My husband has always been a huge Batman fan. He says he is "the thinking man's superhero" because he uses tools and skill,along with wit, to defeat a bunch of crazies. No cosmic super powers here. *Grins*

For Father's Day, I decided to make him both something that would help him keep track of all the little notes he takes for his games (and the list of projects I have for him to help me with, I hope) and give him something "Super" for his desk. This thing is pretty sweet, iffin' I do say so myself! ;)

A layer of cork is backed by a recycled napkin holder, and the bat signal is sponge painted and sealed.

Step 1: Materials Used

I was inspired by an old blue plastic napkin holder that was in our garage sale pile. Odd, I know, but inspiration comes from the strangest places!

Materials Used:
Exacto knife or Fiskars Fingertip Craft Knife (shown)
Self healing mat or cutting mat
Craft Smart paint in 'Bright Yellow"
Sponge Brush
hot glue gun
napkin holder
1/4 inch cork, from old cork board
Mod Podge Clear acrylic spray

For the Stencil:
Printed copy of Batman Signal
clear .003 acetate sheet drafting film/stencil material (just about anything that's clear, plastic and thin enough to be cut with an exacto knife will work.)

Step 2: Cut It Out

1. I cut down the 'back' to fit onto my husband's monitor. You might not have to do this, depending on your napkin holder/monitor.

2. I traced the surfaces that I wanted to have cork (front and top) with a marker onto the cork.

3. Using my Fingertip Craft Knife, I cut the shapes out from the cork, going slowly for a smooth cut. Up-down motions are better for cutting cork than a side to side sawing motion.

Step 3: Glue It Down

Using my hot glue gun, I added lines of glue along the parameter of the plastic front and top surfaces and put an 'X' in the middle, then firmly pressed each piece into place. I let it dry for about two hours before painting.

Step 4: Make Stencil

I traced the Batman signal onto a piece of acetate, then cut out the black sections. I wanted the image to be the old school symbol. My hubby has several t shirts with the retro symbol on it. :)

Step 5: A Dab Will Do Ya (Paint)

1. Add a little yellow paint to a scrap of cardboard or newspaper. Put a dab on your sponge. You don't need a lot of paint for this project.
2. Holding the stencil firmly into place, dab in an up and down motion, onto the cork. Sideways dabs will let paint get up under your stencil.
3. Lift the stencil carefully, directly upward.
4. Allow to dry. I let mine dry for a few hours.
5. When the paint is dry, apply 2 coats in a fast side to side motion, of the clear acrylic seal.
6. Allow to dry overnight for best results.

Step 6: Give Gift to Bat-Dad

My daughter had a lot of fun helping me, and was so excited to give this to her daddy!

My husband LOVED this gift! He is so excited to have a cool way to keep track of his notes. "Just cause I'm an adult doesn't mean I have to have a boring office!"

That's right! Happy Father's Day, Bat-Dad!