DIY journal covers and notebooks made from leather and wood — they’re adorable and make lovely gifts.
After compiling a list of journaling ideas to help motivate me for the year ahead, I decided to create a set of DIY journal covers and notebooks to give myself an extra nudge toward new plans.
If there’s anything that inspires me to set goals and plan, it’s a fresh, new notebook. Do you feel the same way?
To make these notebooks feel special, I covered them with maple wood veneer and scrap leather. A simple upgrade that gives an elegant, handmade look.
Want to make your own?
Supplies Needed for DIY Journal Covers
- Mini composition notebooks (the ones I used are available online)
- Thin wood veneer (I used maple from a local woodworking supplier)
- Scrap leather for the spine
- Heavy-duty craft glue
- Scissors
- Textile paint and a brush (optional, for coloring the leather)
- Chip clips or clamps
Note: My step-by-step photos weren’t taken in ideal light, so apologies for their quality — but the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
How to Make a Notebook
1. Cut the leather and prepare the wrap.
Cut a piece of leather just a bit larger than the notebook’s binder edge. To measure, place the leather over the black binding, wrap it around the back, and mark the length with a pencil before cutting.
Leave at least a 1/4-inch overhang on each side of the binding so the leather wraps cleanly around the edges.
If you plan to paint the leather, do that now and let it dry completely before continuing.
2. Attach the leather spine.
Apply heavy-duty craft glue to the leather or directly to the notebook binding, then press the leather into place. Use a long chip clip or clamp to hold the leather while the glue cures — it acts as a simple and effective clamp.
3. Cut the wood veneer for the covers.
After the glue has dried, cut two veneer pieces that will cover the front and back of the notebook. Cut each piece slightly larger than the cover — about 1/4 inch extra around each edge works well.
4. Attach the veneer and finish the edges.
Glue the first veneer piece to the front cover, aligning it so the wood meets the leather spine. Flip the notebook and glue the second veneer piece to the back cover in the same way.
Clamp each cover with a chip clip and allow the glue to dry fully. Once dry, trim the excess leather and veneer from the edges with a sharp pair of scissors for a neat finish.
I painted a few leather spines in turquoise and hot pink before attaching them, and left others plain so the gold leather could stand out.
Finished notebooks:
DIY Journal Covers
Brittni
Ingredients
- Mini composition notebooks (available online)
- Thin wood veneer (maple recommended)
- Scrap leather
- Heavy-duty craft glue
- Scissors
- Textile paint and brush (optional)
- Chip clips or clamps
Instructions
Cut leather and wrap it.
- Cut a piece of leather slightly larger than the notebook binding edge.
- Measure by placing the leather over the binding, wrapping it around the back, and marking where to cut.
- Leave about 1/4 inch of overhang on each side for a clean wrap.
- If painting the leather, do it before attaching it to the notebook and let it dry.
Attach the leather binding.
- Apply glue to the leather or the notebook binding and press the leather into place.
- Use a long chip clip or clamp to hold the leather while the glue dries.
- Allow adequate drying time as recommended by the glue manufacturer.
Cut the wood veneer.
- Cut two veneer pieces slightly larger than the front and back covers — about 1/4 inch extra on all sides.
Attach the veneer and finish.
- Glue the first veneer piece to the front, lining it up against the leather spine, then repeat on the back.
- Clamp with chip clips and let the glue fully cure.
- Trim excess leather and veneer with sharp scissors for a tidy edge.
- Optional: Paint or customize the leather before or after assembly to personalize your notebook.
Did you make this?
Share your version on social media and tag the creator if you like.
More DIY Notebook Ideas
- DIY notebooks that use unexpected materials — simple and creative variations.
- Other small leather projects, including an embossed leather notebook.
- A quick one-minute striped notebook idea for a fast, colorful project.
- Mini notebooks made from recycled cereal boxes — great for classroom valentines or little gifts.
I liked the results so much that I made a whole batch with a friend’s help and sent several out as new-year gifts. They’re an easy, thoughtful present for anyone who appreciates stationery.
Will you give these notebooks a try?