Want to give a basic notebook cover a little more dimension? Embossing is an easy way to add texture to custom composition notebooks and clear acetate covers without completely changing the way you make them. Let’s get started!
How to Emboss Acetate and Composition Notebook Covers
In this tutorial, I’m sharing three ways to emboss notebook covers using Sizzix embossing folders and my Big Shot machines. You can emboss the entire composition notebook cover, add a smaller embossed detail exactly where you want it, or emboss clear acetate before adding it to your notebook.
The best part is that you can use this technique with notebooks you’re already making!
Supplies for Embossing Notebook Covers
For this project, I used:
- Sizzix Big Shot
- Sizzix Big Shot Plus
- Embossing folders and large embossing folders
- Composition notebooks
- Clear acetate
- Printable vinyl or sticker paper
- Laminate
- Corner rounder
You don’t need every size embossing folder shown in this tutorial. Use what you already have and choose the folder size based on how much of the notebook cover you want to emboss.
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How to Emboss a Composition Notebook Cover
One of the easiest ways to use this technique is to emboss a composition notebook after you’ve already customized the cover. I used one of my Bible Notes notebooks for this project. The cover was already finished with the printed design, vinyl and laminate before I embossed it.
Place the notebook cover inside your embossing folder. For an all-over texture, choose a folder large enough to cover most or all of the notebook. Create the appropriate sandwich for your Sizzix machine with the base plate, embossing folder and cutting pads, and slowly run the notebook cover through the machine. The finished embossing goes through the layers of the customized cover, creating a raised texture that you can both see and feel.
I used a polka-dot embossing folder on one notebook, which added texture across the cover without competing with the printed design. You can repeat the process on the back cover for a finished look on both sides.
Use Smaller Embossing Folders for Accent Designs
You don’t need an oversized embossing folder to try this technique. Smaller embossing folders are perfect when you want to add a decorative element to just one area of your notebook.
For my second Bible Notes notebook, I positioned a smaller flourish design in the center of the cover rather than embossing the entire surface.This gives you much more control over where the embossing appears and allows you to work around important elements in your design.
Try positioning a small embossed design above or below a title, around a focal image, or over an area where you simply want a little extra detail. This is also a great way to use embossing folders you may already have in your craft supplies.
How to Emboss Acetate
Yes, you can emboss acetate too!
For the clear notebook cover, I used a large embossing folder with my Sizzix Big Shot Plus. Because the folder and acetate are larger, you’ll need a machine with an opening wide enough to accommodate them.
Trim your acetate to the size needed for your project before embossing. Place the acetate inside the embossing folder and create the appropriate sandwich for your machine. Slowly run everything through the Big Shot Plus. When you remove the acetate, the previously flat sheet has a raised pattern across the surface.
The clear material makes the texture especially interesting because the embossed design catches the light while you can still see the notebook design underneath.
Full Video Tutorial
What If You Can’t Find Large Embossing Folders?
Some of the larger Sizzix embossing folders I own have been discontinued, but that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate this technique.
Look for larger embossing folders from other manufacturers that will fit your machine. I’ve also seen older embossing folders show up through resale sites, thrift stores and local craft destashes. I’ll link the current options I find that are suitable for larger acetate notebook covers in the supply section of this post. And remember, you don’t need a large folder at all if you’re embossing a smaller section of your notebook. The smaller-folder technique can give you an entirely different look.
Make My Bible Notes Notebook
The Bible Notes notebook featured in this tutorial is from one of my previous projects.
If you haven’t made one yet, check out my original Bible Notes notebook tutorial for the complete step-by-step instructions.
See the Bible Notes Notebook Tutorial
You can also get the FREE Bible Notes design featured in the tutorial when you sign up for my Studio Letter. My Studio Letter is where I share my latest projects, tutorials, creative finds and freebies each week.
A New 3D Notebook Is Coming Next
Did you notice the notebook I used for the embossed acetate? That’s a sneak peek at something new.
It has a clear cover, a dimensional 3D effect and now an embossed acetate layer, but I’m saving the construction for the next tutorial.
I’ll be sharing exactly how I created the 3D notebook in my next video, including what I used to make it. It’s probably not what you’re expecting! Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel or join the Studio Letter so you don’t miss it.
More Ways to Customize Your Notebook Covers
Embossing gives you another way to take the notebook projects you’ve already been making and make them your own. Try an all-over texture, add one strategically placed embossed design, or emboss a sheet of acetate for a completely different clear-cover effect. It’s a simple extra step, but it can make a handmade notebook feel much more finished, especially if you’re making notebooks to sell or give as gifts.
If you try embossing your notebook covers, I’d love to see what you create!
Pray, create and celebrate!
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