Make a Dora Mouse Pad

Keep your family's computer mouse company with Dora and her friends. It takes just a few minutes, and you can find everything you need easily at craft stores and craft-supply websites!

New explorations 6/3 & 6/5 @ 10AM ET/PT on NICK

Materials

• Iron-on transfer paper
• Dora Mouse Pad Iron-On Image (Reversed)
• Dora Mouse Pad Iron-On Image (Non-Reversed)
• Scissors
• Iron
• Heavy bath towel
• Mouse pad blank (at office-supply and craft stores)
• Fabric transfer paper (OPTIONAL)
• Fabric glue (OPTIONAL)

Directions

1. Step 1

   Choose the appropriate iron-on image and the type of iron-on transfer paper based on the color of your mouse pad blank. For dark-colored mouse pad blank, print <a href="dora-mouse-pad-iron-on.jhtml"><u>Dora Mouse Pad Iron-On Image (Non-Reversed)</u></a> onto transfer paper for dark clothing. The image is ironed onto the fabric faceup. For light-colored one, print <a href="dora-mouse-pad-iron-on-reversed.jhtml"><u>Dora Mouse Pad Iron-On Image (Reversed)</u></a> onto transfer paper for light clothing. The image is ironed facedown onto the fabric.

2. Step 2

   Place the iron-on transfer paper into your ink-jet color printer as indicated on the package. Print a test on regular paper first to make sure you've chosen the right design for the type of iron-on paper you have. Set the printable aside for a few minutes to dry, and then cut out the image--cutting close to the colored edge of the image. Kids can definitely help with this part.

3. Step 3

   Preheat the iron and fold the towel into thirds on a countertop or other hard surface. To further protect your countertop, you may want to place a magazine or a large book under the towel. For best results, though, don't use your ironing board.

4. Step 4

   If you printed reversed image, place the cut-out facedown on the mouse pad blank. If you printed non-reversed image, peel off its backing and place the image faceup on the mouse pad blank. Cover with the protective sheet that comes with your transfer paper. Iron the image with firm and steady pressure in a circular motion. Start at one corner and work your way slowly to the opposite corner, and then do the same for the other two corners. Finish by moving the iron in a circular motion around the entire area for 10-15 seconds using steady pressure.

5. Step 5

   In case of the image ironed on facedown, starting at one corner, slowly peel the backing away from the mouse pad. In case of the image ironed on faceup, simply remove the protective sheet. Let the mouse pad to cool for a few minutes before using.

6. Alternative: Do It Together!

   Print the non-reversed image onto a sheet of fabric transfer paper. Carefully set the printable aside and allow it to dry for at least 10 minutes. When dry, your child can cut out the image, peel it away from the backing, and stick it directly to the mouse pad blank using fabric glue.