Recently, my interest in decoupage has been restored. I have had fun with decoupage Father’s Day crafts, lemonade trays, and now these back to school rulers! They are fun to make and so customizable. I had fun using junk mail, my son’s artwork, and scrap paper to make fun new rulers for myself and the kids.
With these custom makeovers I’ve been sharing, your supplies will totally rule the school.
What You Need
- See-through plastic rulers (clear or colored)
- Paper for designs (cut up junk mail, magazine clippings, drawings, torn construction paper)
- Foam brush
- Mod Podge
- X-acto knife
- Nail file
Directions
1. First you will want to figure out your ruler designs. Test papers behind the color ruler that you chose (i.e. red designs will not be very visible behind a red ruler.) You will get the best results with the completely clear rulers. Keep in mind that it is best to use lighter colors so the markings on the ruler are still visible.
2. If you choose to use clippings from newspapers, magazines, or unwanted/unneeded mail, then trace the ruler over the part of the design you wish to use. You will want to cut inside the drawn line as it is best the paper does not hang over the edges.
3. Put a thin layer of decoupage glue on the back of the ruler, let it dry a few seconds, then carefully layer the clippings face down to create the design you wish. Once all are in place, add a thicker layer of glue on the top. Let dry. You can even add a solid color or another collage on the back to cover the backside of the paper.
4. To make the custom drawings ruler, follow the same steps as above.
5. To make a construction paper collage, tear up pieces of construction paper in various sizes. Choose colors that will show beneath the ruler you picked. Paint a thin layer of glue on the back of the ruler, let dry a few seconds, then start sticking on pieces of construction paper until it is covered.
6. Paint a thicker layer of Mod Podge carefully over the construction paper. Let dry. You can see the colors on the back of the ruler I made are completely different than the red, but look great under the red. How fun would this look under a clear ruler too?
7. Using a sharp knife like an X-acto knife, make sure the edges are trimmed so there is no overhang and cut out the holes. If needed, add a little extra glue around the edges of the trimmed holes.
8.Use a permanent marker to draw thick black lines around the edges of each paper. This will be somewhat visible under the ruler and completely visible from the back. Add an extra coat of glue if needed and let dry completely.
9. Since rules are frequently used to draw straight lines, you will want to make sure the edges are still straight. Use a nail file to remove excess glue and paper from the edges. Test by tracing a line onto a piece of paper.
Make one design or multiple like I did! These rulers are so inexpensive, so you can either save a lot of money or just have fun with them!
What designs will you make on yours? Let me know in the comment section!
You May Also Like
I love this craft idea! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Elizabeth.
Good idea! Love it!