Not your ordinary composition book...
Anything can be made to feel special, even something as ordinary as the basic stock composition book. My crafty friend shared this idea with me a few weeks back when we met for crafting, and lunch and girl talk.
Actually, we met the day before crafting at the scrapbook store to pick out papers we liked. Oooh, mocha toile. Doesn't get any prettier than this. A coordinating paper for the spine, another coordinating paper for the inside covers and the back...add some ribbon and craft glue, and you're ready to get to crafting.
The process was so easy that I was done in no time at all. Just use the comp book as your template, trace around it, cut out the paper, glue it to the book (inside and out) with craft glue, being sure to glue the ribbon ties in place first. Once it's all glued, add more ribbon to the spots where your different papers connect, and you're through and ready to impress your friends with your designer notebook.
The composition books are sold everywhere. She picked ours up at good 'ol WalMart for next to nothin'. (Did you know that they make mini composition books as well?)Gosh, the total cost for this little craft project was less than $3.
Here are some all-done-up mini comp books that Ms. Crafty gifted me with....
Now, I ask you, am I am a lucky girl, or what?!
I can think of about a million and two ways to use these darling comp books...
*sigh* Oh, they're perfect little gifts for that special someone in your life.
OK...too cute!!! And would one not spend a fortune to buy like item at a speciality shop?! As always thanks for sharing your clever-crafty ideas!!
Posted by: Stef. | January 17, 2008 at 06:14 AM
So cute and I think even craft challenged people like myself could do it. Thanks Tracy!
Janet
Posted by: Janet | January 17, 2008 at 06:18 AM
Oh GREAT one more fabulous idea that I can actually copy (I mean) do. Ideas will be running through my head while I'm work. It always helps the time go by faster when your working on the outside and dreaming on the inside. Best, Kathy
Posted by: kathy | January 17, 2008 at 06:27 AM
oooooooh, I've seen these before but the toile is gorgeous! The ribbon is a nice touch too. So nice!
Cathy
Posted by: Cathy | January 17, 2008 at 06:58 AM
Oh, I may have to try making one of those! Love your paper choice!
Posted by: cindy ~ my romantic home | January 17, 2008 at 07:21 AM
Tracey - These are adorable! Thanks for sharing it with us. Could you post a picture of the inside? Just curious how it looks. Thanks and have a wonderful week!
~~Mary Jane~~
Posted by: Mary Jane Smith | January 17, 2008 at 07:37 AM
Fabulous!!!
I need to cover a new "journal" and this idea will do the trick.
Yes, post pic of inside.
Also what kind of glue did you use?
Love, Gail
Posted by: heartartz | January 17, 2008 at 07:45 AM
oooOOOoooo this is very very cute! I love the idea of the mini-comp books, too ~ Thanksfor the inspiration!!
Posted by: Karen ~ Three French Hens | January 17, 2008 at 07:46 AM
I have made these before, but never with ribbon...great idea! I have given them to several friends when they found out they were pregnant, to use as a pregnancy journal.
I love your blog and love love love all the ideas I have gotten from you! You make me want to host a little gathering for close friends. I want to come sit with you at your little black toile table and soak up all of your creativeness! Thanks for sharing yourself with us.
Posted by: Shelley | January 17, 2008 at 08:30 AM
**love** the mocha toile!
this is an excellent idea for gift giving. january is my starting point in planning and making Christmas gifts. this is a gift that would suit many family/friends...along with a special pen (to match the paper used), chocolate bar(s) wrapped in corresponding paper, etc. ;o)
Posted by: haus frau | January 17, 2008 at 08:36 AM
oh, I LOVE these!!! Wouldn't it be a cute gift for a bride-to-be? I'm not hinting, I'm WAY past needing a notebook for planning this thing, but in the future, a great idea for a gift to the newly engaged.
Posted by: Bride-to-be | January 17, 2008 at 08:57 AM
Tracey those are tooooooo cute and a great price! You are so talented and creative!
xo
Mary
Posted by: hoganfe handbags | January 17, 2008 at 10:18 AM
I know, aren't they the cutest?
I made one for my daughter to take on her honeymoon. She loved it.
Rosemary
Posted by: Rosemary | January 17, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Such a fantastic idea.... great for presents certainly, I definitely need to give these a go!
Victoria
Posted by: Victoria | January 17, 2008 at 12:37 PM
I am in the process of making my top 10 list as we speak....
Love the journals
Posted by: cityfarmer | January 17, 2008 at 05:18 PM
so cute! I want to make some...I want to make so many things - need to find the time! I did print out some of the letters and framed them for an addition to my Valentine's decor "LOVE" - so simple but really great!
Erin http://tresorsmarche.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Erin | January 17, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Great Idea! Please do show us pics of the inside and tell us what glue you used.
~elaine~
Posted by: Elaine L. | January 17, 2008 at 08:59 PM
very sweet idea ~ thanks for sharing!
teresa
Posted by: Teresa ~ French Poppy | January 17, 2008 at 09:18 PM
I'm thinking of Bible Study/Church Sermon note journals. They would be sooooo easy to make up ahead of time and have on hand for gift-giving.
Posted by: GiantsPrincess | January 17, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Wow what a great idea! So stylish! Love it! (Thanks for sharing!!)
Posted by: M&Co | January 18, 2008 at 12:03 AM
They look gorgeous.
Alison
Posted by: Alison Gibbs | January 18, 2008 at 03:29 AM
I love your toile journal and I also would like to know what type of glue you used!!
Did you wrap the paper around to the inside or cut it exactly to the edge?
They are adorable!
Posted by: Amy | January 18, 2008 at 02:18 PM
What a simple but great idea. I use a composition book like that for my journals all the time. I am going to copy the idea and have elegant journals from now on!
Posted by: rhondi | January 18, 2008 at 05:32 PM