A coach can end up being a huge mentor to our kids. The really good ones take the time to understand and motivate our children. These special people almost always do their job without any accolades. So I thought today we would celebrate those coaches who really make a difference by giving them a gift that is personal and one-of-a-kind! I had brought up the subject of “coaches gifts” a few weeks ago and included this…DIY photo clipboard. It’s a practical and thoughtful gift! 😉
Supplies: clear clipboard, color copy of team photo (you can be creative with the photo!), Mod Podge, brush, scissors, credit card, and pencil
There are different sizes of clipboards, so you just want to make sure that the one you choose is approximately 8.5 Inches x 12 Inches
1. Lay the image under the clipboard and trace around the clipboard, so you know what needs to be trimmed.
2. Brush the Mod Podge onto the back of the clipboard, making sure you have completely covered the entire surface that will have the image.
3. GENTLY lay the image onto the glue. You want to line this up as best as you can before you press it down. If you trimmed the edges of the picture, use it as a guide.
4. Press the image firmly into the adhesive, then use a credit card to get all the bubbles out. Make sure you keep the card at a 45 degree angle so it doesn’t tear the paper. This should “drag” all the excess Mod Podge out, so have a paper towel handy for clean-up. The goal is to get as much of the picture as possible to make contact with the clipboard. If you can see a few little patches of adhesive, don’t worry. It drys clear.
5. Add a layer of Mod Podge over the back of the image to protect it during use. Once it is dry you might need to add one more coat, just use your judgement.
6. Clean up any adhesive residue. I found that fingernail polish remover works well at getting it off.
This project takes about 20 minutes to make and cost less than $10!
Do you have a special coach who would appreciate this gift?
Do you use a color photo copy of the picture (if so how thick if paper) or an actual photo on photo paper?
Mindi, I used a color copy on regular paper. The only thing you want to be careful of is moving the photo around, because it could smear the ink a little.
Angela, how durable is the backing for use after completed? I’m just concerned as clipboards going in and out of bags for example might damage the backing. Would card stock be too thick?
My girls have used the clipboard and it’s taken a beating and held up!! Just make sure you cover it really well with Mod Podge. 🙂 I’m not sure about the card stock, but it seems like it might be a little too thick.
I am sorry to repeat, but wanted to make sure I understand…you used regular printer paper or a actual picture ?
I used was regular paper. A photo might work but I was afraid it would be too thick. 🙂
Do you lay the photo face down or facing up?