This is exactly what I had my students us for their science notebooks! In the back, I had them put glue along the bottom and along the side of one page and then stick in to the page in front of it. That was their pocket for keeping up with unfinished work. We either worked in our notebooks or glued it in!!!!! They are great notebooks. I kept one also to use as a model for the students. Sometimes, I would tie 1/8" ribbons around my spine for decorations - not necessary - just pretty. Some followed suit and did the same thing. Oh, at times I would run a small bead of glue down the stitching, but usually that was all that was necessary to help our books make it through the school year. They used one per semester!!! I am rambling on like a mad woman, sorry! I just love composition books!!!!!

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Not rambling just sharing, thank you

@remickbloss4423

Жыл бұрын

Me too! They are so fun to make!

@sherrycohen1824

Жыл бұрын

Betty, you must be a master teacher to engage your students to make notebooks something special, something their own, and something they will use. So many of today's kids don't appreciate paper or writing things down. There are numerous studies that writing things down helps people remember things better than going digital. I've seen some gorgeous science notes that should inspire every student - even those of us who are no longer formally in school and were never good at science.

Your printing is absolutely stunning!

Superb job Geri! You are a joy to watch. Thank you very much. 🙏

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome Phyllis

I love this! I stock up when I find these books for 50 cents. They help me keep my life organized. Can't wait to make decorative coverings.

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

Wonderful

Hi Ceri! When I was a teen, way back in the early 70s, I covered a composition book with material and decorated some of the inside to make a journal. I used it, too, and still have it tucked away in my grandmother's cedar chest. I was delighted when I saw you using one in this video. ☺ Hope yours endures as long as mine has! Have a wonderful rest of your week! Sue ♥

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, what a great treasure.

Thank You so much Ceri for sharing your composition book craft ideas. I find it easier to watch videos like yours to help get ideas for my own creations.

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

You are so welcomed Emma

Love this idea. Thank-you for showing when and how to use double sided tape.My nieces will be getting these for back to school in Sept..

@CeriGriffiths

5 ай бұрын

Have fun

Great idea. So many possible uses. And a cute gift for back to school grandchildren.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

They do make great and inexpensive gifts for children’s school bags.

Greetings from Chicago 🎉I hope you enjoyed your visit!

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

Thank you

Thanks Ceri

I would suggest that, after your carpet tape is down, you can add a nice layer of the glue stick on top, which will slow down the immediate “stick” of the tape. There may be a slight warp to the paper, but I have found that using the scraper will smooth all that out as it dries, and it’s worth it for the wiggle room it affords. You can also add gaffer’s tape which comes in black to the spine if it’s not as straight or as wide or as strong as you would like, in case the sharpie trick doesn’t work. I don’t like the white strip on the inside covers so I color those in with black sharpie before I glue down the covers. I personally use xyron instead of double sided tape and use glue stick to manage the immediate stick down. I also cut my papers an inch too tall and wide and trim the paper to fit the cover to avoid having to line up the edges perfectly. I have taught myself to use the cover edge as a ruler, and trim paper to fit with my scalpel, as I find it easier than dealing with a ruler, too. As long as I go slowly, it works. Once the paper is on and smooth, I do 2 additional steps - I use an acrylic nail emery board or sanding block and smooth the paper into the covers, just at the edge. That’s not to distress but to make the paper become one with the covers. After that’s done and wiped off, I use fat black sharpie to edge the cover edges on all 3 sides - it makes the cardboard color turn black and I think makes the covers look more finished. Again, I go slowly and don’t press down hard so my pen doesn’t slip off the edge and mark the paper. Beautiful work u did, and TFS.

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

All great pieces of advice, some I already knew but others I didn’t, thank you for sharing them.

What a wonderful idea! 😊

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

I think so too!

That is a very nice book

Beautiful😊

@CeriGriffiths

Ай бұрын

Thank you! 😊

I hav used these notebooks just to do my morning journaling while drinking that first cup of coffee. I covered mine with pics from outdated calendars which made them look better but not as better as yours! You took yours to a whole new level-loved the colors & it made it look like a journal not a store bought composition book!

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Darlene, I like the idea of calendar images though.

Great! Thanks, Kathleen

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome

If you worry about your metal ruler slipping, there is self-adhesive cork tape you can put on the bottom. The ruler will still slide when you want it to but when you push down on it, it will grab the surface well while you are cutting.

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Margaret.

