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DIY Faux Leather Journal
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5 from 1 vote

DIY Faux Leather Journal

Learn how to make a DIY faux leather journal cover with simple supplies like Mod Podge and paper bags. This is a great recycled craft.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time45 minutes
Dry Time2 hours
Total Time3 hours
Yield: 1 journal
Cost: $5

Equipment

Materials

Instructions

  • Measure the front and back cover of the notebook using a ruler.
  • Cut paper bag pieces that are approximately 1-inch larger on both sides than your notebook.
    Cutting a piece of paper bag with scissors
  • Crumple both pieces of paper bag in your hands, creating wrinkles. Then, smooth out the paper and repeat. You want to create lots of wrinkles without tearing the paper.
    Piece of wrinkled paper bag on a surface
  • Paint both pieces of paper with the darker brown. Completely cover and let dry.
    Paper bag painted with brown paint
  • Place some lighter brown paint down on a paper plate and dip your sponge lightly. Remove some of the paint. Run the sponge gently over the top of the paper, creating contrast. Do with both pieces of paper and let dry.
    Lighter brown paint sponge painted on darker brown
  • Apply decoupage medium to the front cover of the book. Smooth one of the paper bag sheets down onto the cover and smooth, folding down over the edges. Let dry for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat on the back cover.
    Paper bag being Mod Podged to the front of a notebook cover
  • Add a topcoat of decoupage medium to the top of the front cover. Let dry and repeat on the back cover.
    Paper bag topcoated with Mod Podge to look like leather
  • Cut two pieces of scrapbook paper that fit the inside of the front and back covers, using the ruler and scissors or craft knife and mat.
  • Cut two equal lengths of ribbon around 9 inches each. Glue one piece to the inside of the front cover and one piece to the inside back cover. Let dry.
    Gluing ribbon and scrapbook paper to the inside cover of the notebook
  • Apply decoupage medium to the inside cover and smooth one of the pieces of scrapbook paper down on top. Let dry. Repeat on the inside back cover. Let dry 24 hours before using.