DIY Shimmer Sheetz Clipboard by Judi Kauffman for The Queen’s Ink

There are so many fabulous items vying for my attention at The Queen’s Ink, but every now and then one jumps out at me and DEMANDS to be taken home. The DIY Clipboard is one such product. Actually, I bought two!

I knew right from the get-go that I’d cover the front with altered Shimmer Sheetz and leave the back unchanged, but painting the back or decorating both sides is another option.

The small size of this clipboard (6” square) makes it so versatile, and because Shimmer Sheetz is waterproof if it needs cleaning a damp cloth will do the trick!

Instructions:

1. Disassemble the clipboard per the manufacturer’s instructions. You’ll need a standard flat screwdriver to do so. Set aside the screw post hardware pieces where they won’t get misplaced. Trust me, this may be the most important part of my tutorial... Two hardware options are included, antique bronze and bright silver. (Shown: Silver screw post for the pink, purple and copper clipboard; bronze for the teal, gold, black and gold clipboard.)

2. Emboss enough pieces of Shimmer Sheetz to equal a 6” x 6” square, plus extra pieces for layering. Further alter by adding acrylic paint, alcohol inks, peel-offs and peel-off leftovers, and/or by lightly sanding. (Shown: One 4.5” x 6” or 5” x 6” rectangle at the left, one narrower strip to fill the remaining space at the right, plus two 2” squares and three 1” squares for layering.)

3. Use an awl to pierce through the Shimmer Sheetz and clear the holes where the hardware needs to be reinserted. Reassemble the clipboard. IMPORTANT TIP: You must squeeze the top of the clip (opening the spring mechanism) in order to get the clip flush against the board so that the screw post can be tightened and KEEP it squeezed while you are tightening the screws. Once both posts are in place, release the clip and continue to tighten as needed.

YOUR TURN

What will you do with your clipboard?

• Display a photo or drawing (that’s Sprite in the photo above!)
• Make some for easy, inexpensive gifts
• Add a pad of paper for grocery lists and jotting notes
• Tuck a pen or pencil crosswise beneath the clip so one is always handy
• Use it as a menu board for a dinner party
• Keep tickets and appointment cards in one place
• Use it to as a work surface for sketching and journaling

Supplies:

• Shimmer Sheetz in colors of choice
• (Shown: Turquoise and Fire Opal Gemstone; Black, Pink, Purple and Light Pink Iridescent)
• DIY Clipboard
• Embossing folders
• Sanding block
• Alcohol inks, ink applicator tool
• Acrylic paints, paintbrush
• Peel-offs and peel-off leftovers
• Double-sided adhesive sheets
• Standard flat screwdriver