This iPad case was surprisingly easy to make. The case itself took less than 15 minutes to construct. The polka dots were simple but time consuming. The basics from this tutorial could be sized for almost any gadget.
The first step is to take bubble wrap and cut it out in the shape of your device. To give me room to work I counted out two rows of bubbles around each side.
The first step is to take bubble wrap and cut it out in the shape of your device. To give me room to work I counted out two rows of bubbles around each side.
I cut out three sections: front, back and a flap for the top. I did this in pieces because I wanted to create a clean crease. Having worked with the materials I do think it would work with one run of bubble wrap. I used duct tape to connect the three pieces on the smooth side of the wrap. Coat the smooth side with Elmer's Craft Bond Spray Adhesive.
I added a piece of flannel to the adhesive to create a lining. It only takes a small amount of fabric so this is a perfect use for any remnants you have on hand.
Trim the edges of the fabric to line up with the bubble wrap. Now it's time to attach the duct tape.
Cover the other side of the bubble wrap with black tape. Each piece should slightly overlap the last.
Once everything is covered trim up the edges of the duct tape.
Trim the edges of the fabric to line up with the bubble wrap. Now it's time to attach the duct tape.
Cover the other side of the bubble wrap with black tape. Each piece should slightly overlap the last.
Once everything is covered trim up the edges of the duct tape.
Now fold everything on the creases to create the case shape. Secure each edge with more duct tape.
Once every edge is sealed the basic case is finished. If you used a decorative duct tape this could be your last step. Since I used plain black it was time to create the white polka dots.
Start by attaching white duct tape to a piece of wax paper.
Trim off the excess wax paper. Use a circle punch to create the white polka dots. I tried this at first with a less sturdy punch and it didn't work well. A quality punch is key. It's also important to punch through
wax paper side first.
Use a safety pin to assist in separating the duct tape and wax paper. The longer the wax paper and duct tape sit the stronger they adhere to each other. Work in small batches to avoid any problems with this.
The inside of the case has a quilted appearance thanks to the bubble wrap.
A piece of hook and loop holds it all together.
I love my new case-and I can't wait to make one for my iPod. And just about any other gadget I can find!
Linking up at Just Us Four, Bubbly Nature Creations, Be Different Act Normal, Lolly Jane Boutique and The Gunny Sack.
That is so cool! Now I just need an iPad so I can make one...wouldn't that be a good excuse to buy one? We were checking out the duct tape at Walmart today!
ReplyDeleteYou should TOTALLY get an iPad now, just to make the case. (Not to mention how much your kids will enjoy all of the education games.) ;)
ReplyDelete@Tonia,,,, you need to buy one, after all, you need it to put it inside your brand new case....lol.. yup.. can't have the case without the iPad... so hurry and get one, I'll let ya :0)
ReplyDeleteThat is just awesome! I need to ponder over these directions and see if I can't make one for my friend. She would love it! Thanks for linking this up! xoxo- Rachel
ReplyDeleteI am featuring this today on my blog! Thanks again for linking up! xoxo- Rachel
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Rachel!
ReplyDeleteVERY snazzy!! I am more of a remedial craft person (you say easy, I say my brain is confused after step 3) but my daughter is a natural crafter - she would love this!!
ReplyDeleteThis is great, what a great techy thing to make!
ReplyDeleteNice cover thanks for sharing how you made it! I love the polka dots, that turned out great! I don't think I have the patience for that design, but love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Theresa! I was afraid the polka dots would get all wonky, but it was so much easier than I expected. (The lines form the tape were actually a help!
ReplyDeleteThanks, April!
ReplyDeleteIt's a really great kids craft...and so many options for personalizing!
ReplyDeleteGreat concept. Looks very stylish - you'd never know it was DIY.
ReplyDeleteWow...what a great project! Love this, especially since these cases can be SO expensive. Really cute!
ReplyDeleteway too cute...great tutorial...Pinned, tweeted, 1+
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous
ReplyDelete