Classroom Clipboards

Ok- I was getting really tired of my clipboard looking so horrilbe. The students mark on them on accident and on purpose and they just aren't pretty! So, I had done some decorative clipboards for Christmas gifts but my friend Marie had a better idea....chalkboard paint. It is perfect for the classroom! So, here is how I did mine.


FirstI cleaned all of the surfaces that I wanted to paint. This helps the paint bond to the surface.

Then I was ready to paint the front of the clipboard. I painted the whole front side. They do sell chalkboard paint in the form of spray paint. I had a friend that sprayed the whole thing eventhe silver clip and they are super cute. So, it's just up to you. HINT: spray paint would of been faster!

I just painted the edge of the back because my plan was to put decorative paper on the back. So, I just put enough so that the edges would look nice.
When you are ready for your paper. I suggest a thicker paper. One of these was very thin and it wrinkled a lot! Make sure you put the Mod Podge on the back side of the paper first. Then lay it down and smooth it. This is REALLY important...I didn't do that at first and had trouble!!! Then I put Mod Podge over the whole thing. Finally, I put Mod Podge on the back and front of the star and smoothed it on. Some of the wrinkled ones I put several coats of Mod Podge and if I could of found it I wanted to put Glitter Mod Podge on it to take your eye away from the wrinkles.

And the finishing touch was the ribbon. I just tied matching ribbon around the edges of the clip. However, many people tie it all the way around the clip. I think both look fabulous! I think everyone needs some of these!