Get a luxury leather journal without breaking the bank – this DIY leather journal cover is made with faux leather and the cricut explore. Not only is this leather composition book cover inexpensive to make yourself, it is reusable too!
You are either a paper and notebook person, or you are not. No matter how many reminders I have set in my phone, I still have to write things down or I worry that I will forget.
Journals and notebooks can be made into so many different styles and uses. My most commonly used notebooks are a to-do list notebook, bullet journal, spiritual journal (more doodles and phrases that stand out to me) and travel journals. A great journal idea I see often is a travel notebook where you can attach ticket stubs, pictures and notes as a keepsake.
What makes journals and notebooks even more special is when they feel nice. The feel of the paper, the right pen and ink style, or a leather journal cover – what qualities do you treasure in a notebook? For me, it is a pretty journal cover and a pen that makes me like my writing.
If you love a luxurious journal cover you will love the project I am sharing today – a reusable DIY leather journal cover. Starting with an inexpensive composition book from the dollar store, I’ll show you how to make a leather journal cover with your Cricut,
Tips For Cutting Leather With Your Cricut
- You can use either genuine leather or faux leather for this DIY journal cover. Faux leather is thinner, which makes it easier to cut with the Cricut.
- Place leather smooth side down on the mat and mirror image your design before cutting. This helps your cutting mat to last the longest.
- Another option is to put transfer tape on the fuzzy side of the leather, and place on the cutting mat with the transfer tape down.
- Make sure the leather is attached really well on the mat. You can use painters tape or masking tape to secure the leather to your mat.
- A brayer works well to push down on the leather, also insuring it is really secure on the cutting mat.
- With genuine leather move the white stars on the roller bar to the side – they will indent the leather if not moved.
Here is what you will need to make this DIY leather journal cover:
- Cricut Maker or Explore (found on Amazon and the Cricut Store)
- Standard grip cutting mat‘
- Deep cut blade
- Cricut faux leather
- Halographic iron-on vinyl
- Cricut easy press
- Easy press mat
- Design space file – #MAEFFD90
Other Cricut Leather Projects
If you love this DIY leather journal cover, you will love these other leather projects using the Cricut!
Leather monogram keychain 
faux leather earrings 
Leather Baby Booties
Leather monogram charms
Faux Leather earrings
Leather baby booties
Comments & Reviews
Jessica says
Oooh, I love this!! Great job!
Crystal says
Brooke this is gorgeous! I love the color and the design is just the cutest! I think I need to make myself one of these!
Erin says
Oh my goodness! Soooo pretty!!
Cori says
These turned out so pretty!!
Liz says
This turned out so cute!
Melissa says
Can you please send the link to the Cricut design file (leather journal)? When I click on it, it opens a blank canvas. Thank you!
Brooke says
Search on cricut design space for #MAEFFD90 or just “So The Adventure Begins” and you will find it!
Kellie Green says
Hi! Neither of these options work.
Brooke says
Which options are you referring to?
Kellie Green says
Searching for the name nor the code work in design space.
Bel Wilds says
Hi Brooke
I can’t seem to find the file on design space either…i’ve tried both options in the search bar.
Do you have any suggestions as too where I can find it?
Thanks
Sarah says
What size composition notebook did you use?
Brooke says
It is just the standard size book from the dollar store? All of them I bought a various stores were all the same size. You can always adjust it to fit a different style of notebook.
Gemma says
Hi, I also can’t find this on design space. Can you help?
Brooke says
Try typing in adventure begins. The design is #MAEFFD90
Cheryl says
Hi, the notebook is beautiful. I’d like to try making it, but I cannot access any cut file for the leather pieces. Searching by text or file number only results in the “Adventure awaits” graphic, which isn’t really what I want. I’m mostly looking for the cut file for the notebook pieces. Can you send or repost them? If not, I’ll need to devise my own:)
Thanks!
Brooke says
I guess Cricut changed how they can share links to design files. I made the journal cover with basic shapes, but let me see if I can save it as a different file type and I can email it to you.
Gemma says
Could I please get a copy also? Thanks
Nikki says
Hi! I would love to make this too! May I also have the file emailed please?
Thank you 🙂
alice R says
Hi, there I can’t seem to find it either. Can you send me a link?
Brooke says
I sent it to you!
Cody S says
How do you move the “stars” on the main machine rod?
We have an explore air 2, and those puppies are glued in place, one star cog every 3 inches, so there’s no place I can put leather that it won’t get marred by their teeth.
And they’re low too, so even 2mm thin leather will still get indents.
Which is incredibly frustrating.
Brooke says
It seems like they are stuck in place, but you can push them. It will make a squeaky noise, but they will be fine. You have to insist a bit.