From Thift Diving :: HOW TO COVER UGLY BINDERS WITH PRETTY PAPER: DIY NOTEBOOKS

HOW TO COVER UGLY BINDERS WITH PRETTY PAPER: DIY NOTEBOOKS

It’s funny how what is supposed to be an easy project actually gave me a little bit of trouble, which I’ll explain in a bit.

But in about 30 minutes, you can do one binder, and it should look pretty good when you’re done!

Here’s what you need:

MATERIALS

• Pretty paper – I get all my pretty papers from Pretty paper
• Old or plain 3-ring binders (check the thrift store)
• Spray adhesive
• Scissors or paper cutter
• Labels – I like these vintage ones. But I got mine from Target’s Dollar section.

A Word About Buying Paper

Here’s a tip when buying paper from Paper Source: if you find a paper you love, buy as much as your budget allows! 

From my experience, they don’t always stock the same papers. I’m kicking myself for not buying more of this paper below that I used to make over an ugly thrifted lamp. They don’t carry it anymore. **SOB SOB**!

Thankfully they had the White Lace on Cement paper in case I want to buy more of that for more DIY notebooks!

.....

STEP 1: FIND A STURDY 3-RING BINDER.

I wasn’t even sure what the CRE is until I googled it. Looks like some old engineering 

exam or something. As I mentioned, I had found this one at the thrift store. I’m 

kicking myself for not buying more!!

I also used a couple basic plastic-covered ones.

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Since my son covered the back in his “artwork,” this one was good for papering, too. LOL

STEP 2: CUT OUT SEAMS ALL AROUND THE BINDER.

Remember back in the ’90s when brown paper bag bookcovers were the hotness? 

LOL. Well, this is essentially the same thing, except you’ll be gluing the paper to the 

binder.

But first, lay the binder down and measure about 1″ around and trim away the excess.

Fold up your seams so that you know where the binder will go once you’re ready to 

glue on the paper.

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The only “iffy” spots will be where the middle 3-ring binders are attached. Just paper 

around them, or see if you can shove the paper up underneath them.

Make sure you fold your corners like this, then unfold it and snip off this triangle part 

so that the paper folded inside will make a mitered corner. Plus, this cuts down on the 

“corner bulk.”

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Sorry, I missed getting a picture of what the miter corner looks like. But just know that 

after you snip off that corner and fold the bottom and sides in, they should make 

something that looks clean and not so bulky. 

STEP 3: SPRAY YOUR BINDER.

I’m such a newbie at using spray adhesive. I’m not going to lie. I just don’t use it that 

much. So stupid me sprayed the PAPER instead of the BINDER, which left some dark 

spots on the paper where it was too wet. Ummmmm…..don’t you love learning from 

me what not to do??? 

You’ll be all the wiser, won’t you?

Just make sure you spray the binder if you can.

Use a flat surface, like your dining room table (just be careful you don’t spray the 

spray adhesive on it! Use newspaper or something to cover it up). Push the binder 

onto the paper

This is the one I used.

But honestly, I actually really liked using the HDX spray adhesive from Home Depot, 

which I had on-hand, too. It seemed like it stuck more immediately and seemed 

more “hearty.”

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STEP 4: FOLD IN YOUR EDGES.

Now that my edges were less bulky, I could fold them all in.

I did add some additional paper to try to cover the edges. I’m not sure if I like this or if 

I would have preferred to just leave the mitered edges.

I didn’t have enough paper to cover the insides; plus, I didn’t want to cover up the 

pockets.

PUT DOWN THE MOD PODGE!!

You know how I do here at Thrift Diving….I have to share the “fails” with you! LOL

Okay, so you know how I love Mod Podge for gluing fabric to wood and for gluing 

paper to stuff, right?

But you can also use it as a sealer.

So imagine this pretty binder getting water spilled on it, or some other horrible marks.

Why not Mod Podge it, right???

WRONG!

Looks what happened!

So I had just enough paper left to add more paper on top, with a center panel, trying to 

make it look like I designed it this way. HA! Just totally trying to cover my screw-up!

I don’t even know if lace and yellow flowers match.

I guess it’s gonna have to.

MY OTHER BOO-BOO

Open up the inside of the yellow one and you’ll see where I got a little tooooo happy with 

the spray adhesive. I had a lot of crazy stuff going on inside, so this one doesn’t look the 

best.

STEP 5: ADD PRETTY LABELS AND DOCUMENTS.

I had picked up these labels eons ago from Target, from their Dollar section. I had never 

really used them until now.

Clean Week Free Group Details

Two years ago I wish this had been available for me! ONE COMPLETE WEEK

What is included when you get serious for one week?

4 Workouts available for FREE on Beachbody On Demand & a DVD

Printed Quick Start Guide

Printed Meal Plan

My Personal Support as your coach

Daily Accountability

Recipes & Snack Ideas

Exclusive group support

---AND---

7 days of Shakeology to try! (your choice of):

Shakeology Sampler (Contains 2 Chocolate, 2 Vanilla, 2 Café Latte, 1 Strawberry)

Vegan Shakeology Sampler (Contains 2 Vegan Chocolate, 2 Vegan Vanilla, 2 Vegan Café Latte, 1 Tropical Strawberry)

How do I access the workouts?

