Altered Clipboards, is a quick and simple gift that is also inexpensive. It would be easy to make a lot of these gifts assembly style.
Items I used for the Clipboards
I used small 6″ X 9″ clipboards found at OfficeMax ($1.69). The notepads are 5″ X 8″ 50 sheet Jr. size writing pads, found at Walmart (6 notepads were only $2.50).
I tried these two ways:
Using Elmer’s Spray Adhesive and Krylon Matt Finish
and using Mod Podge Paper Matte
Starting the Project
- First cut decorative paper to fit the clipboard. For my 6″ X 9″ clipboards it worked perfectly. I took the extra time to make a template that fits around the top of the clip (a little bit of a pain). I have also seen where there is just a rectangle shape cut to fit around the clip. My paper looked like this.
- Paint the back of the paper with Mod Podge Paper (Matte) or spray with Elmer’s Spray Adhesive. If you are using spray adhesive also spray the clipboard. Cover the clip with masking tape to keep it clean. Pay special attention to make sure whichever method is used that the edges of the paper are completely covered
- Working quickly, place the paper onto the clipboard. This is a bit tricky. It is okay to lift up and reposition until it matches all of the edges properly. Be careful not to stretch the paper.
- Smooth paper and make sure the entire piece of paper is secured. When I had a spot along the edge that didn’t adhere, I lifted it slightly and added more glue.
- Allow it to dry for at least 15 minutes before putting on the top coat.
- Round off corners with scissors.
- Give the top of the paper a light coat of Mod Podge Paper in matte or two coats of spray matte finish. I have to say I like the paper feel and look so I prefer the Krylon spray matte finish. No matter which technique you use you must let each layer of glue dry. The Modge Podge will be a more durable surface.
- Glue a matching piece of decorative paper to the top of the notepad. Any glue will do.
For an Extra Touch!
To give the clipboard an extra nice touch I added a metal label holder. I taped them on with a piece of clear tape exactly where I wanted them and then my husband drilled holes in the metal clip so they could be attached with the brads included in the package.
I painted the metal holders and brads with gloss paint. Open the clip as far as you can so you can attach the metal label holder and spread the brads apart on the back side of the clip.
Finished! I think I will put the recipient’s name in the label holders.
More DIY Projects
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u can also use decorative contact paper!!
I absolutely LOVE these clipboards. I can’t wait to make some. Thanks for the idea.
Did you cover the back of the clipboard as well?
hello
i represent several paper help services
i`d like to ask if it is possible to advertise on your website
ideally we`d like to know if it is possible to place a text link:
1) on a home page of the website
2) a site wide link
3) inside a text on any education topic relevant topic page
Please let me know if you are interested
Please enclose the prices if possible
thank you
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So nice to give co-workers and stocking stuffer gifts. Personalize the paper (scrapbook paper) for each person.
Thanks for the idea and materials needed to do it.
Love it!
I just wanted to let you know I included this in my 2011 Ultimate DIY Gift Guide (101 tutorials/recipes)! 🙂 http://danimariedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/10/2011-ultimate-diy-gift-guide.html
This is a great idea I would like to try.
You gave excellent tips and directions which I really appreciate.
Thank you for explaining the different products we might use for the job.
Altered Clipboards look Great!!! Very pretty!!I love the paper! very pretty and making the notebook match the clipboard!! wonderful!
What paper is this? I love the pattern.
I love the cute clipboard! I can think of many gifts with this. Thanks!
I just love altered clipboards. I make many of these for gifts. And they are very popular at my workshops. Yours is adorable.
If you make a copy of a photo or collage using a laser printer, you can make this into a photo clip board. Such a cute and versatile gift.
What type of decorative paper did you use? Will wrapping paper work? If so, does the wrapping paper need to be thick? Thank you.
I made this for my daughter’s preschool teachers. Thank you so much for sharing your talents! If you’d like to take a look, I posted it on my blog http://www.sandlingsmiles.blogspot.com.