How to Make Mouse Pads for the Computer
Mouse pads mainly provide a firm surface on which you can move your mouse. You may already have some materials in your home to make a mouse pad, which you can design to look like anything you want. Consider making a mouse pad for yourself or as an any-occasion gift.
Things You'll Need
- Cardboard
- Pencil
- Scissors
- 2 rectangles of felt
- Sewing pins
- Sewing needle
- Thread
- Hot glue gun (optional)
- Ribbon
- Color wheel (optional)
Instructions
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1
Fold the piece of cardboard in half, then, using your pencil, draw on the cardboard half of whatever shape you desire. For example, if you ultimately want a rounded shape, draw a half circle. Folding the cardboard in half and then tracing an outline allows you to create a uniform-shaped pad, resulting in a more professional look. You may have seen a similar technique when someone folded a piece of paper in half and cut out a shape, such as a half-heart, and then unfolded the paper to reveal a whole, uniform heart shape. For your mouse pad, you can have any shape you want.
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2
Cut along the pencil lines you made on the cardboard, using a pair of scissors.
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3
Position the cardboard piece you cut out on top of both pieces of felt. Trace the cardboard onto the felt, but leave about 1/2 centimeter between the edge of the cardboard and the felt. This will be your seam allowance.
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4
Cut along the pencil marks on both pieces of felt.
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5
Place your cardboard piece in between the pieces of felt, like a sandwich. Pin the cardboard and felt in place using sewing pins along the edges.
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6
Sew around the outside of the sewing pins using a needle and thread. Or, you can use a hot glue gun to glue the edges together around the outside of the sewing pins.
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7
Sew or glue a piece of ribbon around the edges of your mouse pad. Use matching ribbon or choose a complimentary ribbon color with the help of a color wheel.
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Tips & Warnings
Glue or sew lace around your mouse pad edge instead of ribbon for a more feminine option.
Glue a bow or another decorative item onto an edge of your mouse pad as a finishing touch. Some ideas include a decorative pin, a lucky charm, a bow or a crystal or semi-precious gemstone.
Use a placemat instead of a piece of cardboard. The placemat weighs a little bit more and may be easier to work with when folding and cutting.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit ribbon rolls image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
