Tired of your old school binder looking ugly, worn, and mediocre? Can't afford the Twilight binder you want? Don't worry–with a little creativity, you can turn a plain binder into something cooler than anything you can buy at the store. Plus, this new binder will look unique according to your "you!"
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Method 1 of 4: Wrapping Your Binder
Step 1. Choose the material for your cover
There are many different materials you can use for covers, but perhaps the easiest and most versatile option is paper. Paper covers are easy to use, and easy to replace if your interests change, or if you want a new cover for a new season or holiday. Materials you can use:
- Paper shopping bags: This material is easy to use and usually inexpensive. Plus, this material is quite durable. The plainer your paper, the more pictures and decorations you can add later.
- Wrapping paper: Slightly less durable and slightly more expensive than heavy paper bags, but the patterns and patterns can make your binder look quite stylish! Save the leftovers after you've wrapped your gifts, and check out the post-holiday wrapping paper for cool patterns and patterns.
- Print-ready covers: Try using a search engine to search for "free printable book/binder covers" You can find a selection of free printable templates–make sure you choose the right size for your binder!
Step 2. Iron the paper or cloth if necessary
While it doesn't really have to be done, you might like its neat look. If you are ironing fabrics, choose the correct heat setting as indicated by your iron. If you are ironing paper, you will need to take a few additional steps:
- Start by sprinkling a small amount of water from the spray bottle onto the crumpled paper. Place a small towel on the ironing board, paper on it, then another small towel on top of this damp paper.
- On a low setting, iron the paper under the towel, and check occasionally to see if the wrinkles are gone.
Step 3. Cut the cover to the right size
Your cover should extend beyond the edges of the binder when opened and placed. Increase by at least 1.3 to 2.5 cm. If your material doesn't go past the edges of your binder, it won't be able to completely cover your binder.
- If you are using a shopping bag, cut one side lengthwise. Cut off the bottom and spread it out. This way, you will get a piece of paper to work with.
- If you are using wrapping paper or cloth, spread this paper or cloth, place your binder on it with the outside facing down, then cut it if there is enough material.
Step 4. Cut the sheet for the center of the binder if needed
Depending on where your ring binder is located, one side of the binder may be wider when it is open and flat (usually the left side). If you want a clean, tidy look when you open your binder, the center may also need to be covered with paper or cloth.
Measure the length and width from this center, then cut a piece of your cover material to fit. This cut should fit perfectly, without any excess parts
Step 5. Install the center sheet
Attach it to the inside of your binder with tape or glue.
If you're using a cloth, you can apply spray glue to the back of the sheet, then press the cloth firmly to make it stick
Step 6. Fold the long edges of the cover
Next, place your binder open and facing down on the paper, with the longer sides pointing to the left and right. If you're using wrapping paper or patterned covers, make sure the "front" of the paper is facing down toward the table.
- Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper over the binder and mark the crease. Take the binder and make folds neatly.
- Keep in mind that you certainly can't form creases in non-paper materials such as cloth. If you're using fabric, you can skip this step of making the folds.
Step 7. Fold the short edges of the cover
Place the binder again on the paper according to the fold you just made. Now, fold the paper over the short edges of the binder and make folds as before.
You may have to fold the front and back of your binder at the same time–it might be a little difficult to keep the two folded together
Step 8. Place the cover on the binder
Fold the long edge of the paper into the binder, followed by the short edge. Your binder now has a snug but not too tight cover so that it opens and closes easily. All you need to do is make sure the cover doesn't fall out of place easily.
If you're using paper, plaster is usually very helpful. When removing the tape, be careful not to tear your binder
Step 9. Spray glue on the fabric and fold it over your binder
If you're using a fabric cover and can't make a tight crease, don't worry! Just spray the back of the fabric with glue, and place the exposed binder on top.
- Start by folding the top and bottom edges, then fold the edges inward. This method is usually most successful by starting in the middle of the binder near the ring.
- Use more glue if needed.
Step 10. Trim the inside of your binder
Cut two pieces of cardboard for the inner cover of your binder. Spray some glue (or glue the edges), and place them neatly over the edges you've covered from the front.
This will keep your binder looking neat when you open it
Step 11. You can add other decorations to your cover
Congratulations–you have just finished wrapping your binder. But you don't have to stop here–now you've got a blank canvas to work with! Read the suggestions below for ideas for decorating.
