Make a thank-you gift teachers will love and use

They've guided you and inspired you. They've given you knowledge and the skills to use what you've learned. They've held your hand, dried your tears. And at some point, they've probably even wiped your nose.

As another school year comes to an end, it's time to say 'thank you' to your teachers. I've got a great project to help you do just that.

A notebook is a gift teachers can put to good use. One that's been decorated by you will be twice as nice. Once you've finished decorating the book, write a note of thanks or draw a picture for your teacher on the first page.

To all the teachers, thank you! Have a great summer and see you in September.

What you need

• Composition notebook
• Scrapbooking papers
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Fine grit sandpaper
• Ink pad
• Embellishments:
  • Stickers
  • Rub-on transfers
  • Ribbon
  • Brads
  • Buttons
  • Fabric flowers and anything else you'd like to decorate the notebook

Decorated 'thank you' notebook

Collecting your materials: You will need composition notebooks for this craft. These notebooks have a thick cardboard cover and a simple tape binding (no coil) and can be found at dollar, department and stationary stores. Choose scrapbooking paper in complementary colours and patterns. Pick up some embellishments such as stickers, rub-on transfers, ribbon, brads, buttons, fabric flowers, etc. With the popularity of scrapbooking, there's no end to great add-ons.

Step One: Set the notebook front cover facing down on top of a sheet of scrapbooking paper (good side down). Line up the top edge of the paper with the top of the notebook and the right side edge a few centimetres in from the notebook spine. Trace around the left side and bottom of the book with a pencil. Cut out this area. Keep the scrap for detail. Repeat this step for the back cover.

Step Two: The papers you've cut out should fit nicely on the front and back covers of the notebook. Use a glue stick to spread glue all over the front cover, stopping a few centimetres away from the spine. Position the paper and smooth it in place, rubbing from the centre outward. Trim any overlap with scissors. Glue on the back cover and trim as needed.

Step Three: Add strips of paper in complementary colours or patterns. Glue these in place and trim as needed. Take a look at the photo for a few ideas.

Step Four: To prevent the paper from lifting from the edges of the notebook, use fine grit sandpaper to give the edges a gentle scuff. Hold the sandpaper in your hand at the edge of the notebook and sand in an outward motion. You're attempting to 'seal' the paper to the notebook. If you sand inward, the paper will lift. Repeat with the back cover.

Step Five: An option now is to ink the edge of the notebook. Open the notebook. Hold an inkpad in one hand and gently run it around the edge of the notebook cover. (I used gold ink) Repeat with the back cover.

Step Six: Decorate the covers to suit your teacher's personality. Add school-themed stickers, lengths of ribbon and more. When the decorating is done, don't forget to write a nice thank-you letter to your teacher inside the book. Make note of the year's highlights, things you enjoyed and other special moments. A picture or photograph is a nice addition too.