How to Make Beautiful Sketchbook Covers from Upcycled Materials

Your sketchbook is your creative sanctuary — so why settle for a plain, store-bought cover? With a handful of upcycled materials and a few basic craft tools, you can transform any sketchbook into a one-of-a-kind art object that reflects your personal style. Best of all, this project is eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable.

Why Upcycle Your Sketchbook Cover?

Upcycling gives new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded — vintage fabric scraps, old maps, kraft paper, cereal boxes, and more. The result is a cover with character, texture, and a story. No two upcycled sketchbooks will ever look the same, making yours truly unique.

Materials You Can Upcycle

• Vintage fabric or denim — from old jeans, shirts, or fabric remnants
• Old maps or sheet music — decoupage onto the cover for a graphic, layered look
• Kraft paper or brown paper bags — for a minimalist, earthy aesthetic
• Cereal boxes or cardboard packaging — as a sturdy base layer
• Washi tape and decorative paper scraps — for accents and borders
• Old book pages or sheet music — for a literary, vintage feel

Tools You'll Need

• Scissors or a craft knife and cutting mat
• Mod Podge or PVA glue
• Foam brush or brayer
• Bone folder (for crisp folds)
• Ruler and pencil
• Optional: stamps, ink pads, markers, or paint for embellishment

Step-by-Step: Fabric Upcycled Cover

Step 1: Measure and Cut

Open your sketchbook flat and place it on your chosen fabric. Trace around it, leaving a 1.5-inch (4cm) border on all sides for folding. Cut out the fabric piece.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

If your sketchbook cover is flimsy, reinforce it by gluing a piece of cardboard to the inside covers first. Let it dry completely before proceeding.

Step 3: Attach the Fabric

Apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge to the outside of the sketchbook cover. Lay your fabric over it, smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles with a brayer or your fingers. Work from the center outward.

Step 4: Fold and Secure the Edges

Fold the fabric border over to the inside of the cover, mitering the corners neatly (like wrapping a gift). Glue down the flaps and press firmly. Use a bone folder to get crisp, clean edges.

Step 5: Seal and Finish

Apply 2–3 coats of Mod Podge over the entire outside surface to seal and protect the fabric. Let each coat dry fully before applying the next. For a matte finish, use matte Mod Podge; for a glossy look, use the gloss formula.

Step 6: Embellish

Now the fun part! Add your personal touch with:

• Washi tape borders or geometric patterns
• Stamped designs with ink pads
• Hand-lettered titles or quotes with markers
• Sewn-on buttons, patches, or ribbon bookmarks
• Collaged paper scraps or vintage postage stamps

Quick Variation: Decoupage Map Cover

Tear an old map or sheet music into irregular pieces. Brush Mod Podge onto the cover, layer the paper pieces overlapping slightly, then brush another coat of Mod Podge over the top. Repeat for 3–4 layers. Finish with a final sealing coat. The result is a stunning, textured collage cover that looks like it came from a boutique stationery shop.

Project Ideas & Inspiration

• Denim sketchbook with embroidered patch accents
• Vintage map travel journal
• Kraft paper minimalist bullet journal
• Sheet music decoupage art journal
• Patchwork fabric scrapbook cover

Shop the Supplies

Find everything you need to upcycle your sketchbook in style — from sketchbooks and markers to washi tape, Mod Podge, and craft tools. Browse our full collection and start creating today.