How to Make a Mouse Pad

Todays post is the easiest-peasiest of DIYs and is another big tick off my to-do list.  

Marks on my desk top are no more - I made a mouse pad! Whoop!

What I Used:

Corkboard Trivet [Set of 3: Ikea]

Sticky-backed Vinyl/Plastic [HobbyCraft]

[thinking about it, I used exactly the same materials as this pinboard DIY - get some new ideas, Sophie!]

  Look at my sad [and slightly in need of a good dusting] desk space.  I like minimal, but this just made me sad.  This is why I chose a plain block of colour for my pad top - but there are a wealth of colours and patterns available to you that could make yours much more exciting.

Simply, I traced around the outside of the corkboard trivet on to the back of the vinyl.  The trivet has a curved edge, so I made sure to angle my pencil inline with the curve:

I carefully cut around the outside, where the thickness of the vinyl made the process much easier

 to get a smooth cut [you could also use a craft knife if you prefer - use the trivet to help guide

 your curve if helpful]: 

 Starting by peeling back a small section, I began to stick the vinyl to the top of the trivet

 - smoothing the vinyl as I made my way from one side to the other:

 Once all the backing is removed and the vinyl in place, you can tidy any areas that may over hang - turn the trivet upside down and carefully cut any plastic showing over the sides:

  ...and you're done.  

You could also try this out with a foam sheet instead of the corkboard - but I like the colour, 

sturdiness and texture of the trivet.  If you are in need of a mouse pad, or mouse pad makeover - 

give this a go!

see you next time x

Wondering what else you can do with the extra two trivets? Here are some ideas for you: