But, being me...I wanted some thing a little different, and so it was changed from that...

...to this, quite easily.

How much would it cost to buy something like this? £5 maybe more!

Let me show you how, in just a few easy steps, you can achieve something really different.

And it won't cost you the earth.

Step 1

Choose a spiral notebook, just a cheap one will do.

But make sure that the spiral can be opened before you buy.

I haven't given you any measurements because it doesn't matter.

It all depends on the size of book you buy.

Step 2

Put these onto some cardboard and make a template from them.

You will use these to make your chosen patterned papers fit.

And on to some thicker cardboard to replace the thinner covers that you have removed if you wish.

Step 3

Carefully cut out the cardboard. I have made my templates a ruler width wider than the original covers on three sides.

Step 4

Mark on your template where the holes are so that you will be able to re-insert the spirals correctly...

...and then using whichever method you prefer, punch the holes.

Step 5

Choose the papers you want for your altered notebook.

I have used some really bright ones as I want to make it trendy for a friend.

These papers are from "Funky Fairy Papercrafts" and they are called "Chocolate Covered Christmas".

Step 6

With your templates, on the wrong side of your chosen papers draw around the cover.

Then leaving a wider border, so that you can fold it over the edges of the cover, cut the paper.

Make marks on the paper where the holes are, and punch them out.

Step 7

Using a strong glue fix the paper to the cover, making sure to line up the holes.

Fold in the edges to give a neat finish.

It may help to reduce some of the bulk to the corners by snipping out the excess paper.

Trim the side where the holes are so as not to cover them over.

Step 8

For the inside of the cover cut a piece that is slightly smaller this time.

This is to hide the areas that have been folded over, and glue in place.

You can punch the holes through this sheet when it is glued in place, using the ones on the other side to marry up.

Step 9

...So! you now have two covers with lovely paper on both sides.

Great!...carefully put the notebook covers back onto the spirals around the inside pages of the book.

Step 10

And when both covers are in place close the spirals back up.

There is your altered notebook looking much lovelier than when you bought it.

I decorated mine with flat backed pearls, organza ribbon, some flowers and leaves.

I added a silver initial charm for the recipient, and I think it looks very well dressed....don't you?

Here are several more, all of different sizes.

And for another interpretaion of the altered notebook take a look in Embossing for another stunning idea.

Magic!