Faux Wood Notebook Cover

Sometimes you get a notebook which suits all your needs in size and format but is lacking in appearance. Aghh!

By following this instructable you will alter this situation.

Step 1: Materials

For this project you will need:

- Notebook with a cover that you don't mind experimenting on.

- Woodburning pen.

- Paper (big enough to cover your notebook front with surplus).

- Scissors.

- Craft glue (Mod Podge).

- Cardboard or several pieces of extra paper to lay on your work surface for protection.

- A paintbrush.

Step 2: Drawing

Regulate the temperature of your wood burning pen to get a nice brown color on your paper and draw lines resembling wood grains. By applying a slight amount of pressure with your heated pen you will be able to achieve a wood-like texture and color on the paper (Pic 4). I wish I could convey the feel of the paper's texture through this instructable!

Step 3: Preparing

My notebook had a very bright logo so first I decided to glue a white paper on top to cover it. The next step is to fold your "wood" paper over front cover and get some sharp creases. Snip the paper in the corners to ease folding.

Step 4: Gluing

Dab the glue on cover and spread it evenly with a brush. Put the "wood" paper on the cover. Press gently, making sure it glued everywhere. Let it dry completely.

Step 5: Polishing

After the glue has dried coat the cover with Mod Podge and leave it to dry. Coat both sides of the cover to prevent warping.

Step 6: Completion!

You get a nice wood looking cover for your somethat boring notebook!

Bonus Idea:

Add some decoration by burning borders and headings on the pages of your notebook or diary!

Comments

[Alaskan Bev]

Excellent job! Clear instructions and great photos! Thanks. Question: In the gluing picture there is a paintbrush on the right side of the "wood" cover. Did you use the brush to even out all the wavy glue lines? When I have done wavy-line-gluing a couple of times I've had warped paper; it seems to lie flatter if the glue is patiently spread around the whole paper in a thin layer. I do that by hand. It's quick, the glue is non-toxic, water soluble, and washes right off. Maybe it's just me... Just wondering. Keep posting!

[TatianaO2]

Thank you for the comment! I apologize for the delay in my response - I was out of the country and had some troubles posting on the website.
Yes, I used the brush to carefully spread the glue over the whole paper evenly. Unfortunately, my skin is very sensitive and I try to avoid touching anything like glue with my bare hands. However, if I don't have a paintbrush at my immediate disposal I sometimes use a simple piece of cardboard as a spatula. It is true that wavy lines will likely never give you a flat surface - it is important to evenly spread the glue. I used the pictures with the wavy glue lines just because they look nice :)

[Whoville]

I don't have mod podge so is it okay to do it with out it?

[TatianaO2]

You can use regular white carpenter's glue instead (I often used LePage), the mod podge simply adds a nice sturdy finish. You can also use laquer, which will give a more realistic wood feel. When you add any one of these, the paper becomes more durable.

[Whoville]

okay I realy like it and want to make it

[TatianaO2]

That's wonderful! Best of luck with your project!