a tutorial for altering clipboards.

notice - this is a repost from 2009 - i am trying to keep the tutorial active, but the spam bots have suddenly found this post and are steady targeting it. I have moved it and retitled it - and will be deleting the orginal post. some 100 spam email notices have been tied to the original post.


Happy Tuesday ---

I ran two laps last night without slowing to catch my breath - a definite improvement. I had a goal to lose 10 more pounds by the end of the year, but I think the holidays are gonna get in the way of that goal. Oh well.

Now for the tutorial. Notice this looks a lot more difficult than it is. Just take your time. I only covered the fronts of my clipboards, but you can do both sides. I found these clipboards at a thrift store and they were in pretty good shape. A couple had writing on them, but that was not a problem since I was going to cover them anyway. You can also find new ones very reasonably at the Dollar Stores or office supply stores

MATERIALS
clipboard
twine or zip ties
MODPODGE or any decoupage medium
xacto knife (make sure your blade is sharp)
Scrapbook paper (giftwrap or vintage paper works just as well)
Foam brush
cheap emory boards
embellishments (optional)

HERE WE GO

Pick your papers and gather up your supplies. In this case, I actually followed those directions and laid all my papers on the clipboards to start with.


Decide your layouts. See my finished boards at the end of the post for more ideas.

The next picture is the only really challenging part of the process.

Tie or zip tie your clip open.

Decide where your paper is going to intersect the plate that attaches the clip to the board. Most have a curved shoulder at that point. Cut a slit in your paper to accomodate the part that sticks up (how's that for a technical description). Press the flap down to mark the curved shoulder area.

Remove the paper and cut out the shoulder area. (see below)

Another view of the fitted paper (below). Also shows the clip tied open. Do not worry if your paper extends beyond the edge of the clipboard. We'll deal with that later.

Once everthing is fitted and arranged like you want. Glue it all down. I use a brayer/roller (wallpaper seam roller) to make sure the air bubbles are gone and the paper is smooth. Get the decoupage glue all the way to and over the edges. THIS IS IMPORTANT -- YOU WANT A GOOD SEAL AT THE EDGES OF THE CLIPBOARD.

Set them aside to dry completely.

Once they are dry, use your xacto knife to trim the paper close to the edge of the clip board.

Add any additional flat paper embellishments or layers you choose. Glue these down. Again make sure you glue all the way to the edge of these layered pieces. Let these dry again.

Now for the really messy part. I used cheap emory board packs from the dollar store. Sand the edges of the paper back against the edge of the board. You want to be able to rub against the paper in reverse without peeling the paper off the board. This is dusty and tedious, but not difficult.

Wipe off carfully. Then apply a coat of the decoupage medium to the entire paper surface. In this case my only instructions are to read the instructions on the label.

Here is a shot of my pile during one of the early drying phases. I spread and stack and prop on every available surface. That habit was one of the things that ultimately pushed the Man at My Address to adapt the barn into my studio. At least now he doesn't have to move 4 drying clipboards off the table to be able to eat.

Once your finish coat(s) have dried add any 3D embellishments at the top. Consider the use of the clipboard carefully when you do this. I only add them to the very top. (Next 3 pictures)

Now for my finished boards.

I stamped on the one to left above.

This is my favorite. Sorry about the glare. The postcard was cut from a scrapbook paper.

The train/ship was a big hit with Lannae's son - William.

The color on this is off in this picture. The photo color is better in the in process shot earlier in this post.

Really crappy picture - but I like the colors a lot.

Those are real pressed flowers and that lace edge paper is absolutely amazing. It was made with a Martha Stewart edge punch.

If you would like to purchase one of these - they are 12.00 each. I can ship, but will have to determine shipping at time of order. (Note to self -- get that ETSY shop going).

Again - I hope you make something for yourself or someone else this Christmas.

Have a wonderful day.