Desk Fancies

Would you believe me if I told you one of the main reasons for me getting a new computer was so that I could get a new cute computer cover? Well that wasn't the only reason. The fact that it was about 9 years old and slow as all get out was kind of high on the list too. For anyone that knows me, knows that I love a customized anything. So much to my delight when one day on one of my YouTube binges, I came across a tutorial on how to make your own customized computer cover. I've seen computer decals before, mostly for Macs though. I did see a site online where you could submit a design and create your own decal. However, there was no way I was paying $20-$30 for a giant sticker. Just craziness.

It wasn't too hard to figure this one out. The decals I saw online were much like adhesive vinyl. Joann's actually carries 12"x 24" sheets of vinyl, so I picked up a piece on my last trip to the craft trifecta aka "The Mothership".  

I cut the vinyl, pulled off the backing, and placed it on top. It took me a few times to get it perfect and get rid of all the bubbles and creases. Once I got it laid, I proceeded to cut off the excess. Which much to my surprise, sounded easier than it actually was. It was a lot harder to get a close cut with it already on there. 

Now for the fun part. I thought long and hard about the design. I kind of wanted to do something in the monogram field (I know super creative huh). The good thing about making it myself though is that when I'm tired of it, I just change it. First I laid down the background. I didn't want anything too busy or anything that would take me too long. I also didn't want anything with 3D objects. Those sounded cool in theory, but I could see that falling off the minute I stuff it in a bag. So, I went with chevron (Since it is all the rage right now). I cut out a template to maintain uniformity and got to tracing. 

I traced until I covered the whole skin. To fill it in I used acrylic craft paint. I originally was going to use permanent marker, however marker on vinyl was leaving unsightly marker strokes. I mixed a few colors together, and added a little fabric medium to liquefy. When it was all done, this is what I ended up with. 

This is the moment when I had my "Oooooooh FANCY" feeling. It was starting to look like the image in my head. All I needed now was the monogram. On my major craft run I picked up a sheet of scrapbook paper. (I was very indecisive so it was more like SEVERAL pieces of scrapbook paper.)

It must have been my lucky day though, because it was all on sale. I think I paid no more than a few dollars for all of it. After much deliberation I went with a pink diamond design. 

I grabbed my scrapbook paper and my template and cut out a circle. Then I free-handed my initials. 

I glued the monogram piece to an extra piece of adhesive vinyl, and stuck that on top. I would have just glued it down, but this way makes it easier to change the center if the mood ever hits. I gave the whole thing a layer of Satin Varnish for protection.

Isn't she pretty! Now that I had a fancy new laptop cover, the plain black mouse pad sitting next to it was just an eye sore. In a different tutorial, the same guru made a mouse pad. I couldn't believe how easy it was either, and that I had never thought of it before. All I needed was a foam sheet and something to lay it on. I decided to use foam board since that's what I had on hand. 

I cut out my shape on both pieces. For it to be a circle or square was just too normal, so I went with a hexagon. With both pieces cut out, I glued the foam sheet to the top of the foam board. 

Once I had the shape together it was time to get my design on. For this project I again used acrylic paint. Nothing special just the typical stuff I use.

I chose the colors white and gold. I gave the entire shape a few coats of white paint. Then I painted one of my favorite mottoes on top.

This was originally the end, but the foam sheet did not cut as seamless as I would have liked. I tried to just leave it, but I knew it would eventually bug the hell out of me. So, I added a border. I got some paper tape from my stash and laid it around the sides. I absolutely love this stuff. It comes in handy all over the place, and I just so happened to have some gold stuff I got from the Target $1 bin. SWEET!

....And just like that I have new Desk Fancies.

I love them! My desk is so happy and festive now. I have to say that I don't get to look at the laptop cover very often but it's still nice. It was very inexpensive to do too. Most of the stuff I already had. The materials I didn't, cost no more than $5. I don't know how I feel about them not matching though. I guess I didn't really think about it at the time. Oh well, if it starts to bug me and I don't like it anymore....I'll just make new ones. So, I think this may be the last official office project. This room might be officially in the "Room In Progress" phase. Also my crafty goddess, and more so my inner Fashionista have been really speaking to me lately. I kind of feel like making a giant holiday skirt that I can wear to a real fancy gala. You know, the ones big enough to hide people under. (Don't judge me people. Just go with it) Maybe that will happen after my latest Christmas project is done. I'm quite excited about this one, and can't wait to show the finished product. Until then....It's back to the next project.