I love clipboards for a few reasons.
- I like making lists and that’s easy to do with a clipboard.
- I like to reuse things, so clipboards collect my scrap paper.
- Writing on a hard surface > not writing on a hard surface.
- They can double as DIY photo holders or you can add magnets and stick them on the fridge.
For Valentine’s Day, I wanted to create a fun custom clipboard based loosely on a photo I saw here. I wanted it to be fun and sparkly and pink and also easy and thrifty. These would make great gifts for friends and family or even for a teacher.
I mentioned thrifty, so here’s a breakdown on expenditures.
- Clipboard: $1+
- Paints: $0.33/ea on sale
- Foam brush: $0.25
- Rhinestones and baubles: $2.99+
Shop supplies in the Splendid Store!
Making Your Clipboard
Start with a plain clipboard. I bought mine at a craft store for $1.00, but you can use one from Target or an office supply store or even a thrift store.
I used a paper clip to hold the clip back so I could paint the clipboard top, sides and back. I used simple craft acrylics and a foam brush. You could certainly get fancy with your paint job, but i didn’t. I just wanted it pink with some gradient, so I used a paper plate as my pallet and went to town.
Once the paint is dry, you can unhook the paper clip (Sorry I didn’t take a photo of that!) and get your craft glue ready. Start applying your baubles – this is the best part! I used various sizes of rhinestones and pearls and whatnots and just used my fingers to stick it all on there. I applied baubles to the top of the clip and also the bottom that was showing. This made it look more cohesive and additional bling never hurt anyone!
Lastly, I needed some scrap paper to put my cute new clipboard to work. I gathered up some scraps and brought out my Valentine stamp and red stamp pad. I like putting the stamp in a bottom corner, but you can do whatever you think suits you best.
And that’s it! You’re done! I love how my clipboard turned out. I’m going to keep it on my shared desk in my home office and this should make my to-do lists a little more fun and sparkly. Here’s how mine turned out.
This is so cute!! You’re so crafty!