Method 2 of 4: Creating Binder Art
Step 1. Draw doodles or doodles on your bound binder
Binders are an excellent opportunity to express yourself artistically, especially if you cover your binder with paper or fabric that is easy to draw on. Think of your binder as a drawing surface – whenever you feel bored, just draw a new sketch or design on your binder. This way, over time your binder will have more decoration and a unique look.
- Sharpie markers can be used to draw on almost any surface (even the slippery plastic on a binder) and are available in a variety of colors.
- If you're drawing on paper, almost any pen or marker will work.
- If you're covering your binder with cloth, try using a felt pen or marker.
Step 2. Draw a sketch on your binder cover
If you're not happy with the simple, messy look on the cover you've drawn doodles, spend more time creating more detailed drawings or sketches. This method will require a bit more skill and effort, but the results can be quite impressive. You can choose anything for you to draw, from simple scenes (like single objects) to detailed natural scenes–it all depends on how much time you want to spend on your project!
- If you choose a neutral colored paper such as gray or brown, you can create color variations that give it a shade and a shadow effect. Use a graphite and/or charcoal pencil for slightly darker to darker lines, and you can use a white pencil for the lighter parts.
- Once you've finished your sketch, you can protect your sketch by carefully covering it with transparent tape. You can also use a protective spray (which is usually available at craft stores and is sold as a non-glossy or adhesive agent.)
Step 3. Paint your binder cover
Painting will take more effort than drawing or doodles, but the colorful results will look amazing (especially if you're willing to do it diligently.) But if you don't want the paint to flow from the cover to the binder, you'll need to remove the cover first and paint on a protective surface such as newsprint.
- Usually basic acrylic paints and watercolors are perfect for painting paper covers.
- Fabrics, on the other hand, may require special fabric paints or even puff paints. Check the label on your paint before use to make sure it is suitable for use on the fabric.
- For best results, your fabric should have a tight weave, so the paint doesn't seep. Cotton is a good choice, although you can also experiment with other tightly woven fabrics such as rayon or silk.
Step 4. Use a stencil to create an awesome design
You don't have time to create your own drawing or painting? Just use a stencil! Stencils make it easy for you to add a great-looking design to your binder cover in just a few seconds. You can trace the outline of the stencil or fill it in–the choice is yours.
- If you are using paint, tape your stencil before you start so that it adheres tightly to the binder cover. Use paint a little at a time. If the stencil doesn't stick firmly or you use too much paint, it can seep through the edges and result in a messy design.
- You can also make your own stencils–simply print out the image and carefully trim the edges with scissors or a craft knife.
Step 5. Create an artistic label for your binder
Do you use your binder for school or work? If so, you may want to create a label to remind you what material is inside, but of course you want the label to still look cool.
For example, draw "Chemistry" in bold and attractive writing style on the cover of the binder, add a picture of a beaker with colorful chemicals in it. You're free to be as creative as you want–as long as you can keep your binders tidy, there's never a bad label
Method 3 of 4: Creating a Collage
Step 1. Select your collage pictures
Creating a collage is easy and fun! To get started, put together a collection of images that you can use. Which image you want to use is up to you, but there are a few ideas you can use:
- You can use photos of your friends, family, or pets. Make sure you have permission before cropping old photos of your family.
- You can crop pictures from your favorite magazines, such as photos of celebrities, athletes, or interesting fashions.
- You can use newspaper headlines.
- You can use pictures from old comic strips or "FunnyPage."
- You can use interesting postcards or stamps from places you've been or want to visit.
- You can use individual letters to string words and phrases (in a "ransom note" style on a ransom note.)
Step 2. Crop the image
Cut each image you want to use to a size and shape that keeps them all aligned like a jigsaw puzzle. These images can overlap each other–that's okay (here's how you do it if you want the surface underneath to be invisible.)
Arrange these images however you want, but don't paste them just yet. Try creating different looks and designs as you like. It will be difficult to make adjustments once you have pasted the images
Step 3. Paste the image in the position you want
Once you've positioned the pictures to your liking, start pasting them. A small dab of glue for school crafts or a dab of glue stick can go a long way.
- You can stick the pictures onto the cover of your binder paper or, if you're not worried about damaging the binder, directly onto the binder itself. Try pasting some pictures first to make sure your glue is strong enough.
- Also, if your binder has a transparent plastic slip pocket on the outside, you can stick your collage onto a sheet of paper and just tuck it inside.
Step 4. Cover or protect the collage
Collages can look great, but photos that are large and small are prone to slipping. Fortunately, there are several ways to protect collages:
- You can protect your collage using a fixative with a brush (Mod podge is a popular product that becomes clear when dry).
- You can also use a spray fixative and a protective/sealing agent (you could try using Krylon Crystal Clear).
- If you don't have any of these products on hand, you can try covering them with a transparent tape while pressing gently to avoid wrinkling.
Method 4 of 4: Get More Creative
Step 1. Use a negative space design
You are not satisfied with these ideas? In this section, we'll cover more unique "other" ideas for your binder cover. For example, if your binder and cover colors are different, try using a negative space design to make it extra special.
- Negative space is the area that surrounds an object. Incorporating negative and positive spaces in your images will balance and make your designs more interesting.
- To create a negative space design, use a plain cover and cut out covers with different shapes, letters, images, etc.–the binder underneath will show and color these shapes.
- If you're worried that the holes in the cover will make your binder look worn, cover it with transparent tape. You'll still get the negative space effect, but your binder is protected.
Step 2. Make a metallic cover from the gum wrapper
Have you ever noticed chewing gum wrapped in shiny tin wrap? If you have a lot of these wrappers around, you can use them for a cool metallic shine to your binders. Carefully smooth the wrapper and then apply a small amount of glue to your binder cover (or directly to the binder). Repeat until the entire surface of the binder is covered. Be–a metallic binder.
- If you're having trouble smoothing the wrapper, try rubbing it with a coin or the tip of your fingernail.
- You can also use transparent plaster to add a protective layer.
Step 3. Use the image on the old calendar for a large, beautiful image
Don't throw away your calendar once the year ends, but use the photos and artwork on them as covers.
Just cut the image, place it on your binder, trim the edges to fit if necessary, then cover it with transparent tape to protect it
Step 4. Make a pattern out of duct tape
This thick and durable plaster can protect your binder and give it a semi-metallic shine. You can also make rows of duct tape in various colors. If you don't want to apply the duct tape directly to your binder, try making a "sheet" of duct tape by applying two layers of duct tape so the glued sides are facing each other.
- Making a simple design like a chessboard and stripes can certainly make your binder look more attractive.
- In addition you can also create more complex designs with a "negative space" approach. Cover your binder with one color, then cover it again with a second layer (a different color). Carefully cut out the shapes on the top layer using a craft knife and then peel off the layers to create a negative space design.
Step 5. Add your favorite quotes
Give your binder a little humor or inspiration by adding your favorite quote to the cover. For example, a quote from a speech, song lyrics, or your favorite poem on your computer.
- Choose an interesting lettering shape, print the quote, then attach it to your binder with transparent tape.
- You can also try writing calligraphy.
Step 6. Make your binder look old
For something out of the ordinary, you could try making the cover paper "age" by soaking it in tea. This will make your binder look old-fashioned!
Apply the tea water to the paper using a brush or by squeezing a brewed tea bag. You can first crumple this paper to make it look old. After the tea water is absorbed by the paper, dry the paper in the oven
Step 7. Make your binder look awesome
Even if your binder contains a tedious history or math assignment, that doesn't mean it can't be fun and exciting on the outside.
Glue rhinestones or sequins for a glitter binder
Step 8. Work together to create a binder cover with your friends
You don't have to cover your binder alone. Put a plain white cover on your binder and ask your friends to add something different (like doodles, stickers, funny sayings, etc.)
This way, once your binder returns, you'll have something cute to remind your friends of! Plus, your binder cover will make a memorable keepsake that's sure to be fun to look at for years to come
Warning
- If you want to add something "eye-catching" to your binder cover, first know the rules that apply to your school or workplace. Do not post anything that is deemed inappropriate; You can face problems because of it.
- Be careful when using Sharpies or other permanent markers. If you're not careful, your clothes or desk can get stained. Nail polish remover can sometimes remove permanent marker stains (especially on slippery surfaces.)
