How to Make Your Own Mouse Pads

Using a mouse pad enables the computer mouse to navigate smoother.

Mouse pads make a smooth surface for a computer mouse to travel on, making navigating the desktop of your computer easier. Mouse pads are made in a variety of colors, with pictures for almost every occasion. If you can't find a mouse pad you like or just wanted to create something new, you can make your own mouse pad from a number of materials in a few minutes time. Creating a homemade mouse pad will personalize any desktop, and add a little flare to a boring computer station.

Things You'll Need

• Foam core
• Ruler
• Craft knife
• Fabric (any print)
• Foam brush
• Glue
• Credit card

Instructions

1. Cut the sheet of foam core into a 6-inch by 6-inch piece using a craft knife. This piece of foam core will be the base of your mouse pad. Foam core is a sheet of foam with two pieces of poster board glued on each side and can be found at any craft store.

2. Cut a piece of fabric into an 8-inch by 8-inch piece using scissors. The fabric is slightly bigger than the piece of foam core so that there is enough fabric to wrap around the side and back of the foam core.

3. Apply glue to the top surface of the foam core using a foam brush. Squirt a little amount of glue into the center of the foam core and spread out to the edges with the foam brush.

4. Place the piece of fabric on the glued mouse pad surface. Center the fabric on the mouse pad so that there is close to 2 inches hanging off the sides of the mouse pad.

5. Swipe the credit card across the fabric on top of the mouse pad. This will remove any air bubbles or excess glues; making a smooth mouse pad surface.

6. Cut a slit into the fabric hanging over the edge with the scissors. Locate the corners of the square piece of fabric and cut a straight line from the corner of the fabric to the corner of the foam core. Repeat this step for the other three corners. This will make it easier to glue the edges of the fabric to the back of the foam core.

7. Turn the foam core over with the back side facing up. Apply glue to the edges of the back of the foam core and fold the fabric on the foam core on top of the glue.

8. Allow one to two hours for the mouse pad to dry completely.

References

• Disney Family Fun: Homemade School Supplies: Mouse Pad
• All Kids Network: Father's Day Mouse Pad Crafts