Beautiful papers. Just subscribed so I don't miss any videos. Thank you for sharing.

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

Thank you and welcome to my channel.

Excellent presentation or a great idea.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Another fantastic idea - great to see those pages put to use after you printed them. Love those colour combos.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

I used double sided tape only along the edges instead of something wet then press down the cover each time to get a clean flat page (works perfectly) also use the non-stick scissors when using adhesive

@CeriGriffiths

10 ай бұрын

Good ideas.

love watching you

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

Thank you

Thank you for showing step by step how to do the cover. Have a great day

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

You too.

I like to use acrylic paint and paint the black cloth binding in a color to coordinate with the paper I use for the outside cover. Paint the binding and let it dry before gluing on the cover.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Good idea thank you.

I have covered composition notebooks before, but liked seeing how you did it. I have also used gesso to cover the colorful covers, then decoupaged Tim Holtz collage tissue. When the tissue is totally dry, I remove the excess with sandpaper going down and away from the cover for a clean edge. Added a few washes of color for a fun cover.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds great. Thank you

Very nice. I use them every day to make notes lists etc. Now I have to personalize them!!

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Lol….have fun

Hi Ceri! Your tutorial has been a great inspiration for me as I'm making a journal for my daughter using one of these notebooks. Love all your ideas & projects...your notebook papers were just stunning. Thanks for another great tutorial...stay blessed my friend ❤️

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Catherine.

Your journal is gorgeous! those papers!! You can also use essential oils to clean your scissors, bonus, they smell good!

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the tip.

Pleased to see this, as I need a notebook, too. Wish the covers were as sturdy as they were when I was in school, but then the pages were fewer. I will pick one up at the local dollar star and alter it so the pages will be thicker and the cover prettier. Thanks, Ceri. 📕

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Gladys I find once I’ve covered the cover with the patterned papers they do become more substantial.

I’m using a composition notebook for the Margarete Miller challenge. I only glue on one side of the notebook and haven’t glued any pages together. It’s holding up beautifully. This is my first leap into collage art. Also working on some index card collages. Love your channel.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds fabulous and happy you’re having fun with it, just to warn you art is addictive but such a wonderful journey to be on.

Ceri, great idea! I'm going to show my son and see if he could use one of these, but now a days everything is done electronically. He's in 7th grade and he has yet to bring home an actual school book! A few library books but no school book?!? Times are changing. TFS and no need to respond. Hugs from South Dakota.

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

Geri, I will always respond to a comment, thank you.

i like this idea very much

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

Thank you June

Love this, ,. so happy you got to go to Target while in Chicago. My Favorite store!! I’m going to make one for my 11 year old grandson for school. They use these for all their classes. Gotta come up with a “cool” theme. 🤔🤔🤔

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a wonderful challenge.

Ceri, I so appreciate you, and the way you bring together both a creative and fastidious, or methodical approach. It makes your wonderfully informative videos so very distinctive. Many thanks, and cheers from Hawaii!

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you and I loved visiting your part of the world.

This would be an awesome cover for a science notebook\problem & solution manual.

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

It would

Hallo Ceri, I love the idea. When people don't have a Geli plate you can also use 12x12 I think? When you did the front inside a say no, no ,no Ceri you forgot to take away the red tape cover. But I realized you can't hear me and you already made it.🤭 Well I think it do not matters your order tape is very sticky 😂

@simone9623

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry for my English spelling. I try to do my very best.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Simone, yes you can use 12x12, and you’re right I forgot to take the backing off the red tape, I noticed it when I was editing the video.

Beautiful book Ceri - thank you!. Loved your idea of taking a black pen down the ribbon binding. Excellent. Very helpful, too, how you measured and cut your paper for covers.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

I love composition books. I have made one (decorated) into my Christmas organizer where I put all the gift ideas and meal plans from year to year. Easy to go back and see what was bought and cooked the year(s) prior. I use one as my journal but did not decorate it, I have one with a pretty cover. I always have a few on hand just incase I need one for something. I think I will decorate the inside covers of my journal now. By the way I love your thick double sided tape, need to find some. As always thank you Ceri for you great tutorials and great craft sessions. :)

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Ann you are welcome, thank you b

Ceri: nice job! Good looking, functional and was easy to make. Carol from California

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Hi Ceri, for easier glueing you could just get a little bit of the glue-backing-paper off at the top and fold it back so that it sticks out at the side. You can then lay the paper over the still covered part of the glue strips at the bottom of the page to line it up.Then you lay it down so that it sticks to the upper part of the page. After that you hold the paper down on the still covered glue strips and gently pull at the backing paper parts that stick out at the side. This way you won't be in danger of having the paper stuck on wonky or bubbly or however "wrong". I hope my description makes any sense. Thank you for reminding me of the notebooks I have laying around still unused - I now have something I can use some of my hoarded 12"x12" paper for 🙂

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the advice and tips.

