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Creative Composition Books

Written by Tracy Pounds

August 13, 2023

Supply List:

It’s that time of year again when you can get all of the best school supplies, which work great for crafting too! I am showing you how to get creative with composition books, adding all of the napkin art and embellishments to the cover. This is a great project to use up any leftover scrap paper, napkins, ribbons, and more hiding in your stash. My favorite notebooks are the half-size composition books, which make really excellent “little something” gifts, to-do list notebooks, planners, and more.

Applying Napkin Art to Your Composition Notebook

First, I am going to tape off the spine of my notebook to protect it from my coat of paint. I am going to use a chalk-based white paint and apply a coat to my notebook cover. This way, your cover won’t show through your napkins or paper. Dry with a heat tool, do a second coat, and then dry again.

I have a napkin that says “think positive thoughts”, which is so perfect for the front of a journal. I will cut the square of my napkin out and separate the plys until I just have that top layer of napkin art. Apply a coat of Mod Podge Matte, lay your napkin on top, and then place plastic wrap on top. Smooth your napkin down with your hands. 

I also have a black-and-white checkered napkin that I will use a strip of as well. Cut that strip, seperate the plys, and apply that to your cover using the same technique. Dry with a heat tool. Trim any napkin art that is hanging over the edge. Add a top coat of Mod Podge Matte to seal and protect your napkin art.

For my next notebook, I’m going to use a napkin that says “seasoned with love”, which would make a great journal to keep in your kitchen or jot down recipes. 

I’ll apply this napkin art in the same exact way with a strip of red napkin art on the edge.

Embellish Your Creative Notebooks

At this point, you can embellish these notebooks with whatever your would like and whatever is in your stash! I will be adding some ribbons to my cover with hot glue. I’m going to wrap my ribbon around the entire cover so that I have two ends that I can tie in a knot on the top. I’ll hot glue a few buttons to my notebook covers too.

You can also take a Pitt Pen and outline some areas of your napkin art to make it really stand out. 

Run to your nearest Wal-Mart, office supply store, or dollar store to stock up on these adorable composition books and get creative with them! You can use these to gift to friends, neighbors, family members, or teachers – the perfect “little something” to have on hand for someone you love. You can also use these in the coming months as planning notebooks, stocking stuffers, and more. 

I go LIVE on my Facebook page every Friday at 11 am CST for a fun and easy Craft-n-Chat Session. Come learn something new while creating something beautiful! 

Join the waitlist for The Napkin Club where Unique Makers can connect, learn, and be inspired to create with the Individual Unique Napkin Collections that you will receive every month! A place where Napkin Lovers can unite and be inspired!

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9 Comments

  1. Linda Springer

    that looks awesome. I lead a bible study group and always looking for ideas to give my ladies. Thank you so much.

    Reply
  2. Cindy Bergum

    How do you cut the composition books in half and round the corners.

    Reply
    • Tracy Pounds

      Cindy, The composition books come that way. We order them from Amazon!
      Cheryl

      Reply
    • Tracy Pounds

      Cindy, we don’t cut the notebooks, we purchase them that way from Amazon, or get them in stores when school supplies are available.

      Reply
  3. Jamie Hanna

    Wondering if we made several to sell in our boutique (raises scholarship money) if they will stick together if stacked for transportation?

    Reply
    • Tracy Pounds

      They shouldn’t however, if you are concerned, you can add a piece of parchment paper in between during transport.

      Thank you for reaching out!

      Reply
  4. DianneLarson

    I want to cover real books(novels) with napkins for my she shed . How to do this please.

    Reply
    • Tracy Pounds

      Dianne,
      That sounds so cute! Here is the link where Miss Tracy covered composition notebooks. The technique can be used for books as well. Happy Crafting.

      Reply
  5. Louie

    I was wondering how you cut the compistion book in half

    Reply

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