You won’t believe how easy it is to make your own mouse pad! A DIY mouse pad is such a budget friendly project, and you can customize it any way you like with your favorite scrapbook paper. Learn how to do it here.
Skills Required: Beginner. The process is really simple – you’ll need to be able to cut paper and apply Mod Podge. This is a great craft for adults, teens and tweens, girls, boys, etc.
Hi crafty friends! Today, we’re going to transform a simple cork circle into something you use every day but probably never thought of making yourself: a DIY mouse pad.
This isn’t just any mouse pad; it’s a canvas for your personal style, a small desk accessory that speaks volumes about your taste. And guess what? You’ll be amazed at how simple and easy this project is!
Let me set the scene for you. You’re sitting at your desk, your mouse moving over a bland, uninspired mouse pad, or worse, directly on the desk. It’s functional, sure, but where’s the fun in that?
Now, picture this instead: a mouse pad that catches your eye every time you sit down, one that’s uniquely you, and something that makes you smile. This is what we’re about to create.
This project is perfect for anyone and everyone – whether you’re a crafty teen looking to personalize your space or an adult wanting to add a splash of pizzazz to your home office.
The project starts with a pre-cut cork circle, easily found at your local craft store or even IKEA (they come in packs, so you can make extras for friends or future design whims!).
Cork is our material of choice for its sturdiness and ease of use, but hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try cardboard? It’s a great alternative, especially if you’re up for a bit of cutting to create your perfect circle.
You can trace your circle on the cardboard with a plate or other circular item. You’ll want to use a sharp cutting knife so that you have clean edges.
Now, let’s talk about the top layer, the pièce de résistance of your mouse pad. While I’ve used scrapbook paper in this project for its vibrant patterns and durability, fabric is also a fantastic option.
Whichever you choose, go for something with a bit of thickness. This ensures ease of application with Mod Podge and prevents the cork base from playing peek-a-boo through your design.
As we dive into this project, imagine the possibilities – a mouse pad that matches your home decor, showcases your favorite color, or even features a pattern that’s been catching your eye lately.
And the best part? It’s a fun, quick afternoon project that leaves you with a sense of accomplishment and a stylish new addition to your desk.
So, are you ready to learn how to make a mouse pad that’s distinctly yours? Keep reading, and let’s get crafting with a dash of creativity and a whole lot of personality!
Are you ready to learn how to make a mouse pad? Keep reading! Here’s what you’re going to need.
Gather These Supplies
- Round cork circle – at least 7”
- Scrapbook paper
- Mod Podge Gloss
- Ribbon
- Acrylic paint
- Foam brush or wide flat brush
- Scissors
- Pencil
There are a lot of places that sell cork circles – check your local craft store, dollar store, or a big box store. Depending on the size of mouse you use, you’ll want something that is large enough to be a mouse pad – at least 7″ circular.
If you decide to use fabric for this project, you’ll need to prepare it first to be easier to cut (like paper). Simply place the fabric down on a piece of wax paper or silicone mat and paint a layer of Mod Podge over the top. Let dry. You’ll be ready to trace and cut in about 30 minutes.
If you’re ready to give a cork circle a makeover, get the printable how to card below:
DIY Mouse Pad
Equipment
Materials
- Round cork circle at least 7"
- Scrapbook paper
- Mod Podge Gloss
- Ribbon
- Acrylic paint
Instructions
- Trace the cork circle shape on the backs of your scrapbook paper and cut. You will want two pieces for the top and bottom of the mousepad if you would like a reversible one, or you can cut just one if you don’t want a second ‘face’.
- Cover the top part of the cork and the back of the scrapbook paper with a medium layer of Mod Podge. Place the paper on the cork. Smooth down thoroughly and press the sides down. Let dry and repeat on the other side if desired.
- Paint the ribbon on both sides if needed. Let dry.
- Add the ribbon to the edge of your mouse pad. Use a glue gun or Mod Podge to adhere it.
- Seal the whole mousepad (even the edges) with Mod Podge to protect it from wear, and let dry before using.
Notes
If you enjoyed learning how to make a mouse pad with cork circles, here’s another craft you might like: DIY cork boards! You can also check out these other ideas:
Cathy
Thursday 18th of January 2024
Love the mouse pad. Will be making me a new one! Thanks for the information on how to!
Nancy
Tuesday 10th of March 2015
Today I used Hard Coat Modge Podge for lining drawers. The paper was nautical charts, more like map paper, much heavier than regular printer paper or scrap book paper.
The edges are all wavy and the interior is bubbly.
I put this stuff down like brain surgery I was so careful to get it down perfectly flat and avoid bubbles. I used a brayer and rolled and rolled. I used a dry paint brush to rub along the corners and edges to make sure they stick down well. I'm not terribly upset because it's for use in a kitchen and will be covered by utensils and every thing you put in a kitchen drawer.
However, I plan to do a table top next and that will be terrible if it looks like this. I dampened a a piece of the paper and it got wrinkly enough I could not iron it smooth. Should I have sprayed the paper with acrylic spray first? I don't know if the spray is to stiffen the paper or keep the color from running. I don't know what I did wrong.
Amy
Tuesday 10th of March 2015
Hi Nancy! Two questions for you. Did you use enough Mod Podge . . . ? You have to use A LOT under thick paper . . . and if it seeps out the side when you are rolling, wipe away the excess. Secondly, did you wait 15 - 20 minutes before putting on a top coat? Also I recommend a spray bottle (I'm not sure how you dampened it).
Juliana
Wednesday 4th of March 2015
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing. I'm definitely going to try this as a weekend craft.
XOXO JuJu