Composition Notebooks
 

Has anyone out there ever painted the side (black binding) part of the composition book? If so, can you please tell me how you do it or where I could find instructions to do it. Thanks in advance!

Hi,I have used gold leaf ,gold paint and the same in bronze. Not always a success.

I've made lots of composition books and haven't painted the black binding because I thought the paint would flake off due to the motion of opening and closing the book.

Some people use a strip of cardstock to cover it, and I did try that, but the paper seemed to wrinkle and break down for the same reason.

I now just leave the binding black and usually run a strip of coordinating ribbon down the side to hide the seam where the cardstock cover meets the binding.

Thank you for your comments. I too have been leaving the binding alone but thought that maybe if I tried painting it to coordinate w/whatever dp I used they would look nicer (not that they don't look nice leaving the binding alone). I was hesitant thinking that the paint would rub off too...didn't think about it flaking off.

I just had a thought about something that might work - colored duct tape. They have it in all kinds of colors now, so you could probably coordinate with your paper. It is sturdy, would stick nicely and is somewhat flexible. I haven't tried it, but will the next time I make a book.

I have always used the colored duck tape. It works well. Last time I purchased it I bought it from Walmart.


HTH,
Ginger

What a great idea....off to Wallymart!!!

Do you have any pics of your projects!

You could try to paint it and then put Mod Podge over the paint. You could also try it with cardstock and do the same with the Mod Podge and that should help. The Mod Podge will not hurt the paper or the paint - it can only help.

Picts.....I'll have to look. I did them awhile ago and I have mine at work right now. My dd may have one that she has made with the tape. I had the girls at one of her bday parties each cover a book, then I duct taped the spine.

Anyhow--let me look over the weekend!

Ginger

Thanks!

I have one I made years ago (at least 5 years) and the CS on the spine looks just as nice now as it did when I made it. I use the book as a journal and I don't open it everyday but it does get fairly frequent use whether I'm looking at previous entries or creating a new entry.
Anyhow.......The way I covered the book was to use a piece of CS large enough to cover the entire back and wrap around the spine to the front til it covers the original spine covering. Do not put glue on the spine- it helps to keep the paper/CS from getting brittle and cracking.

Once you have adhered the backing/spine cover onto the notebook then you can adhere your decorative cover paper to the front and decorate as you like. I then use sticky strip and either ribbon or micro beads to hide the seam where the front meets the backing. As soon as I find my camera I'll take pictures and post them.

I just posted my Composition book, although I think it takes awhile to be seen. Anyhow, it's in the system for you guys to see!

Please let me know if you have any questions-

Ginger

I bought the duct tape to use for these but it wasn't wide enough for my comp books. I just leave mine alone, although I have covered with the papers too. But now I just leave them as is - the black goes with anything I think.

You could also try a strip of fabric. Use Mod Podge under and over it. i imagine it would be flexible enough to withstand use.

Ok, I'm thinking I did something wrong when I uploaded my composition book last Friday afternoon. Nothing has shown up yet. I've submitted an email to ask if they can see if it will be posted or not.

I'll wait and see if I can actually see the comp. book. If not, I'll try posting it again.

Ginger

I noticed it wasn't there, too, Ginger. One time when I was trying to upload something, I filled in all the blanks, but neglected to hit the "process" button. Check it out, cause we'd love to see it.:)

I found out that I must of done something wrong on the upload. I just uploaded again. When I did it the first time the second window never appeared. The one where you individually fill out info regarding each photo.

Anyhow, I just uploaded again and the second window appeared this time.

FYI--the duct tape I use is 2" wide.

It will take awhile for these to appear in the gallery, but it should work this time.......I don't think there was any operator error.......

Ginger

I've painted on the black binding. I didn't use any insttuctions, just painted. For the best results, use acrylic paints and a sponge brush. I did my painting first.. The only picture I have is a mini composition book I did in January. I hope this helps.

Here is a picture

Ok--my composition book is up in the gallery!

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Ginger