If you love organizing, pretty paper goods, or want to make school supplies a little more fun—this tutorial is for you. Today I’m walking you through how to make DIY custom composition notebook covers using Canva and printable vinyl sticker paper.
This project is super simple, beginner-friendly, and honestly kind of addicting. Once you make one, you’ll want to cover all your notebooks. Whether it’s for your kids’ school supplies, your own planner, or even a thoughtful gift—this is such an easy way to make something totally unique.
Let’s break it down step by step!
What You’ll Need:
- A free Canva account
- Access to a printer (inkjet works best)
- Printable vinyl sticker paper
- Scissors or a paper trimmer
- A composition notebook with a flat, clean cover
Step 1: Open Canva and Choose Your Design
Start by heading to canva.com and searching “8×10” to create a custom-sized design. Canva has tons of premade notebook and planner cover templates you can use and customize—or you can start with a blank canvas.
Search Canva’s library for cute graphics, background patterns, and fonts. You can also upload your own images (I’ve even used free images from Google before—just make sure they’re okay to use and do not use them to sell your products!).
Pro tip: Leave a little margin around the edges to make trimming and applying easier later.
Step 2: Add a Label or Title
I like layering a label on top—especially for school or planner covers. You can add a text box that says things like:
- “Math – 5th Grade”
- “Daily Journal”
- “Isabella’s Notes”
Play with fonts and colors to match your vibe. Canva even lets you curve text or add shadows for a fun effect!
Step 3: Download & Print
Once your design is ready, click Share > Download and choose PDF or PNG format (PDF is usually sharper for printing).
Now print your 8×10 design onto printable vinyl sticker paper. This stuff is magical. It’s thick enough to cover darker notebook covers and sticks really well without bubbling. I’ll link my favorite one —it works great with both inkjet and laser printers.
Make sure you load the paper into your printer correctly so you print on the sticker side!
Step 4: Trim the Edges
Before sticking it on your notebook, trim off the white edges or any excess. I like using a paper trimmer for super straight lines, but scissors work just fine too.
This step just makes it easier to line everything up and gives your cover a clean, finished look.
Step 5: Apply Your Sticker
Peel back just a small section of the sticker backing—about 1 inch or so. Line it up with the top of your notebook and press down that edge.
Now slowly peel away more of the backing as you press and smooth down the sticker. Take your time here!
If you mess up or get a bubble, no big deal. This vinyl paper is pretty forgiving—you can carefully lift it up and reposition.
Once it’s on, use your fingers or a flat edge (like a credit card) to smooth out any bubbles.
Step 6: Trim Around the Notebook
If there’s any overhang or uneven edges, just flip your notebook over and trim around it with scissors or an X-Acto knife.
And that’s it! You’ve got a completely customized notebook that looks store-bought. 😍
Bonus Tips:
- Let your kids design their own for back-to-school fun
- Add washi tape around the edges for a little extra flair
- Use these for planners, journals, recipe books, or gifts
Want the Sticker Paper I Used?
I researched a bunch and found one that’s chef’s kiss. It prints beautifully, sticks well, and is easy to work with.
Printable Vinyl Sticker Paper for Inkjet and Laser Printers – Matte Finish Check out their store as well for more options like clear backing, holographic and glossy sticker papers.
This brand is also rated highly and I’ve seen used on Tiktok – Glossy Printable Vinyl Sticker Paper (Water Resistant)
This is one of those easy projects that gives you that I’m so put together feeling with minimal effort. Whether you’re prepping for school, organizing your life, or just want a creative moment to yourself—you’ll love making these DIY custom composition notebook covers.
Let me know if you try it! Tag me @crazylifewithlittles so I can see your creations. 💖