Love what you do Ceri. Just a thought - you might consider adding an index/table of contents (as the bullet journallers often do) , so you have a way of finding an idea you know is in the book somewhere but is taking too long to find by flipping through the pages. I know it's prob too late to put in the front pages, as you have probably already started adding all your treasured ideas, but that's not a problem as I personally find it better to put my list starting from the back page as I'm never sure how many blank pages to leave for the list anyway. The list is written numerically backwards but that's never bothered me. It would also mean having to add page nos (at least on every second page, as you were talking about a two page spread for each idea) and you might decide that's all too much work and overkill. But it would make finding a particular idea easier.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

I was thinking of adding an index at the back for just the reasons you mentioned.

Hey Ceri! Those prints look awesome on your idea journals... I call them my Think Pads...😉 Great tutorial especially for a beginner. 49Dragonflies, Barbara, uses repurchased books as her daily journals and she found on the thinner paper that rather than use glue on the whole page she goes only around the edge so that it doesn't pucker up on her. Just another style. Thanks for another interesting video. I'm so glad I found you through Gayle!

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting, maybe I’ll have to give that a go.

Fabulous; simply fabulous!😊

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Great idea for making that composition book your own...it turned out beautifully!! 💙📓

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Just to let UK viewers know, you can sometimes get Composition Books from TK Maxx. I got one (Made in India) recently from TK Maxx in Birmingham, for the clearance price of £1.49. 🙂

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Oh thank you I’ll take a look as we have two of them here in Cardiff

Good idea Ceri. Thank you. BLESSINGS

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

A beautiful cover!

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Ceri, this is exactly what I wanted. Thank you.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome

Beautiful idea! Thank you for your inspiration ❤️

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome

I really love this idea! I've just subscribed and found your channel because I watch Gail Agostinelli. I think I spelled that correctly☺️. I would really like to do this but I have to check out your gelli print videos first. Thanks so much for the great videos!

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you and welcome to my channel, p.s. its Gayle not Gail

Oh wow, your composition book came out so cool! I love it! Thank you for sharing! ❤

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome

Love the covers, Ceri. Gorgeous! These books are very handy. TFS. From Cheryl in AZ, USA

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Well done Ceri! It looks fantastic!

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Karen

Really nice! I'm thinking this will be a great project for my kiddos school notebooks.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Yes it will

Ceri, I've seen a few videos where the glue was applied only along the three edges of the page before gluing the two pages together. This way, you don't get the wrinkling and buckling. Like you said, though, if you're going to use it as a glue book, it doesn't really matter because you'd be covering the pages up with more paper or collage, etc. Love the way you decorated this one! TFS!

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

You're correct and in my glue book I do only glue the sides and then wrap the collage pieces over the top and bottom edges to seal them. Thank you

Love this!! Great idea for the IDEA Book 📕!

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Lol….

Perfect cover! Loved your tutorial.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

I now always cover my comp books--they're sleazy to pretty up for sure 😎 I h=call them "Distractions" notebooks in order to capture all that stuff that needles my brain 🤓

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Yup….with me if its not written down its gone, my mind is always so active I loose so many ideas because I’m onto the next thing so quickly, I have to write them down.

Your paper looks lovely on the cover

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you I love it, its eye catching and fresh looking, it will draw my attention as I work in my craft cave so my ideas will not gather dust on the shelf.

Since you did this over a year ago, I would love to see how it has held up and if you are still using it. Love all your videos and watch some more than once.😊❤

@CeriGriffiths

9 ай бұрын

Janice yes it still held up I’ll have to see which one it was I used.

Hi Ceri, nice job on your notebook. 👍🏻

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Not sure you removed the top of the red tape on the inside before adhering paper but it won't matter. Loved the demo.

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Candy I only noticed that when I was editing the video…to late then, but as you say it won’t really matter.

Great idea, thank you!

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome

I will use this idea! I can get the notebooks at Dollar Tree Store. Thanks for sharing your ideas!❤️

@elsimiller9138

2 жыл бұрын

Sometimes you can get them at a better price at Walmart and/or Staples.

