So, so fun…and even better than that…so so simple Some of you girls asked for instructions on this…so I will include those here!

I have been taking some online photography workshops, and really needed a way/place to organize all of my lessons and notes! I thought the new hopscotch SCHOOL additions would be perfect for embellishing a three ring binder…and they were! Here’s what I did…



SUPPLIES: binder, cover/binding design printed on matte photo paper, mod podge, scissors, foam brush, sanding block for distressing paper edges(optional), ink pad for inking paper edges (optional), pop dots for adhering embellishments (optional)

First, I ordered the binder it is a chipboard binder that I purchased HERE! It is a great size and perfectly neutral – for just about any theme or purpose! Now, keep in mind that the outside dimensions of this specific binder (you will want to measure yours before designing your cover and binding) are not 8.5x11. It is 10x12 and holds 8.5x11 pages (standard three ring binder stuff). So, what this means is that an 8.5x11 print will not cover the entire front – as you can see in my example, lol! can you believe that NOWHERE in my entire house, did I have a sheet of 12x12 cardstock, OR…any 13x19 matte paper (have plenty of photo paper though…but that wasn’t what I wanted for this particular project)! If you have either of those – it will make your binder much nicer than mine, lol! All I had was 8.5x11 matte paper – so that’s what I used! If I had had 12x12 cardstock – I could have trimmed it to fit the exact measurements of the binder for a perfect background or mat to my 8.5x11 print! Or, of course – if I had had 13x19 matte paper to print on – I could have just designed my cover to size and been done with it! in the end – I opted to messily paint a border on the cover

Since I knew I would be printing on 8.5x11 paper – I designed my cover in Photoshop with those dimensions. You simply design it like you would any scrapbook page, starting with the dimensions that your binder requires! You can add photos or have no photos! Whatever fits your need and your theme!

For the binding and the back cover – SAME THING! Just measure the area, create a document and have fun designing! For my binder – I worked with the HOPSCOTCH kit and the hopscotch SCHOOL additions

I also brought a bunch of the stickers from the school additions onto my cover design, just to resize them to fit my design. Then, I created a new 8.5x11 file just for those. I did this because I wanted to print and trim them separately to give dimension to my binder. Yes – it is tedious cutting some of that stuff, lol…but not bad and totally worth it! I love adding depth and interest like that! Now, keep in mind that if your binder will be taking a ride in a backpack – you might not want to add the 3d embellies as they might not hold up. But, my binder is living on a bookshelf in my office, so it’s fine

Print all of your pages onto matte photo paper (I love both the Epson heavyweight matte photo/presentation paper and the Canon as well). Just keep in mind that with matte paper, it soaks up the ink more than regular photo paper – so you might wish to brighten your prints first, or add more contrast, etc. Each printer will be different…so you will just have to practice until you know how to get exactly what you want from your printer!

Now is the time to sand or ink the edges of your pages and embellishments if you like (I generally do)!

Once you have printed your front and back covers and your binding (and any miscellaneous elements that you want to add) – you are ready for the FUN I promise – it is so simple! It is all about MOD PODGE! As you can see from my photo above – it is one of the few supplies needed to complete this project! I used the mod podge both to adhere my prints to the binder…AND…to protect them! Mod Podge is a great adhesive…but if applied at the end of the project, can also offer a layer of protection as it gives a great finish/coating! My favorite application tool for Mod Podge is a foam brush – it streaks less than other methods and gives a nice, smooth finish! I also applied Mod Podge to all of my little embellishments before adding them to the binder cover (it makes them a little bit stiff and finished them off)! Finally, I used foam or pop dots to adhere the embellishments (apple, school house, tag, etc.). The dots give dimension to the entire project…but are not necessary! You could easily use any other kind of paper adhesive if you prefer!

Whew – I think that’s it! I hope this helps…I know I am awful at explaining things, lolol! Have fun and I hope you will share your binder project with us if you decide to create one!