Cutesy Clip Board Tutorial
This project is one that fits in the “that cost how much to make?” category. I am such a fan of taking incredibly inexpensive day-to-day items and turning them into something you may see overpriced at your local Hallmark store!
As a teacher, the essential clipboard is always at my side- acting as a portable grade book, place for sticky note reminders, and a great fan when my classroom’s AC is on the fritz (which unfortunately is a common occurrence!). Even for those of you who aren’t teachers, coaches, or doctors, whom you normally see attached to this tool, a simple clipboard can serve a plethora of purposes. And in this case, can be an adorable addition to your home!
Here are the materials you will need:
- Plain Jane clipboard- The one pictured above was purchased at Walmart for $1.27. Plastic clipboards will work fine as well as any that are colored or may have text or designs on them (since it will be covered up)
- Scrapbook paper- I got these on sale at Hobby Lobby for .30 each. You could even substitute newspaper comics, magazine clippings, or even pretty designed paper napkins!
- Mod Podge, foam brush, and scissors
After gathering your supplies, find a work space that can stand to get a little messy, and gather some ideas for your clipboard design. Stripes? A solid color with a border? Carefree collage? The possibilities are endless! For me, the design process usually takes up the most time!
For this tutorial, I am going to show you a striped design. It’s a good idea to line up the paper with the clipboard and trace the edge to get the exact size- that way you can have the perfect length of paper to place on the board. I decided to go for the “distressed” look and tore my paper strips. Straight cut lines or those made with decorative scissors look great too!
Once you have your paper ready to be glued, take the foam brush and spread a thin layer of mod podge on an area big enough for the first strip. I started in the middle.
Lay the paper down on the glue, flattening it against the board making sure to get rid of any air bubbles underneath. Repeat this process for each paper strip until you are ready to cover both ends of the clipboard. I will show you specific instructions for both the top and the bottom.
Bottom- Take the end of the board to trace the curved edges on the end of a paper. Cut or tear to the desired width.
Top- Trace the curves again, but this time, measure and mark off where the metal piece is. Cut or tear these pieces to the desired width.
I took another torn piece of paper to overlap both the top and bottom pieces for a clean look. Once you are done and satisfied with your cute design, don’t clean up yet! Take that foam brush and spread another thin layer of mod podge over the top to seal the edges of the paper. Don’t worry, it will dry completely clear!
For my design, I decided to put my initials in the middle. Taking a stencil, I traced the letters on some coordinating paper and glued them the same way I did with the strips. Don’t forget that top coat!
For a special touch, I hot glued a matching bow to the top!
I am going to use my cutesy clipboard to display my just as cute (and very helpful) daily plan of attack! (Daily Plan of Attack Printable, Today’s Plan of Attack Printable)
While all my supplies were out, I decided to make one for my classroom this year!
As you can see, there are so many different ways to decorate using the paper and any little trinkets you can find!
Here are some other uses for your cutesy clipboard:
- Menu plans/Meal calendars in the kitchen- Hobby Lobby has some great kitchen themed paper! And how cute would a toy fork, spoon, or whisk look decorating the top!
- Family Calendars
- Chore Charts
- Grocery Shopping- great way to keep your coupons visible and attached to your list!
- Gifts!- These make great end-of-year teacher gifts, and students going off to college!
Happy Crafting!
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That’s really cute! I usually keep my weekly menu on a clipboard in the kitchen, so I might have to try this project out to dress things up a little.
Thanks for the sweet comment! I love displaying my weekly menu and daily plans of attack on a clipboard in my kitchen.(one reason being they are really cute printables!) And if I have it hidden in a notebook, I’m more likely to forget my list for the day. Having it on a clipboard (and a decorated one at that!) makes it stand out and much more portable!
I saw that paste in the craft store and didn’t know how to use it. So thanks for the demonstration. Does it matter it the paste is matte or gloss? It is a great idea.
Thanks for the comment! Mod Podge paste is one of my favorite crafting tools because you can use it on so many projects! Although the gloss paste can definitely be used for the clipboard, it will give the surface a shine once dry. I prefer using the matte paste, especially when using scrapbook paper, so the shine doesn’t take away from the cute designs!