DIY Fancy Clipboards

Once again, this is another project that I can thank Target's dollar spot for. I found these clipboards there and thought they would be perfect for Dylan with his bracelet making.The designs were kinda lame, but I didn't need them for their pretty factor.

But then I got bored.

I decided to fancy them up with some scrapbook paper and mod podge. I'm going to try my best to explain how I made them.

First, you need these supplies. A clipboard, scrapbook paper (the thinner kind works better), mod podge, sand paper, a file (I used metal files, but I've also used brand new nail or foot files in the past) a paint brush and something to cut your paper. If you're like me and you can't find adult scissors, go ahead and use child safety scissors.

First, trace around the outside of your clipboard and cut it out. I prefer to leave a little extra hanging to file it flush to the edge, but feel free to cut it so you won't have to file it.

Now comes the tricky part. I didn't want the original design around the actual clip showing. First I thought maybe I could remove the clip since it was held on with simple rivets, but David informed me we don't have a rivet gun (what kind of man doesn't have a rivet gun??). So I played around and realized that I could slip my paper underneath the clip. **This may not work with all clipboards**

So I marked the edges of the paper, like so.

Using a ruler, I connected the lines so and ended up with the box that need to be cut out to slip under the clip. Make sure you don't throw that little slip away!

You should end up with paper that fits exactly over the clip.

Now it's time to mod podge the paper on. Before you do, take your sandpaper and lightly sand the clipboard to remove any shine and give the paper a surface to grab on.

We'll start with the clip, since it's really hard to attach it after you do the large section. Trust me, I tried.

Slip your paper underneath the clip. It may take a little bit of lifting at the edge of the clip and a lot of wiggling, but you should be able to get it underneath. DO NOT put mod podge on first! You won't get it under there. Trust me again. Learn from my mistakes.

Once you have your paper underneath, use a small paintbrush and sneak Mod Podge underneath the paper and press it down firmly for a minute.

Now you can mod podge the rest of the paper on. I use my pencil to press it all smooth and work out any bubbles. Once you have done that, set it aside to dry for a little while. 30 min should be enough time.

Go drink a glass of wine. It's ok, I give you permission.

Once you come back and the mod podge is dry, you need to file the edges flush. Use your file at an angle and start filing in only one direction. The paper will come start coming off.

Once all the paper is filed off, you can add your embellishments. I went easy and added paper letters. Put a layer of Mod Podge on, place your embellishements on top of it and press it down to make it stick and follow with another coat of Mod Podge.

Once you have everything on there that you want, add another coat, or 2 ( I always do 2) of Mod Podge over the top to seal it all in and you are done!