Hobbies: A makeover for dollar-store journals

Dollar stores and discount bins are loaded with items begging for a makeover. One of my favorite items to make over is a spiral-bound notebook journal. Many times, the journal covers are simple in design or feature an image I am not interested in. Usually the pages inside the journals are good. Some come with lines and some are blank. When I find gems like this for a buck, I give them a boutique makeover with scrapbooking supplies.

Made-over journals make great hostess gifts and can be personalized with chipboard letters, stickers and decorator paper. They are so simple to make and this project idea is perfect for using up scraps of paper, ribbon and other supplies.

The basic items needed are a hardcover spiral notebook, a sheet of scrapbook paper, foam paintbrush, Mod Podge glitter, a ribbon scrap, chipboard letters, paper clamps, ruler, scissors and white craft glue.

The steps are simple and can be adapted to many different design styles.

First, trim the scrapbook paper to fit on the cover of the notebook. Next, attach the paper to the notebook cover using a thin coat of Mod Podge as a glue. Using a foam paintbrush will help ensure a smooth application. Apply a top coat of Mod Podge to the cover to create a hard finish. Allow to dry before moving on to the next step.

Add embellishments to the design. Use craft glue to attach a strip of velvet ribbon down the side of the notebook and to attach a chipboard letter to the lower front side. Clip a paper clamp to the top to attach notes to the inside of the notebook.

Other embellishment ideas include gluing rhinestones, decorating with chipboard shapes, adding a photo collage or using stickers to spell a name. Craft shops have tons of supplies for decorating and other embellishments.

Journal makeovers are not just for grown-ups. They are also easy and fun for kids to make. They will enjoy creating a design. Kids can recycle comic pages or magazine clippings to create a collage on the front.

So the next time you pass a dollar bin, take a second look for a journal to make over.

(Cathie Filian is a lifestyle expert, TV host and craft-book author. Learn more about her on her blog www.cathiefilian.com.

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