Hey lovelies! We thought we’d drop in really quickly today, to talk about an easy peasy project everyone needs for their desk space. When we finished up our studio a few weeks ago, we made this glass desk. And because the desk is glass, and the mouse is laser, we realized we needed a mouse pad.
Like, duh.
Have you ever noticed how old impressions with one product will stay with you for a while? I mean, I guess it’s basic marketing, right? It’s why companies try to change their image once an impression has been made. I tried this brand of eyeliner once, and it was crusty. So I never went back. My friend was using it the other day and I realized they’ve totally changed their line. I ate cauliflower as a child, and had the gags. Never again. There’s no going back on plain boiled cauliflower. It’s like broccoli-paper or something.
Mouse pads are like that for me. I worked for this ad agency one summer as an intern (where they totally made me dress up like a turtle when I delivered a costume to this company but when the going gets tough (you make less than seven smacks an hour) you do what you need to do…people were all, hey guys! It’s speedy the turtle! And I had to stand there with a giant paper maché turtlehead propped on my noggin while I waved at everyone and thought I might suffocate. I’ve paid my dues, yo.) I was surrounded by mouse pads with logos on them in their display area. So now when I hear the word mouse pad, I think of someone’s (eye searing) company logo slapped on it in royal blue spongy material that I would have used circa 1998 because I was basically traumatized as a teenager. I’m ashamed to admit, I’ve been a little anti-mouse pad. Major left field digression. Reeling it in.
So I decided to take matters into my own hands, since there’s kind of a shortage of practical cuteness in that department.
I took a piece of crafting foam, and measured out 8.5 x 8 inches with a straight edge and my pencil. Then I measured the same on some leftover oil cloth that I had (from lining our cabinet.)
Cutting both pieces out…
I quickly bonded them together with a spritz of super 77. {the best super quick permanent adhesive out there} Take this outside to spray. Do not use it inside. I had to mention this, or you may show up at my house with a can to spray into my eyeballs. {My post lasik corneas are twitching}
I put both together, and smoothed out any air bubbles. Then I clipped off the corners (totally eyeballed them) on a curve with my scissors. You could always use the side of a cup or bowl with a curvature that you prefer, if you’re aiming for perfect. I was going with good enough. ;}
And there we are! The cutest little oh-so-efficient mouse pad ever. If we do say so ourselves.
It’s an easy peasy project, that could even be part of a gift, or just a thoughtful little notion to someone you love. National Boss day, anyone? Or secretary day? How about intern day? Ultra cute polkadots are the ultimate substitution for those rando logos. A happy little space for the desk.
Or you could totally hoard it for yourself. No judging.
So there we are! An easy peasy, super stylish desk accessory.
As always, have an inspired day, y’all!
Amber says
Love it! I need to make one, currently I am using an old calendar for my mouse pad. Time for an update!
Erin @ House Envy says
thanks for the great tutorial. PS I’m still crushing on your rug!!
LibbyBoyle says
I’ve got a mouse pad which was given to me by a friend which is okay but not fantastic. When I move into our new house next year, I’m going to transform my mouse pad too! Thanks for the inspiration.
Staci Torgerson says
I love the Chaney in this room. I failed to see where you got in in your room reveal. If you don’t mind would you please share who sales this? Love all you guys do. Hoping my daughters and I will try out the water color tutorial you shared. Should be fun.
Sophie says
I love this! It looks super cute! Thanks for the tutorial. đ
Celeste says
This is adorable! I’m pretty sure you could put polka dots on just about any item and multiply it’s cuteness x100.
Chelsie says
Can you use any kind of fabric?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Chelsie! I would think the smoother the better, in terms of a mouse. If you have a laser mouse, this may be even more so. oilcloth has a slick finish to help with that. I hope that helps! ;}