DIY Woodgrain Notebook
Start out with two pieces of thick chipboard that measure 6" x 5 1/2" as well as a strip of canvas or grossgrain ribbon that measures 2" x 5 1/2".
Sew canvas or ribbon onto one 5 1/2" side of each piece of chipboard. I attached the canvas with double-sided tape to hold it in place while I sewed. Make sure to leave about 1/3" of space between the two pieces of chipboard so that it has room to fold.
Cut out your woodgrain contact paper so that there is about 1" overhang on each side.
Carefully attach the first page of your chipboard book to the sticky side of the contact paper and smooth out before attaching the rest.
Fold over the top and bottom edges so that they are wrapped over tightly. Attach double-sided tape or mounting squares to the corners where the top has folded over and then fold over both of the short sides.
It should look like this.
I used vintage wallpaper to cover the chipboard on the inside but you could also use scrapbook paper or more woodgain to cover it. Measure your two pieces to overlap the 'naked' space. Two separate pieces allows for easy folding room. I covered the inside edges with a strip of tape.
Next you'll want to cut your paper of choice to measure 11 1/2" x 5" and fold in half.
Align the middle of your paper fold with the chipboard fold and poke three holes through both paper and chipboard. I used an awl but a heavy embroidery needle may also work. Starting from the inside of your book, thread through the bottom hole and come back out through the middle hole.
Then thread down through the top hole and double back to thread through the middle hole again.
Finally, you'll pull the needle through the bottom hole between the paper and chipboard, as well as the other end of the string. Tie a knot and trim string.
The spine of the book should look like this.
Due to the stiffness of the contact paper, you may want to place a heavy item on your book until you're ready to use it.
Alter it to make it a mini album or use it as a journal for ideas. And when your best friend asks you where you got it, tell her you know this really great blog...
