DIY hardcover notebook (simplified)

    

    This is a simple way on how to enhance a ordinary hardcover notebook using simple materials. You will need:

1) Cover material (Here I used a vinyl wallpaper.)

2) PVA glue

3) Paper of your choice for the end sheets that will glue the text block to the cover (size should be twice the size of the text block page, here it's a5 so a4 should be enough).

    1. First rip out the original end sheets. We will need new ones so that the cover material is hidden under the end sheets.

    2. It should look something like this. (see above)

    3. Now take the cover material, lay it out and place the notebook on it, while keeping the text block upright, so that the whole cover can be flattened out. This will give the true size of the material needed. 

    4. Mark the edges of the cover on the material, then cut out the material approximately 1 inch or 2,5 cm from the marked line.

    5. Cut of the corners.

    6. Use the PVA glue all over the cover material (smoothing the glue out with a finger helps a lot).

    7. Place the notebook on the material, while holding the text block upright (to flatten the surface), fold the edges all around and smooth them out with a pen (or similar tool). Top and bottom folds need to be tucked under the text block. Smooth everything out and our cover is practically done.

    8. End sheets. Take the paper, cut out two sheets approximately twice the size of the text block, and fold them in half.

    9. Spread the glue on the one side of the end sheet, glue it to the cover and smooth it out (see above). One side of the shee is glued whole but the inner side is glued to the text block with only a 2 inch or 5 cm wide strip. Do the same to the other side.

    10. Lastly put the notebook under a press of sorts (pile of books will do just fine) and leave it to dry for about a day. 

And now you have a new and original notebook.