You do not need to be an All-Access member to stream Clean Week workouts or access the Clean Week Quick Start Guide.

How can NON-All-Access members stream Clean Week?

After the program launches (Oct 3), all one has to do is register on the Beachbody On Demand Clean Week Program Page.

The Results are In & Reflection...

It has been 2 weeks now since I completed a workout and meal plan program ALL THE WAY THROUGH. Now I wasn't perfect but I did make huge strides and noticable changes.

Self-control is one of my biggest obstacles and emotionally navigating a meal plan as EASY as it was laid out was still hard for me.

I feel this was a success and not because of weight but rather because of the mental and emotional shift that was made from getting up early and working out AT HOME versus at my YMCA in a group class.

I saw that I could do it and I gained confidence from this. I saw that the portion control once again really does MAKE A DIFFERENCE. I didn't crave certain foods and could feel when I was full and done.

I became more aware that motivation is not a natural occurrence and has be to be allowed by taking ACTION FIRST.

I lessened my weights because I don't own any 15 or 20 lb dumbbells and found that my muscles were fine and even thanked me.

All this to say, it works. My superfood shake works, the workout program works AND the meal plan blew me away!

I'd HIGHLY recommend it. I also loved coaching through it because it's ALL laid it out so there is no guessing work. If you are interested in this program, go HERE to check it out. AND if you want to dive in, click HERE to connect with the program details and what all is included.

AND here is the REAL DEAL...this is awesome, it really is but "everything is meaningless, a chasing after the wind" in comparison to building a relationship with God through Christ.

So I won't share with you quick fixes...that's down right wrong.

I want to share with you what is helping me and what can help you with overcoming emotional eating and stress eating. IT CAN BE DONE.

God's Mysterious Ways

A friend wrote to me: "I just realized how your coaching is a different, creative implementation of your training and background."

God sure has His Mysterious ways :: Master's in Social Work/Marriage & Family Therapy :: Runner History :: Artist Leaning I know my purpose...DO YOU?

I'm here for allowing myself to be vulnerable for God's glory through equipping and guiding others toward personal/relational growth, work/life balance and significance in Christ through utilizing CREATIVE methods - my purpose statement developed in Fall of 2013. Little did I know, it would turn into this...coaching and painting. I have taken the month of June off from painting to refocus on coaching and I am continually amazed to realize again & AGAIN how we live in SEASONS. Last year, I simply wanted to pursue a more purposeful crosstraining regime, lose a pant size that I had gained, FEEL better about myself...and cover the cost of my challenge pack with the 21 day Fix and Shakeology that I had put on a debit card.

That's it. I knew I wanted to help others in a more tangible way rather than in pursuing therapy with others. I knew that helping my muscles grow in different ways would help me to step out of my comfort zone too. I had and continue to have BIGGER dreams of helping to provide for my family and took the leap to stay home with my kids. I wanted results for myself and to help 3 people so I could cover the cost. Little did I know that a year later, I would have walked along so many people in their journeys towards health. I want to lead a strong team of MADE FOR MORE men and women, who are also on this health/fitness journey with me. TOGETHER. It takes working through the same programs and movement routines that have helped us get results, too. Now coaching isn't always glamorous. It's just doing little things every day that brings results...both personally and professionally if you want more out of it.

Are you looking for a way to get in GREAT shape? Do you want to help other people do the same? Do you simply need a way to cover the cost to get started? I will help you do all of those things.

The thing is, you are NEVER ALONE. My JOB is to help YOU be successful, too! This is why I am part of a TEAM that offers FREE sneak peeks into the business and FREE new coach training classes after you enroll. I want to give you all the tools you need for success! Are you ready to kick fear aside and start working on YOUR dreams for a change?

Here is the group created for the Coach Sneak Peeks and part of the Hope Nation team I am apart of: https://www.facebook.com/groups/517719598425818/ - you can watch the videos from previous sneak peeks and be updated on new ones.

