Create a Custom Scrapbook Clipboard in 5 Easy Steps!

Have you seen these adorable, hand-crafted clipboards in boutiques lately? They seem to be popping up everywhere--starting out around $20 a piece! This peaked my interest and I knew I could create one of my own for much cheaper. I don't know about you, but I'm all about saving money AND having an excuse to visit my local thrift and craft stores! Follow these 5 easy steps to create your own custom clipboard for under $5!

Of course, you'll need to start out with a solid clipboard. You can either browse your local thrift shops, or find one right away on Amazon

You'll also need a sponge brush, although I highly suggest investing in a small package for a few dollars. These are GREAT to have on hand for all sorts of projects, you won't regret it.

Don't forget some quality scissors!

The beloved Mod Podge should be a staple item in every household. This is not glue in a jar, well, not completely. Anyway, grab some if you don't have any yet--you will be happy you did!

Now for the fun part! You will need to choose a couple sheets of coordinating scrapbooking paper and possibly a few embellishments. You can do yourself a decor favor by choosing papers that match the room the clipboard will be kept in--a nursery, office, kitchen, bedroom, etc. These clipboards are great for holding photos, lists, bills, recipes, etc. This is why I like to make a couple at a time. Heck, make a couple extra to give as gifts! I like to find my scrapbook paper at discount stores or use coupons at the chain craft stores. You can also find great deals on crafting items at Amazon.

Follow these 5 easy steps for a customized clipboard!

I chose a fun polka dot and flower theme for my clipboard, taken from a pack of coordinating scrapbooking paper. Call it "cheating" if you must--I call it an easy shortcut ;)

First, take a pencil & trace the shape of the clipboard on the back of your scrapbook paper. In my case, this will be the main background paper (the polka dots). If your board & paper are like mine, the paper won't be quite long enough.. Good thing you have a couple sheets!

If you are using the standard 12x12 scrapbook-sized paper, you too will discover the paper is not quite long enough. Grab your second sheet of paper and decide how you will use it. You can cut a fun design, tear it to give a layered effect, or even cut along the pattern like I did. Note that the following picture is simply to show how I used my second patterend paper, it is not glued down just yet.

If you are lucky, you bought a clipboard that has a clipping system that is removable. If you are like me, you have the option to first make a paper towel "template" of the clipping system area you'll need to cut out.. Or you can wing it... Notice the top left of my clipping system has a bit of a goof? Oh well! That can easily be covered up later with a little paint or paper. Once you're happy with the cut paper, use your sponge brush to apply Mod Podge to the entire clipboard surface as you squeeze the clipping system open. (Get ready for a hand cramp!) Slide your main background paper into place and gently rub out any bubbles.

See my goof? Oh well!

After waiting at least 15 minutes, use your sponge brush to apply a light layer of Mod Podge to your second/bottom piece of paper and carefully apply it to the bottom of the clipboard. Once this drys at least another 15 minutes, I also suggest applying a coat of Mod Podge across the entire clipboard surface. This well help add a little durability to your clipboard and even make it easy to wipe clean!

After allowing your clipboard to fully dry, adding extra embellishments can give it a more scrapbook-like feel. You can store this in a drawer, hang it on a nail or even hot glue a magnetic strip to the back and store it on your fridge! No matter what you do with it, it is likely you'll enjoy it and bragging about how you made it yourself. I would love to see your version of my DIY clipboard, so please feel free to post a link! Anybody want to cover it in B&W photos? That's next on my list!