How to Decorate a School Binder

Rather than carry a stack of plain binders to school, customize yours with collages that feature photos and memorabilia that signify the memorable moments from the year. The little works of art will attract attention and protect your notebooks at the same time.

Things You'll Need

• Three-ring binder
• Cardstock or chipboard
• Photos
• Memorabilia
• Adhesives
• Stickers or die cuts
• Pens
• Decoupage glaze

Instructions

1. Measure and cut a piece of cardstock or chipboard to fit over the cover of your binder. Although you can adhere your collage items directly to the cover, this method will allow you to change it easily and preserve the collage in a frame or on a bulletin board once you've removed it.

2. Gather the photos you'd like to use on the collage. Consider sticking to a theme like your favorite places and things or just use the best snapshots you've taken throughout the summer or during school activities. Find any memorabilia like ticket stubs, snippets from greeting cards or notes that you'd also like to include.

3. Arrange the items on the cardstock, trimming and overlapping them to create an interesting collage. You can also leave blank spots on the cardstock where your friends can sign their names or write you a short greeting. Adhere the items with an adhesive like double-stick tape or spray mount that won't cause the paper to bubble or warp.

4. Enhance the collage with your handwritten observations, a cool quote or flat embellishments like stickers and die cuts since dimensional accents may snag on other books in your backpack.

5. Preserve the artwork with a coat of decoupage glaze that will also create a pretty shine. Once it's completely dry, attach it to your school binder with small pieces of double-stick tape or slip it into a notebook with a clear pocket in front.

Resources

• Decoupage glaze will seal your collage.