Make it Monday // DIY Spring Time Paper Clips

It has been a long, long few weeks without posts!  Week before last I was sick after coming back from Amsterdam, then last week I just couldn't get back into a schedule at all.  Today I have another paper clip DIY for your planner!  I created this free spring printable using elements from FreePik.com (a great resource for free digital elements - I love using them with InkScape to create repeating patterns for the sticker kits offered in the shop).  And today we'll use this free printable to create some fun paper clips!

this post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

Yesterday, I uploaded this video to the YouTube channel on how to remove the background from a file in order to create a print then cut image for use with the Cricut Explore.  If you do not have a die cutting machine - don't worry, you can still cut the PDF by hand.  You can also use this technique to create paper clips from any digital images you may find.  I love this blog for free digital elements.  You can also search Pinterest for digital scrapbooking elements.

Supplies :: digital images or this free collage sheet, laminating sheets, laminator, E6000, paper clips, precision scissors or die cutting machine.

My favorite way to create paper clips is to laminate die cut elements - and since it is often hard to find die cut elements locally for me (I'd have to order specific ones online) I love creating my own to satiate the I need it now! part of me.  In this previous paper clip DIY, I created similar paper clips from leftover stickers and scrapbook paper that I wasn't using up - so that is another option!

First, trim the digital images from the collage sheet.  Use this technique with your Cricut Explore or trim with precision scissors.  If you plan to use scissors to cut the images from the page, print the page at a scale of about 70%-80% for this project.  The images are a bit big as is for making paper clips.

If you haven't put too much thought into getting a die cutting machine, I highly suggest purchasing one!  My favorite die cutting machine for paper crafting is the Cricut Explore.  Because I am so I need to make this now when it comes to creative pursuits, I love that Cricut Design Space and the Cricut Explore can create a great project in minutes. I also love that Design Space has a easy clean up option so you can use clip art in many, many forms - .SVG, .JPG, .PNG, etc.  This is one reason why I choose to use my Cricut for all my paper crafting needs.  I love that I can quickly clean up a .JPG file or cut around the outline of a transparent .PNG file.  I don't have to do any extra work to get my project completed!

Next, place the elements in a laminating sleeve and run through your laminator a few times to ensure that the die cuts are completely sealed around the edges.  When making a smaller craft like this, the 3x5 or 4x6 inch pouches ensure that there is less waste.  I keep a few of these on hand when I need to make a small project!

Once the die cuts are sealed by the laminating process, trim the die cuts from the laminating sheet.  Be sure to leave a slight outline of the sealed plastic around the die cut.  If the die cut is trimmed too close you'll start to see some separating.

Use the E6000 to adhere the paper clip to the back of the die cut.  Place another punched circle over the glue if you'd like to hid the mess.  Let dry for 24 hours.  This adhesive is the bomb for paper clip making - it is super strong which is great if you're making something that will get a lot of use.

Now you have some fun paper clips from scrapbooking elements!  I love that the Circut Explore can make these types of projects very precise and very quick to complete.

I hope this tutorial was helpful and convinced you to save some time by purchasing a die cutting machine like the Cricut Explore **wink wink**.  Honestly, this machine saves me so much time and gives me an excuse to whip up something really cute in a flash.

What are your favorite planner projects?  Any go to project when you want to make something quick?

xoxo, Moe