1.99 a roll with $2.95 flat shipping. I plan to put these to good use in a future projects – one of which will be decorating blank, handmade pocket notebooks from Jotters and Journals.

Now, does anyone have suggestions on what I should fill my newly crafted journal up with?