Adventures on Etsy - a "clip-less" clipboard

One of the interesting things about the modern maker economy is that you can frequently get things custom-made if you just take the time to ask - and sometimes at a very reasonable price.

I’d been eyeing the Levenger “pad backer” for quite awhile, and I was ready to grab a brown one in the Junior size. Turns out they’ve completely discontinued it, so I popped on Etsy and found a maker that was willing to make one for me.

They did one up in some absolutely beautiful brown Crazy Horse leather, and even laser-etched my logo on the back. This particular maker made leather-covered clipboards, so I just asked them if they could pop the “clip” off the board. They were happy to help me out.


I’ve also found that any place that does laser etching (as opposed to stamping) can usually etch just about any design you can come up with, as long as it’s sent as black-and-white artwork. Lots of people sell their pre-done designs as the actual items in their shop, but are more than willing to etch something else if you just ask.

Just in case you’re wondering about the pad/pencil/etc., I am using a Levenger pad as I love their paper, along with a Sumo Grip 0.5mm mechanical pencil. The notes in the photo are the beginnings of my notes on the Productivity Field Guide. :slight_smile:

And on the off chance you think this looks really cool, here’s their listing for it - https://www.etsy.com/listing/1768948561/no-clip-leather-covered-clipless. No affiliate link or anything; I don’t get any credit. Just wanted to share.

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So what is it? A leather “pad”

Does the Paper pad slip under a flap, or just sit on top?

The cardboard backing of the pad slides into a slot, kind of like a padfolio without the front cover. It provides a super-solid backing so that the pad doesn’t flex as you’re trying to write on it.

It’s not something everybody would have a use for, but it’s super-convenient if you’re sitting in a chair without a desk in front of you and want to take notes.

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Ooh. Now I know what to do with my Apple leather iPad sleeve from 2018! That looks great.

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That’ll look better and better with age as well. It’s the Indiana Jones of Padboards

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