"Cutesy" Clipboard

So it is that time of year when we are all searching for that gift that no one has ever given a teacher, dance instructor, etc...  Well, in my quest for something I could make in those last five minutes of my day, I came across a great idea that was very simple to execute...mostly because of that closet that hides my treasures of scrapbooking and sewing stuff!

Here we GO!

HOW TO DO IT:

1.) Buy the clipboard, scrapbooking paper, ribbon, and glue.  I suggest Elmers Spray Adhesive Glue (comes in a can and keeps it nice and neat!).  NOTE: If you choose to buy the smaller sheets of paper make sure they will fit on the board, especially if they are a patterned specific design.

2.) Next you will take a scrap piece of paper, or you can use the intended sheet if you are brave, and you will cut the template for the top half of the clipboard.  **I suggest you do all of your cutting at the same time and then do all of the gluing, if you are making multiples.

3.) Make sure the fit is precise.  My piece slid tightly under the handle part of the board.

4.) Next you will cut the bottom portion.  It doesn't matter if they meet in the middle unless your writing on it will be bumpy...if you choose to write anything.

5.) Now we will cover the "gap".

6.) So far nothing has been glued down.  That is a major rule!  Make sure everything fits like you want it to before gluing ANYTHING down.  Then when you do glue down, and you are using the spray adhesive, I suggest wearing a glove (I used an old dishwashing glove).  It will get on your hands!  Make sure to step outside for this part, unless you prefer the glue "high".  It can get strong after multiple uses and strongly stuck to everything around where you are spraying.

7.) If you choose to do some type of wording, that part is next.  I chose to buy some rub-on letters and then I decided to add to them and had to do some hand writing, so you will see a combo on mine.

8.) Again, lay it out before you apply!  I can highly recommend these rub-on letters.  They were very easy to use.

  9.) Next you will sit down to a favorite tv show (TIVO'd of course), at some awful hour (last five minutes of the day remember), and you will cut ribbon, ric-rac, etc...until you can't stand it!  And then you will tie them in double knots to the handle.  And then you will marvel at them and take pictures of them at midnight because you are so excited!  

HAPPY CRAFTING!!!

P.S. Another tool that makes this easier and a lot more precise and neat is an exacto knife.  LOVE LOVE LOVE it!  Mommy WARNING:  It is dangerous to leave out around small hands so use lots of caution, unless you have a "fast pass" to the ER!

P.P.S Click on any of the pictures to enlarge them for a better view!