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It’s back to school season, which can only mean one thing: so much free stuff!
I remember when I was in college, people were always handing out free stuff. Magnets, bracelets, pens, etc. But one thing that I never knew what to do with: free mouse pads. They’re always so ugly, and who wants to be staring at a random logo all day?
Well, I scoured the internet for a solution, and found this awesome tutorial for a black + gold notepad that I just had to try.
All you need is a well-ventilated area, some gold spray paint, scrap paper, and an ugly mouse pad.
Because I was covering the whole thing, I didn’t worry about stencils or painter’s tape. However, depending on the mouse pad you have, you might be able to make a fun design on it.
When I originally tried to make the dinosaur design, I used the Martha Stewart Adhesive Stencil Paper, and it did not work. I’m not sure if it was because of the texture or what, but the paper started curling up just a few seconds after I started spraying. Which is why it turned out ugly… there wasn’t a tight seal, so the lines were far from crisp.
I also wouldn’t recommend a white mouse pad, because all of the little imperfections showed up clearly. I tried sealing everything in Mod Podge and it looked horrible.
Amy from Homey Oh My used 3M vinyl tape on a black mouse pad and it seemed to come out beautifully. So keep that in mind when choosing whether or not to do a design!
If you want a “solid gold” mouse pad, just lay it out on some scrap paper in a well-ventilated area and spray away! I used Krylon Short Cuts spray paint in Gold Leaf and love it! I ended up using the entire 3-oz can.
I didn’t end up sealing the final product with Mod Podge because of how it turned out the first time I tried. I do get some residue and it still smells a little bit like spray paint, but it’s not that big of a deal to me.
This would work great with other colors, too! What color would you paint your mouse pad?
I found a plastic type mouse pad that I’m thinking I might mod podge with fun pictures. But you know, it’s in the “do it eventually” craft pile so nobody hold their breath..
Haha! I’ve got one of those piles, too. 🙂
Looks so pretty! I should really pimp up my office supplies.
GOLD GOLD GOLD GOLD GOLD.
You know I love this.
Randi with an i
I knew you’d like it!
Oh wow, that’s pretty easy! I like it. Although personally I don’t work on a desktop computer anymore.
That’s fair! Sometimes I’ll still plug my mouse into my laptop 🙂
So cool! Love the GOLD!
Thanks, Jess! 🙂
Loving all things gold right now what a great idea to dress up a blah item
Same! 🙂
This is a fun idea! Mouse pads are hard to find now with all the optical mice that don’t require a pad under them. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah, I like using them anyway! The underside of my mouse gets gunked up if I use it on my desk thanks to my cat. 🙂
I love this!!
Thanks, Cynthia!
Super cute. Love the gold. I know you said you didn’t end up using it, but I just read another post with Modge Podge in it, and I seriously am going to the store to get some tomorrow. I’ve got tons of ugly mouse pads 🙂
Haha! I love Mod Podge. Seriously so useful. My boyfriend used it in the snaps of one of his jackets because they kept jingling and it solved the problem!
Super cute!
Thanks, Tayler! 🙂
I don’t have any mousepads, none of ours require one, but I can think of other things to paint. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Glad I could help! 🙂
This is so cute! I will have to try this so that I have an adorable mousepad! I love your posts!
Thanks, Brittney! 🙂