Tutorial: Easy DIY notebook cover

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As someone who’s found it hard to transition my writing and note taking into the digital age, I love me a good old fashion notebook. But when you love notebooks as much as I do, and if you’re always picking up a new one every trip into Target, then you know that eventually, the pickings become pretty slim. That's what inspired me to start creating my own notebook covers.

Sometime last year, I finally joined Pottermore and was sorted into Hufflepuff House. Since then, I've been a diehard badger. I decided to create my own little notebook cover to show off my Hufflepuff pride. That's when I thought, “Hmm, maybe other people feel this passionately about their own Hogwarts House.” Doubtful, but I still decided to create printable book covers for all four houses.

The Printable

What's included:

[1] Four page PDF, each page has one cover sheet

These printables were designed for this specific Miliko notebook. I like it because the clear cover allows me to customize it with little effort. And I can be sure that my new custom cover sheet won't be damaged in my bag. I also dig that they come with different paper options: lined, dot grid and square grid.

Printing tips
Print on high quality
Use the page range function to choose which page you want to print
Use the borderless print function if your printer allows it.
Use a high-quality paper

The Tutorial

Gather Your Supplies
Miliko Transparent Hardcover Notebook
Scissors
Pencil or pen
Paper
Screw hole punch with 4mm bit
Paper clips
Printable book cover
Glue stick (optional)
Straight edge cutter (optional)
Piece of wood (optional)

Step One

Using a sheet of the notebook’s paper as a guide, cut the printable to size. I like to use paper clips here to avoid unwanted shifting while I’m cutting.

Step Two

Still using your notebook’s paper as a guide, on the back of the printable, shade in where the holes should go.

Step Three

If you’re worried about damaging your work table, place a scrap piece of wood down.

Double check to make sure you marked the holes on the correct side. Then, using the screw hole punch fitted with the 4mm bit, punch holes where you made your markings.

A few hanging charlies won’t be the end of the world, but let’s try not to repeat the 2000 presidential elections.

Step Four

Using a pair of scissors, clip the holes open creating a clean frayed edge.

Step Five

Push the frayed edges in between the spirals. I used a mechanical pencil, but you could use a pen cap, paper clip, knitting needle or anything that’s handy.

You can leave it as is. Or if you want some added reinforcement, you can use the glue stick and glue the new cover sheet to the first page of your notebook.

Now you can go and show off your house pride. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram and tag @thisgalknows to show me your finished house notebook. When you're done doing that, come back here and tell me what Hogwarts House you're in.

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