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Back to School Teacher Gift Idea~DIY Journal

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This DIY Journal is perfect for back to school teacher gifts and can be made with Dollar Store supplies in less than fifteen minutes!

DIY Journal with gold elephants

It may seem like the kids just got out of school, but before you know it they will be heading back!  This is the perfect time to work on some quick and easy back to school craft ideas.

I am excited to be participating in my first Craft Lightning Week Hosted by The Country Chic Cottage, 30 Minute Crafts and Happy Go Lucky.

This is a fun idea where you share crafts that can be whipped up in 15 minutes or less. The theme is back to school. Fun right?

My kids are long since out of school, but that doesn’t mean I can’t whip up a craft idea to share and give to one of my teacher friends, right? 

This project is so simple but something I actually gave as Teacher gifts when my kids were in school. It is a DIY Journal using a Dollar Tree composition notebook:

DIY Journal with gold elephants

 

The lightweight, low-profile BrightPad makes crafting easier while reducing eye strain.
Journaling is something that so many people enjoy. But even if they don’t journal, these can be used as a lesson planner or even just to keep important names and numbers in.  

My daughter even used several of these decorated with paper of her choosing as notebooks while she was in high school.

Who needs a boring old notebook when you can have a pretty decorative notebook right?

Actually I think my daughter just humored me half the time! Part of growing up with a crafty Mom! 

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You can even give these as gifts for friends and co-workers using decorative paper that might have meaning to them, for example cat or dog paper.

Here is an easy under 15 minute tutorial:

Supplies Needed For DIY Journal

  • Composition Notebook
  • 12 x 12 Decorative Paper
  • Mod Podge
  • Ribbon
  • Rubber Stamps
  • Glue Dot Dimensionals

Back to School Teacher Gift Our Crafty Mom 2

Back to School Teacher Gift Our Crafty Mom 2

I don’t really measure anything. It is easier for me to just line the paper up with the notebook and mark where I want to cut it.

I use a paper cutter to ensure it is perfectly even.

Back to School Teacher Gift Our Crafty Mom 2

Cut a piece to cover the front and back of the notebook. You can use it coordinating paper for the back if you’d like.

Then cut a piece of heavy texture paper-like this burlap paper-to act as a binder for the journal.

I find this is the part of the journal that gets the most beat up so if you use a heavy paper it lasts longer.

I would not recommend the light scrapbook paper as it will rip easily.

Back to School Teacher Gift Our Crafty Mom 2

Isn’t this elephant paper so pretty? Elephant’s are known to bring good luck if the trunks are up and I thought this was perfect to add a little note saying “Best of luck for a great new year!”

Then it’s just a matter of using Mod Podge to attach the paper to the journal. You can leave it at that or add a stamped saying and ribbon to the front as I did. It is totally up to you.

Back to School Teacher Gift Our Crafty Mom 2

I layered 3 square pieces of paper to the front of the journal using dimensionals to raise the paper.

I then stamped a saying that I thought was perfect called “journey: an experience or process that leaves you changed; trail of experience. From here to there.

Back to School Teacher Gift Our Crafty Mom 2

Hopefully it will be a good experience! I hope you enjoyed this easy Back to School Teacher Gift Idea~DIY Journal.

It doesn’t cost a lot or take a lot of time to craft a beautiful, thoughtful gift. The gold pen I found at The Dollar Tree totally completes this gift.

Back to School Teacher Gift DIY Journal Our Crafty Mom

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Sam @ Raggedy Bits

Monday 24th of July 2017

What a fabulous idea!! There's going to be some very happy teachers when the kiddies head back to school!

Carolina

Wednesday 19th of July 2017

I love it! It is so pretty!!

ourcraftymom

Wednesday 19th of July 2017

Thanks so much Carolina! I love the elephant paper! Have a good day!

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