Tueday's {Tip}

It is that time of year when gifts are being made and instructions are needed. Someone was asking how to alter clipboards on Splitcoaststampers. They wanted to know how to fit the paper, how to avoid lumps and bumps, how to handle the raw edge, etc. Well, I taught this particular class at my LSS so I thought y'all might enjoy my instructions. This was the handout I gave to my class. This particular clipboard, I have used for Bible Study Fellowship for about the past 3-4 years. It still looks brand new and has held up very well. Altered Clipboard Instructions
1. Start with a plain clipboard. These can be purchased at Wal-Mart for approximately $0.97 or at Sam’s for approximately $5.00 (pack of six).
2. Cut your patterned paper to 8 3/8” x 12”. Round all four corners with a corner rounder. The size of course could vary depending on the size of your clipboard.
3. Trace around the top clip onto a piece of scrap paper. Cut out and see how it fits. Then trace that onto your patterned paper and cut out. The cut out should be approximately 4 7/8” across by 1” high (again depending on the size board you purchase). You want this area cut out so that your paper fits around it when you adhere the paper to the board.
4. Paint a 2” wide edge around the front of the clipboard. Let dry. Then paint a second coat. Paint the entire back of the board with 2 coats of paint also. If you are covering the back, you will only need to paint the edge just as you did on the front of your board.
5. While the paint is drying, decorate your paper that will be glued to the clipboard. Feel free to use rub-ons, die cuts, other papers, stickers, stamps, etc. Make sure that each item is completely glued down or it may bubble up when the sealer (Mod Podge) is put on at the end. You can run everything through a Xyron or use Mod Podge as your adhesive for each small item that you put on your patterned paper.
6. Once you have decorated your page and your two coats of paint are dry, put a thin coat of Mod Podge on the front of the clipboard. Also put a thin coat on the back of your paper. Carefully place the paper on your board.
7. Use a brayer to get all of the air bubbles out and to make sure that the paper sticks well to the board. This is important!
8. Let dry.
9. Once dry, add 1-2 more coats of Mod Podge to the front of your board.
10. Put 2 coats of Mod Podge on the back also drying between each coat. Drying overnight is best.
11. For the ribbon, cut several 4 1/2” pieces of various types of ribbon.
12. Start in the middle of the clip on the board and tie your first piece of ribbon. Continue tying the ribbons across the entire clip alternating colors as you go.
13. Now you have a beautiful clipboard to give as a gift or to keep for yourself. Enjoy

Enjoy, and let me know if you have questions! And feel free to link people to my instructions (instead of copying please). Thanks!