I love taking something basic and turning it into something completely different, and this project starts with one of the simplest supplies you can find: a composition notebook. With a printable design, sticker paper, and a sheet of clear acetate, you can transform an inexpensive composition notebook into a custom notebook with a fun clear peekaboo-style cover. So let’s get started!
DIY Clear Acetate Composition Notebook Cover
While I’m using my Cricut Explore 4 for part of the process, you do not need a Cricut to make this project. I created the files so you can either use Cricut Print Then Cut or print the PDF version and cut everything by hand.
I’m sharing the Strawberry design FREE with my Studio Letter subscribers, and I also have additional Everyday designs available in my Etsy shop. Holiday designs are coming soon!
Supplies
- Composition Notebook
- Printable Sticker Paper/Vinyl
- Clear Acetate
- Clear Laminate (optional)
- Craft Knife
- Cutting Mat
- Squeegee or felt-covered ruler
- Scissors
- Black Sharpie
- Fabri-Tac or similar adhesive
- Corner Rounder Punch
- Cricut Machine and LightGrip mat (optional)
This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Download the Free Strawberry Notebook Cover
The Strawberry design featured in this tutorial is available FREE to my Studio Letter subscribers.
The download includes both Cricut and printable options, so you can make this project even if you don’t own a cutting machine.
Once you have your files downloaded, you’re ready to get started.
Check out the full step by step video below:
How to Make a Clear Acetate Notebook Cover
Upload the Design to Cricut Design Space
If you’re using a Cricut, start by uploading the FRONT PNG into Cricut Design Space and set it up as a Print Then Cut image.
Make sure your proportions are locked and change the height to 9.75 inches.
That’s the size that fits the composition notebooks I’m using for this project. Composition notebooks can vary slightly, so I recommend measuring yours before printing. If yours is larger or smaller, simply adjust the height while keeping the proportions locked.
Click Make and send the design to your printer.
I’m printing mine on 8.5 x 11-inch printable sticker paper.
Cut the Design with Cricut
Once the design is printed, place it onto a LightGrip cutting mat and load it into your Cricut.
I’m using my Cricut Explore 4. The Cricut will read the registration marks and cut around the design for you.
And that’s the only part of this project where I’m using the Cricut.
Don’t Have a Cricut?
No problem.
I’ve also included a printable FRONT PDF that you can print directly onto sticker paper. Instead of having Cricut cut the design first, you’ll apply the printed sticker to your notebook and cut through the sticker and notebook cover together later.
So you can absolutely make this project completely by hand.
Prepare the Composition Notebook
The composition notebook I’m using has a dark printed cover with white lettering.
Since that design could show through the printable sticker paper, I covered the notebook with white vinyl first.
Depending on the notebook and sticker paper you’re using, you may not need to do this. You just want a clean surface underneath your printed design.
Apply the Front Design
Peel back a small section of the backing paper from your sticker and fold it back.
Line the straight edge of the design up against the black binding on the composition notebook.
Once you’re happy with the placement, press that exposed section into place.
Then use a squeegee or felt-covered ruler to slowly smooth the sticker onto the notebook while pulling away the backing paper.
Taking your time here will help prevent bubbles and wrinkles.
The printed portion will cover approximately half of the original notebook cover. The rest is where we’re going to create that clear acetate detail.
Add the Coordinating Back Cover
The design also includes a coordinating printable back cover.
Trim the edge that will sit against the black binding so there isn’t any white border showing.
Peel back part of the sticker backing, line it up with the binding, and use your squeegee to smooth the design onto the back of the notebook.
Once it’s applied, place the notebook on your cutting mat and use your craft knife to trim away the excess around the outside edges.
Cut the Front Notebook Cover
This is the part that creates the fun shape of the finished notebook.
Place the notebook on your cutting mat and use a sharp craft knife to cut through the original cardboard notebook cover, following the black outline of the printed design.
I like to make a rough cut first and then go back with my craft knife or scissors to clean up the edge.
Don’t rush this part. This is the step that takes the most time, especially if your design has more detail.
Once you’re finished, remove the portion of the original notebook cover you cut away.
Finish the Cut Edge
Because you’re cutting through cardboard, you may see a little bit of the white cardboard core around the newly cut edge.
That’s actually one of the reasons I designed these with a bold black outline.
Take a black Sharpie and carefully run it along the cut edge. It hides the exposed cardboard and can also cover any little scratches or imperfect cuts.
It’s a small step, but it gives the finished notebook a much cleaner look.
Optional Finishing Touches
There are a couple of additional things you can do if you want an even more finished notebook.
You can add clear self-adhesive laminate over your printed design for extra protection. If you’re using Cricut Print Then Cut, apply the laminate before sending the printed sheet through the Cricut.
You can also print another copy of the coordinating background and apply it to the inside of the front cover before cutting the notebook. When you cut through the cover, the inside will have a finished design instead of exposed cardboard.
Neither step is required. I wanted to keep this tutorial simple and show you how the project looks using the least amount of materials.
Add the Clear Acetate
Now for the part that completely changes the notebook.
Cut a piece of clear acetate so that, once attached, it completes the original rectangular shape of the notebook cover.
I’m using Fabri-Tac to attach mine.
Apply a thin line of glue along the remaining flap of the original cover. Make sure you get close enough to the edge for a secure hold, but don’t use so much glue that it seeps out.
Fabri-Tac dries clear, which works nicely for this project. Carefully line up the acetate with the notebook and press it into place.
Finally, use a corner rounder punch on the outside corners of the acetate so they match the rounded corners of the notebook.
And that’s it! You now have a custom composition notebook with a clear acetate cover.
Ways to Use Your Custom Notebook
I love how the clear portion gives an ordinary composition notebook a completely different look. You can use these for journaling, Bible notes, school notebooks, prayer journals, teacher gifts, creative writing, everyday notes, and more.
Once you understand the basic construction, you can create all kinds of different looks.
More Clear Acetate Notebook Cover Designs
If you like this project, I’ve created more designs using the same clear-cover concept.
My Everyday Clear Acetate Notebook Cover Bundle includes 8 different designs, with both Cricut Print Then Cut files and printable PDF options.
SHOP THE EVERYDAY BUNDLE ON ETSY
I also have seasonal and holiday designs COMING SOON so you can make these throughout the year.
And remember, you can start with the Strawberry design for FREE when you sign up for my Studio Letter.
If you make one, I’d love to know which design you chose!
Happy Crafting!
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