Quick answer: You can turn a plain composition notebook into a custom journal by covering the front and back with scrapbook paper, leaving the flexible spine uncovered, and finishing the edges with distress ink or simple embellishments.
This little notebook makeover first appeared here in 2006 as a very short peek at something I had made. The exact Scenic Route paper I used back then is no longer easy to find, so the directions below are a modern way to recreate the same look with whatever paper you love now.
Originally published May 14, 2006. Updated September 3, 2026 with a modern recreation method.
What you need
- A plain composition notebook
- Two sheets of scrapbook paper or lightweight decorative paper
- A pencil and ruler
- Scissors or a paper trimmer
- A glue stick, strong craft glue, or double-sided adhesive
- Distress ink and a blending tool or sponge (optional)
- Stickers, ribbon, labels, or other flat embellishments (optional)
How to decorate a composition notebook
1. Choose your paper
Pick paper you will still want to look at after you have filled half the notebook. Scrapbook paper is easy to work with, but wrapping paper, maps, magazine pages, or your own artwork can work too. If the paper is thin or pale, layer it over plain cardstock so the notebook’s black-and-white pattern does not show through.
2. Trace and cut the covers
Place the closed notebook on the back of your paper and trace the front cover. Cut just inside the traced line, test the fit, and trim a little at a time. Repeat for the back. Leave the notebook’s black spine uncovered so it can still bend and close normally.
3. Add distress ink, if you want it
Before gluing anything down, lightly work distress ink around the cut edges with a blending tool or sponge. Start with less than you think you need and build the color gradually. This is what gives the paper that slightly worn, layered scrapbook look.
4. Attach the paper
Apply a thin, even layer of adhesive to the notebook cover, paying special attention to the corners and edges. Line the paper up beside the spine first, then smooth it outward to push out bubbles. Repeat on the back. Too much wet glue can wrinkle lightweight paper, so use it sparingly.
5. Personalize it
Add a label, initials, stickers, ribbon, or a few paper layers. Flat decorations hold up better if the notebook is going into a backpack or purse. Keep bulky pieces away from the edges and spine.
6. Let it dry flat
Place a clean sheet of wax paper or parchment over the finished cover and let the notebook dry beneath a heavy book. Once it is dry, check the corners and add a tiny bit more adhesive anywhere the paper lifts.
A few things that make it last longer
- Do not cover the flexible spine.
- Use a thin coat of adhesive instead of soaking the paper.
- Round the outside paper corners slightly so they are less likely to catch and peel.
- For a notebook that will get heavy use, protect the finished cover with clear book-cover film or a thin coat of matte decoupage medium after testing it on a paper scrap.
My original altered composition book
Okay, so remember those old black and white composition books you used to write in when you were in school? I have always loved them, and I saw the coolest thing the other day…so I decided that I HAD to copy it! I headed on over to the Dollar Tree and I picked up a couple of these books. I LOVE this one! I think it turned out really swell. 🙂
I am so in love with that Scenic Route paper that it was easy to make it look super cool, though… and I think this is the first time I have really used distress inks all over something, and let me tell you… I will definitely be doing that again. They add an extra texture and I love the way they look on the paper. This was a lot of fun to do.
And apparently I meant it when I said I would do it again: I made another altered composition notebook right after this one. You can also see one of my other old-school favorites in my spring scrapbook project.