Made to Crave August Groups

I have had cravings since I was 13 specifically. I remember the day I felt rejection and somehow connected that to needing to eat more of what I was given for supper. I remember going to church picnics and told to "eat up". But now I've turned a major new leaf for mysel and am continually working towards health. I occasionally indulge in pizza and ice cream from time to time, but NOT the way I USED to. I am learning self-control and how to give GOD control!! Has food become more about frustration than fulfillment? Do you feel like you are always saying "I'll start getting healthy on Monday"? Do you agonize over the number on the scale and feel guilty about it? Listen, that is NOT what God intended for us! Insert a book that changed my life and mindset: Made to Crave by Lysa Terkuerst. I have learned that many of us turn to food for comfort, instead of God. Many struggle with reaching healthy goals WHILE growing closer with God. Lysa discusses the missing link between a woman's desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen in this book. I am all about life-change that includes physical, emotional and spiritual change. I want to help my others transform from the INSIDE out. Our bodies were given to us to by God and we are called to care for them as a temple. So, how do we do that? I feel like the best place to start is with turning our cravings from food into cravings for God. That is what this book helps us do AND more specifically the devotional which is 60 days. In this group there will a short message posted daily that addresses and challenges our cravings. In addition to changing our hearts, we will focus as a group on changing our health through whole food nutrition and daily exercise. It will literally be the whole package. You will FEEL good from the inside out. Looking for freedom from the scale? Here it is! Ok, so the book sounds great, but what IS a "challenge group?" I'm glad you asked! A challenge group is a place for like-minded people to work together to achieve their health and fitness goals. I have been running these groups with great success, but I've never run one quite like this! Challenge groups have a ton of SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT, and all kinds of things to help you live the healthiest life possible! Recipes, daily tips and motivation, and a place to log your progress every single day, will keep you on track. You will feel much BETTER as we work on both our HEART and our health! Want to learn more? Be assured that you will also receive 1:1 coaching and support from ME every step of the way. How long is the group? The group will last 5 weeks. You can CHOOSE to begin either Monday, August 7th or Monday, August 21st. (FYI, it takes about one week to obtain materials but you immediately have access to the Netflix of workouts (Beachbody on Demand), a cooking show Fixate along with workout calendars and nutrition guides). The first week is set up as a prep week. You will learn what clean eating is, how to make a meal plan, grocery lists, and how to take "before" pictures and measurements so you can track your progress. There are no embarrassing weigh-ins and you can choose to send your "befores" just to me as your coach (to hold you accountable), or just keep them for yourself. What do I need? In order to participate in the group, you will need to invest in what is called a "challenge pack" and then you will get the "Made to Crave" 60-Day devotional book for FREE!!!! (Orders placed from July 30th-August 20th). The challenge pack consists of a FULL YEAR (12 months!) ALL ACCESS pass to Beachbody on Demand with 6,000 workouts (think P90X, Insanity, PIYO, 21 Day Fix, etc) and your first month's supply of nutrient-dense Shakeology. What is Shakeology? Shakeology will be the healthiest meal of your day, packed with over 70 superfoods and absolutely NO artificial ingredients or fillers. It is QUALITY. There are even four vegan options available! If you crave sweets, need energy, would like to have a ton of vitamins in a milkshake form, and FEEL GOOD about what you are putting into your body, this is it! I can't tell you how much EASIER my life has become with making a shake in minutes after a workout, to help me recover, or for an on-the-go breakfast. With three kids, who has time to eat a giant breakfast? I don't, but I get all the nutrition I need FAST with my Shakeo in hand.  What kinds of exercise is involved? Again your challenge pack will include a FULL YEAR of Access to the Netflix of Fitness Workouts, Program Calendars and Nutrition Guides (Beachbody on Demand) where you can stream all this online on any electronic device! You and I will narrow down what programs may be best for your body's current needs. How about YOU? Are you ready to get started? Are you ready to FEEL good about yourself and TRUST GOD with your health and fitness and learn to CRAVE Him instead of food? When you join the group with a challenge pack, you will receive the "Made to Crave" book FREE as my gift to YOU. My goal is to help you get fit from the inside out and help you to know that YOU ARE WORTH IT! But hurry, this offer is only good July 30th-August 20th, 2017. Invest the time in YOU and see what happens!

Being Brave is...

Sometimes Brave looks like staying when you want to leave,

telling the truth when all you want to do is change the subject.

Sometimes obedience means climbing a mountain. 

Sometimes obedience means staying home.

Sometimes Brave looks like building something big and shiny.

Sometimes it means dismantling a machine that threatens to over shadow more important things.

We're addicted to BIG and sweeping and photo-ready, crossing oceans, changing it all, starting new things, dreams and visions, challenges and marathons, flights and ascending tall peaks.

But the rush to scramble up on platforms, to cross oceans, to be heard and seen and known sometimes comes at a cost.

And sometimes the MOST beautiful things we do are invisible, unsexy. 

We love broad strokes, cross-country moves, kick-starter campaigns.

But Brave these days is a lot quieter, at least for me.

Brave is staying put, when I'm addicted to rushing, FORGIVING MYSELF when I want that familar fresant of shame that I've become so used to using as a motivator.

Brave is LISTENING instead of talking.
Brave is ARTICuLATing my feelings especially when my feelings are sad or scared or fragile, instead of confident or happy or light.

Brave is walking away while the iron is hot mentality that pervades our culture.

Brave is about being intentional about taking your marriage from 'Fine' to 'Can't Live Without You'....

[It's easier to be impressive to strangers than behind the scenes.

It's easier to show up and be a hit for an hour than it is to get down on the floor with your kids when you are so tired that your eyes are screaming and bone-dry.

It's easier to be charming on a conference call, than it is to traverse the distance between you and your spouse, the distance you created.]

Sometimes being Brave is being quiet, 

being Brave is getting of the drug of performance.

FOR ME, BEING BRAVE is TRUSTING my God is ASKING OF ME,
what my family and community is asking of me is totally different than what our culture says we should do.

Sometimes Brave looks boring, and that totally, absolutely OK.

~Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist