~Trash to Treasure Lap Boards

Well... here's the long-short story. Marcus and I received these hard placemats years ago as a wedding present (13 years, actually!). After moving and redecorating, etc., these babies ended up in the yard sale pile. By the way, does anyone else have a yard sale pile in their garage that grows and grows?
Finally, I had a yard sale this summer. When I found these in the bottom of a box, I saw them with a fresh vision. Well... my vision was to revamp these, with the cork backing in mind as the "new and improved" part.

Then, as my new students were participating in centers, I saw a need. Many of my kids wanted to spread out, get comfy, and color/draw. But I had nothing for them to use....

I grabbed the placemats, my spray adhesive, a little roller (found in the wallpaper department at Lowe's... fantastic tool!), and scrapbooking paper.

I sprayed the board and rolled the paper down, smoothing out bubbles with ease!

I used sandpaper to remove the extra paper from the edges, then rubbed a little distressing ink around the edges to make it POP. You know I love that stuff....To finish, I used Valspar clear gloss spray to seal the paper. (2 or 3 coats)

Ok.... for the next part, let me explain. I know I could have just stuck the paper to the back of the tile and been done. But see... I have been DYING to use the Dimensional Magic!!! Have you ever felt that way about a new craft item? I know... I know...

Anyway, I took these tiles, cut and adhered coordinating paper, and went over the paper with Dimensional Magic.

I'm telling you.... I stinkin' love this stuff! Oh my gosh I cannot wait to use this on something else...

I glued the tiles to the clips, glued the clips to the boards... magic, I'll tell ya!

Marcus and the boys helped me pick out "boy appropriate" paper. Don't you love these monsters?!

And can you believe this paper?! I found this at Michael's and just about fell over when I saw it! Perfect.... simply perfect! (I teach 3rd grade)
I loved the way these clips turned out.
This paper was a must. When I saw it, the words "Fruits of the Spirit" immediately came to mind. Had to have it....
Just check out that dimension... Y'all, this is just the beginning of my new love obsession with this stuff! HA!
Aaahhh.... much better! Moveable, workable, cute, colorful... AND practically free! Thanks for looking!