Monday, February 20, 2012

The (Map Covered) Notebook

  There's something about a blank notebook that just inspires me to write. Especially a really great looking notebook.

  I was due for such a notebook. My current one was getting pretty full & I had a plain, black one waiting in my craft bin. It was very uninspiring & I had plans to pretty it up somehow. I recently was blessed with a bag of great maps from my parents' numerous travels to Europe. (Thanks Mom & Dad!) After unearthing some great small maps of the city of Paris, I knew exactly what to do with the bland notebook!


If you would like to make one like this, here's what I did:

Gather your supplies:
~Plain notebook (available at any stationary store)
~Map or other pretty paper
~Mod Podge
~Sponge brushes
~Scissors 


1) Determine how you want your map or paper placed on your notebook. Trim it down with a wide margin around the edges. We'll trim it down completely later. Using a sponge brush, apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the cover of the notebook. Carefully place your map or paper over the Mod Podge, making sure to smooth out the bubbles with your fingers.

2) Let dry.

3) Once dry, trim the extra paper off of the edges.

4) Apply an even layer of Mod Pogde over the paper. Be careful to get right to the corners. Let dry completely. 




  This is quite a fast craft project. Maybe half an hour plus drying time. I think this would be a great gift too - maybe for a friend who's about to embark on a European adventure? It would be a great travel journal!

I'm ready to fill it's pages with goodies...


Enjoy your Monday!

Check out these great parties I link up to!


This project was featured on:


Let Birds Fly

14 comments:

  1. I love this.  I have been on a mission to find me some maps for my sons room and its been a no go so far.   I also love that you covered a notebook.  I use a composition book for everything.  i have several going at once.  This would be a great way to cover it and give it some personality.  Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Cute {DIY} Project -- and blog!!  New follower :)  Thank you so much for linking up to the blog hop!!  Wishing you all the best in your bloggy endeavors.  Cheers!

    Kelly
    www.livelaughrowe.com

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  3. It's ADORABLE!! I love it.  Stopping over via the blog hop! So nice to meet you! New follower :)

    Lindsey
    outofalabaster.blogspot.com

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  4. This is such a cute idea. I would love for you to link up at my Linky Party via: ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com


    Mrs. Delightful
    ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

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  5. That is a great looking notebook!  I love the look of maps!  Would love for you to link up to the Tuesday To Do Party if you haven't already! http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/2012/02/tuesday-to-do-party-50-and-49-list.html
    Smiles~
    Jami
    www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

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  6. That's adorable! Such a great idea! Thanks for your sweet comment over at my blog...following you now :-)

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  7. Oh I love this! How pretty!! I want to go cover a book with a map now! I just made some map art that I'm giving away tomorrow on my blog- today's the last day to enter if you'd like to-http://inside-outdesign.blogspot.com/2012/02/1-year-blogiversary-and-giveaway.html (It's an octopus made from a map...pretty cute if I say so myself! ;) I hope you'll come check it out!

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  8. I made a bunch of  map covered things but didn't think about notebooks.  Great job and of course, I love the Paris theme!

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  9. Thanks for linking up @CountryMommaCooks…..have a wonderful week:)

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  10. What a fantastic notebook!!  Thanks for sharing.  It's time to bust out those old maps and get my modge podge on!

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  11. This is just adorable!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!! 

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  12. i love this!  i've sewn fabric notebook covers before, but this is just as fabulous!  great tutorial!

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  13. Oh, how fun! Don't you just love things that make you happy?  Great job! Thanks for sharing at my place!
    Melody

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  14. This is a great idea. We loved having you join us at "Strut Your Stuff Saturday." We hope you'll be back next week! -The Sisters

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