DIY Photo Mouse Pad

I purchased some blank mouse pads from IKEA a few weeks ago. I did not have a project in mind when I bought them but at 99 cents a piece I couldn't refuse.

In cleaning out my office closet (Organizing - remember) I found an entire package of iron-on transfer paper for t-shirts. I figured why not try it on the mouse pad. I chose a picture of my little girl at the window with the 300 feet of snow we have in the background.

It's really quite simple.

1. Print your photo or whatever you want to use onto the paper following the manufacturers instruction. I used Wilton papers which are good but I know Avery makes some as well.

*NOTE* Be sure to buy the papers for either the light or dark fabrics depending on the color of your mouse pad. Mouse pads are more porous than a t-shirt. I used a white mouse pad and it did distort the image a bit. I'm not sure how this would work on a dark one.

2. Lay the paper on your mouse pad and follow the iron-on instructions again. The iron and paper will get very hot since most instructions ask you to use the cotton setting. So be careful.

3. After ironing and letting the paper cool a bit cut off the extra paper. Mine was a circle so it was a tad tricky. The paper I used was also a little smaller than the pad - something to remember in the future.

4. Peel the paper off slowly.

Your done! These can be great inexpensive gifts for family and friends Especially with Valentine's Day right around the corner!

BTW - I can't finish organizing if I keep getting sidetracked with these project based on things I find. Therefor if I was organized I would never find these things because I would not stick them in random places and these ideas would not come to fruition. I'm just saying...