patchwork clipboard - a tutorial

 

Patchwork clipboards are really easy to make.  Of course, they can be made in many different ways but this is my method...they are pretty, simple, totally usable....and very gift-able.  I hope seeing a few steps sparks some ideas that you'd like to try.  

First, gather the supplies:

• standard (letter-sized) clipboard
• 6x6 paper stack or paper scraps
• decoupage glue
• strong craft glue
• sanding sponge
• old magazine or catalog
• foam brush
• buttons and twine

Cut the paper stack or scraps into several 3x6 and 3x3 pieces.  I used a paper stack this time...it's an easy way to work with coordinating papers without much thought.  

 

Arrange the cut papers.  Keep the layout as shown but put them together the way you like.  Include two small squares for the top of the clipboard.  

 

This is the only hard part of the project.  Cut a small strip from one of the squares and place it on top of the clip hardware (the part connected to the clipboard).  Use your fingers to press the paper around the clip, lift it up, and cut around the indentations you made (it helps to look at the back of the paper to see the indentations a little better).  You should have a piece of paper that fits perfectly.  Do the same thing on the other side of the clip.  

Now we're ready to glue the pieces to the clipboard.  Use an old catalog or magazine...lay a paper piece on the catalog and use the foam brush to apply the decoupage glue to the back of the paper.  Place the piece on the clipboard and smooth it with your fingers.  With the arrangement I've shown, the pieces will overlap slightly in some places.  Flip the page of the catalog and repeat with the rest of the patchwork pieces.  Let dry.

The next step is important.  Sand the edges of the paper over the entire clipboard.  This gives a finished look to the edges and a little life to patchwork pieces.  I use a sanding sponge that you can find at any hardware store in the paint supply aisle.  I put the clipboard in my lap to do the sanding...paper dust gets all over my clothes and on the kitchen floor.   Here's a before and after sanding comparison:

 

 

See how much better the sanding makes it?  

The next step is to seal the papers so they are durable and ready for everyday use (one of my clipboards fell into a crockpot of chicken soup once and I just had to wipe it clean).   I hold the clip open, apply the glue under the right side, and slide a pen under the left side to keep the clip open while the glue dries.  Do the same thing for the left side.  Put a good coat of glue over the rest of the surface being careful to hit the edges too.  Let dry and give the entire clipboard and edges a light sanding.  

 

We're almost done.  Adding the buttons is not necessary but it's a nice way to hide the brand name on the clip hardware.  I used three vintage buttons and threaded the middle one with a piece of baker's twine.  Glue the buttons to the clip with a strong craft glue (I use a version of wackytac).   

 

Comments

[teresa]

Thank you for this tutorial. I was agonizing over my edges. I have discovered a trick on the first few I did.

I used decorative scissors to cut my paper because I didn't know the sanding trick.

Also - when I modpodged mine, I tied the clip open with a heavy piece of twine - through the hook on the back and the clip -- open and tie. Then there's no wait on one side then the other.

Have a wonderful day -- t

[claudia]

Thank you!
I think I will be making these for the owners of the shop where I teach sewing. My worries about what to make them. . . gone! :)

[Tracy @ Comfort and Luxury]

Thanks so much for this! I am absolutely going to make one for myself, and if I'm at all good at it, maybe a few more to treat my friends.

[barbara]

Great tutorial, although my favorite part was when the clipboard fell into the soup.

[Jessica at Kids Napping? I'm Scrapping!]

Great tutorial! I'll have to try it. :) Congratulations on your certification!

[Elissa]

incredibly generous of you to share your secrets! i am filing this away... they would make fabulous teacher gifts, no? can i ask where you find the clipboards?

[elisa]

I really love all the ideas with clipboards especially with patterns. I have a stash of paper dolls from the 50's now I have an idea for them. Thanks. Love your blog.

[Brenda Kula]

I adore patchwork anything, and I love decoupage. This is a perfect project for me! So cute!
Brenda

[Kelly]

Thank you for such a wonderful tutorial. I have linked it on my blog for all to enjoy. What a great gift! ~Kelly

unDeniably Domestic

[charlotte]

aw, I love this! thanks, Julie!