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!

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!

Gather These Supplies

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

handmade notebook ideas

Get the printable how to below:

handmade notebook ideas
Save Print
5 from 2 votes

Homemade Notebook

Learn how to decorate a notebook with scrapbook paper, Mod Podge, and other embellishments. Makes a great gift!
Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time45 minutes
Dry Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: 1 notebook
Cost: $5

Equipment

Materials

Instructions

  • Coat the notebook in a thin layer of Mod Podge Hard Coat.
    Paint Mod Podge on a paper mache notebook with a paint brush
  • 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 15 – 20 minutes.
    Cutting a doily with a paper punch from scrapbook paper
  • Apply another thin coat of Mod Podge to the top and let dry.
    Adhering a paper doily to the front of a notebook with Mod Podge
  • Add additional embellishments to the book following the same method. Keep the coat of Mod Podge thin and even.
    Paper doily dried to the front of a notebook
  • Check the book for any areas that are lifting up. Some embellishments May need more Mod Podge than others. Keep your coat of Mod Podge thin and even, letting dry between coats. Let dry completely before using.
    diy journal notebook

Video

Notes

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

I just love creating gifts that 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’! 😉 Check out these other cute posts too:

Similar Posts

3 Comments

5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Project Rating