A few years ago, I made my first decorative clipboard. They’re fun to use, simple to make, and are a great thrifty gift, too!!I’ve given them to teachers, friends, family members, and… myself!
Would you like to make one, too? Seriously, you can do this!! Here’s how…
What You’ll Need:
- Clipboard {I buy mine at Wal-Mart for $1.00} ~ you’ll want your clipboard top to be similar to the one pictured below… it will allow you to tie on ribbons!
- Sponge-style Paint Applicator {small and large} ~ when you’re done, wash these out and save them to reuse again later!
- Mod Podge ~ I prefer the Matte variety {found at craft stores}
- 12×12 regular Scrapbook Paper {not cardstock ~ trust me!}
- Ribbon {thin} in a variety of colors & styles that match or coordinate with your paper. I cut pieces of ribbon between 6″ – 7″ long.
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Corner Rounder {if you have one}
- Push pin or Xacto Knife
- The first thing you’ll need to do is trim the paper down to fit the clipboard.
- Turn paper over and measure with a ruler.
- You’ll want the paper to be approx. 1/4 inch in from the edges of the clipboard.
Once the paper has been trimmed down to fit the clipboard, use a corner rounder {or scissors} to gently round the corners of the paper…
Now you’ll need to flip your page over again, and get ready to carefully make a cut out around the clip at the top…
- Now set your paper aside.
- Lay down newspapers ~ it’s time for some fun with the Mod Podge!
- Use the large sponge brush to make long strokes from top to bottom,
of a thin layer of Mod Podge on the clipboard.
do you see here on the newspaper there?
She thought I did a good job… she’s smiling!
She’s calling Michael Douglas to let him know.
Now carefully lay your paper that you’ve prepared on the clipboard {color side up}.
- Gently smooth it down with your hands to avoid bubbling.
- As it begins to dry, if you see bubbles, you can…
carefully poke them with a pin needle, push pin or Xacto knife tip.
{Card stock will really bubble, so promise me you didn’t use it.}
- Let glue completely dry {30 min. – 1 hr}
- After it has dried, it’s time to do a layer of Mod Podge on the top!
- Use long strokes from the top to the bottom again. {You can use the smaller brush to get around the clip at the top.}
After you’ve applied the Mod Podge, allow it to dry completely.
- Just like before, you can watch for any little bubbles,
and either poke them or gently smooth them out with your hand as it dries.
- Once it has dried completely, just for fun… it’s time to add one more coat of Mod Podge.
- After applying that last coat, allow it to dry completely.
- Now if you want to add anything else {a photograph, letters cut out to spell a name, etc.} you can add them after the final coat has dried.
- Just put a dab of Mod Podge on the back, then add Mod Podge over the entire top.
- Allow to completely dry… and then on to the ribbons!
- Once the clipboard is dry, begin adding the ribbons and knotting them up at the top on the clip.
- Once you’ve tied on all the ribbon, trim them down if they’re too long,
then trim the ends slightly diagonally in alternating directions. {I usually start with ribbon pieces that are 6″ – 7″ long}
- Have fun with the colors… here’s one I made using pink paper and pink & white ribbons…
Make one for yourself, or give some as thrifty gifts!
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