When it comes to notebooks and journals I have plenty. Whether the book cover is hardback, softback, leather, pleather, or plastic, I do not discriminate. I want them all. I love collecting all types of notebooks regardless of the size or the way it’s bound.
One of my favorite types of notebooks are the cheap composition books. I see them as a plain canvas waiting for a complete makeover.
Truth be told, I purchase my composition books from the dollar store. On my most recent visit I found a pack of 3 Mini Composition Books for $0.99. I couldn’t believe my good fortune.
Before I got home I already knew how I planned to use these books. Now, I could easily fill the books with words of wisdom, note taking, or doodling, but I didn’t want that for this set of books. I had ideas that didn’t involve much writing.
I wanted to fill these notebooks with color. Lots and lots of color. After all, color makes me happy.
Also, for ways to decorate the cover of a composition book, see my mermaid inspired DIY design here.
Supplies
- Mini Composition Books
- Washi Tape
- Markers (Brights, Pastels)
- Yarn
- Clear Packing Tape
- Tombow Black Mono Drawing Pen
Step One – Washi Tape Swatches
Currently, I’ve placed myself on washi tape restriction. I will not allow myself to purchase any more washi tape until my supplies dwindle a bit.
When I was organizing my collection, I realized I had doubles of the same tapes. It made me realize this, I have so many washi tapes I don’t even know what I have anymore (that’s horrible). I blame those easy to shop dollar bins at the front of my favorite stores. It’s too easy to shop and grab from those bins when the washi tape is priced at $0.33 each.
To help with my strange addiction, I’ve decided to use one of those mini composition notebooks as a reference guide for when I do start buying washi tape again. I’m hoping these swatches will help me from purchasing the same tapes again.
I gathered all my tapes, coordinated them by several categories, and then I placed a strip of the tape in the notebook. Here’s how I’ve categorized them-
- Prints
- Glitters
- Metallics
- Holidays
- Solids
- Multi-colors
Other categories to consider – cloth, floral prints, and geometrics.
Step Two – Pen and Marker Swatches
When it comes to pens and markers, I have my fair share. I enjoy swatching all my pens and markers because it makes my life that much more simple when I’m looking for just the right color.
I recently received the newest set of the Tombow TwinTone Markers, Rainbow. The other TwinTone Markers are the Brights, Pastels. Each color is different and beautiful. With the swatch guide, I can select the exact shade of blue, green, or pink just by opening my composition book. It doesn’t get much easier.
Step Three – Yarn Swatches
I’ve been an avid crocheter for many years now. I find it way easier than knitting, however I’d still like to learn how to knit.
When it comes to yarns, I have a go-to brand, I Love This Yarn from Hobby Lobby. It’s soft and its reasonably priced, perfect for making blankets, scarves, and beanies.
I decided to create a swatch book with all of the yarn colors I have. This helps me identify the names of the colors because I write down each yarn color under their respective yarn.
This swatch book is easy to do too. I just cut a small piece of yarn, attach it to my book with clear packing tape, and write the color on the page with a black pen.
