how about putting glitter on the inside of the flap, in an outline design she loves (pony, crown, musical notes,special interest) ?  I would make sure its an area that is on the flap section though, so it doesn't rub against comp.

How about putting glitter on selective parts of the binding?

If you don't see any oilcloth you like, you can make your own using triple boiled linseed oil (oil from flax seeds).  Most commercial "oil cloth" is actually plastic coated fabric.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you_make_oilcloth