@DreamingTinyDesigns

2 жыл бұрын

Or target as well (they sell exactly this brand if you are looking for it)! Especially this time of the year...dollar tree is the most expensive place to get them during back to school sales.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

When I was in Chicago the cheapest i found were at Target so its worth looking around.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Definitely better prices after the back to school period because they then reduce them.

I had to giggle when you got out the marker, 😂I’m a “recovering” OCB person I say recovering cause I work hard at things like Not grabbing the marker😂😂❤️❤️

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Old habits die hard…..but I’m working on it.

Lovely tfs.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome Sue

Love it 😍

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Beautiful! Oops, the inside cover still has the red line tape covers on at 28:24. 😬

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I know, I only spotted it in editing.....to late.

💜💜💜

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

We get those composition books for a pound twenty five in Canada. I can’t believe they don’t have them in the UK.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

I can order them but with postage their not cheap.

🤗❤️

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

I LOVE it!!! I would buy this on Amazon or Etsy!!! Did you paint the paper yourself or buy it as printed paper? I make these composition book journals all the time. Mostly for me... Sometimes as gifts.

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

The papers are ones I created myself on a gel plate, thank you.

I'm commenting another way to get sticky off scissors; not to be argumentative, just to offer a different solution to a sticky problem for people with sensitive skin of which I am one, and would like to hope I'm not the only one in the whole wide world. I'm allergic to alcohol. I use what I've always known as a window scraper. It is a single edge razor blade held in a metal track, usually with a plastic or wooden handle. Construction workers and painters use it to get paint splatters or wood glue splatters off window glass. I slide the window scraper along scissor blades, gently, forcing sticky to the point end of the scissor where I can just grab it off and stick it to the side of the trash bag.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Cheryl thats a very good solution for those who can’t use alcohol wipes or have access to them, thank you

@cheryllasich9467

2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome

Try shopping at “Dollar Tree” the next time you come. Thanks for sharing.

@CeriGriffiths

Жыл бұрын

Will do Jackie thanks for the tip.

Hi Ceri I am making an altered composition book with a Christmas theme. I want to use it as a journal so I want to add pockets etc. That is going to make it thick. What do you recommend? Should I remove every 3rd page or….? Should I glue pages together?

@CeriGriffiths

9 ай бұрын

Removing the images entities will weaken the spine, I’m not sure the pages are sturdy enough to support a pocket stuffed with ephemera unless it is glued to another page. You could of course glue pages together to create pockets as per an altered book. I think Gayle Agostinelli is doing an altered book at present.

I love these notebooks. I happened to get lucky and bought the last 3 (covered in denim) for 25 cents each. But I have been altering covers on these for many years. For myself and my grandkids. And I hate to say this but, I think you forgot to remove the top of the red tape on the inside front cover...at least I was still seeing red when you went to lay down your artwork. Hope I'm wrong. TFS

@helensalo9810

2 жыл бұрын

I saw that too but it probably doesn’t really need it that much to hold, but could drive him crazy knowing that 😂

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Donna, you are right, when I was editing the footage I noticed that myself but it was too late….it’ll be our little secret. Lol

@donnaswisher8408

2 жыл бұрын

@@CeriGriffiths well dang. I was hopeful I was wrong. Can you do anything to fix it? Maybe seal edges with Washi (sp?) tape? Our secret indeed 😆

Do you do anything to the edges of the journals. Thank so much.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Sometimes I wrap washi tape around them but only if theres a theme I’m trying to carry through the journals or note book.

Thankyou so much! I've done 2 watching you. Not a fan of 2 way tape,it's a dickens to get apart. Lol

@CeriGriffiths

3 ай бұрын

Glue definitely works instead but my preference is tape for quickness

I use yes! Paste and get no wrinkles.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Good to know thank you.

Hi Ceri, sorry I haven’t been on lately. I miss you. I’ll have to catch up. Lol

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Welcome back Wendy

@wendyzilli9735

2 жыл бұрын

@@CeriGriffiths Thank You Darlin’

Hello Ceri

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Hello Mary Anne and welcome.

You could actually just flip the excess tape around the edges over on itself instead of cutting it off.

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Yup you're right

Love the front and back covers. Did you do those on the Gelli plate?

@CeriGriffiths

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I did.

@janetsinnott737

2 жыл бұрын

@@CeriGriffiths beautiful