I love to rotate my iPhone case often. I have a small collection and I'm always on the hunt for more. This week I tried my hand at making some. For the base I orderd several clear cases
for $2 each (thanks, Amazon!). Be sure to get the correct size case for whatever your phone model is. Then I tried a couple different methods for giving them a DIY makeover.
For a simple, painted stripe design I used nail polish in pretty spring colors. Each stripe has between 1-3 coats of polish depending on the color. I used Triple Thick Glaze to seal it. I suppose you could use top coat polish too. This took me about 30 minutes and I love the resulting painterly stripes!
Fun, huh? I know I'll use this case a ton.
I've had this idea in my head for a leather faces iPhone case for months! It was so simple to make, except for the camera hole- that was a little annoying. I used leather (faux leather would work just as well) and traced the phone case on the back of a piece. Then I cut the shape out with scissors and used an exacto knife to cut out the camera hole. Cutting the camera hole took a little more time than I thought, a thinner piece of leather would help it look cleaner. Then I cut out tiny triangles from the teal leather and adhered them to the top of the piece, trimming the edges after they were dry. Then I used super glue to affix the whole piece to the top of the case.
I love the simple, textured look of this case. It's what's on my phone right now!
I hope you get a chance to try something fun with your phone too. If you make your own case, leave us a link to the photos in the comment section—that always makes our day! xo. Elsie
121 Comments
Great idea! How do you put it on your co existing phone case, hot glue?
This is too cute. I love the design and your choice
I got my first smartphone last year from here. I was very very lucky 🙂
Where did u get ur orange polka dot nail polish from?
I thought these were cute and just wanted to let you know that I featured them on my blog: http://www.organicallyopulent.com/tuesday-top-ten-diys-issue-6/. Great looking cases and so creative!
Cortney@organicallyopulent.com
I absolutely love the nail polish case. And it’s great that they were so cheap. Cute phone cases can be so expensive!
http://bobbinsandbirds.blogspot.com/
Tried it and loved it!
http://vagabondeblog.com/2013/04/07/dimanche-diy-3/
lovely idea! 🙂
http://www.style-ettos.blogspot.in
These are beautiful, I’ll have to give them a try
~ Jamie-Leigh
Oh, I love the one with the stripes!
This is what I did with my phone 🙂
I love the phone cover inspiration!
Oh i love this idea! Such a cute leather case. I shall try nail-polish on my clear case 🙂
THanks for the inspiration!
I like the nailpolish case. Thanks for sharing!
xo Nicole
What a shame I don’t have an Iphone!! These ideas are great!! I love the blue one 🙂
I have a few clear cases, I’ll definitely try the nail polish one, great for spring/summer mood 🙂
I have a question, If I wanna send you a couple of iPhone cases that I make, should I send them to the Red Velvet Shop address, the one that’s on the website of the store?
Thank you!
xo
I do something very similar except wit Puffy Paint. 🙂
You can see my twitter images for a cup I decorated; would love to see a DIY with puffy paint!! @ThatOneGirlJuJu
Such a good idea, if only I had an Iphone to go in the case, haha! You guys are always so inspiring. I look forward to reading/catching up on your blog whenever I can!
Cx
http://mixedmediumstheatre.blogspot.ca/
Love these – cute! Would you mind if I shared these on the DIY section of my blog? Who couldn’t use these?!?!
Thanks,
Cortney @www.organicallyopulent.com
In love with the pastel blue cover!!
Lulu xx
http://luluslittlewonderland.blogspot.com
Smart! I love these. Thanks so much for posting this. I want many cases to match my mood on certain days or even outfits and this way I can accomplish that!
xoxo
Debra
www.etsy.com/shop/summerbucket
I love that nail polish phone case! What a cute idea and you can change to a different one whenever you like!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Ashley Rane Sparks
www.makeitrane.com
The leather one is so cute! xxx
http://hunterapted.blogspot.co.uk/
These are so cute! What a fun idea to use nail polish on a clear case!
Blessings!
Star
beautyandbows.com
Love the striped case! Would have tried one myself if i wasn’t into plain black phone cases
www.coldcoffeemornings.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks for the link to the clear cases! I have been wanting to spruce up my case!
Sarah
www.etsy.com/shop/owleyevintage
Ohh!! This is a lovely idea!!!
Thanks for sharing :):):)
xoxoxo
Elisa My Fantabulous World
I have an android, so there are no fun cases readily available. This inspires me to decorate my own!
xoxo
Juliette Laura
juliettelaura.blogspot.com
Wow! So fun (and easy to do by the looks of it)!
Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Another adorable iPhone case DIY project. I am currently having a hard time finding one that I really like so maybe I’ll follow your lead and just make my own. 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
I love this DIY! The cases came out amazing and just adorable.
www.pinsneedlesfashion.com
pretty DIY 🙂 you girls know how to have fun!
http://underthestarsandsun.blogspot.com/
I love the nail polish one! I DIYed a phone case about 9 months ago using Mod-Podge, loose glitter, & a few coats of clear nail polish to seal. My fiance swore up & down our house was going to have bits of glitter all over it because it wouldn’t hold up, but it has completely!
I love the nailpolish one!
I seriously need to spruce up my iPhone case. LOVE these options! xo, Julie
So cute! Unfortunately my phone model has about zero selection for covers and I have certainly never seen a clear one for it. Might take some nail polish to the next case I get though.
SO cute! i’ll have to try this! 🙂
I revamped an iPhone case a friend was going to throw away with some nail polish and I LOVE it! I did it about 2 months ago and it hasn’t even begun to wear off – not even a chip! – and I didn’t even apply a top coat.
Here’s a before and after 🙂 http://instagram.com/p/VfFznei_y5/
Love the colorful one, nail polish is for everything!
This is so cool!
Love the nail polish stripes, but i have a question: does the nail polish on the phone case smell like , well, nail polish?
Thanks!
Anna
Love them, great idea!
http://fashionbrunette.blogspot.com
love it !!
http://www.thestilettoholic.com/
Love from Paris
Simple, easy-to-do, and great ideas! 🙂
Hi Elsie,
such a great idea, I’ve been wondering forever what to do with my clear case!
did you paint the inside or the outside of the case for the nail polish one? 🙂
XXX Denise
Very nice idea. Since I am not an iPhone user, I hope they will have clear cases for the Samsung.
Lovely diy!!! I would have all handmade!! 🙂
http://doitnaturalnow.blogspot.com.es/
So cuuuute!
I think you’re a modern artist!
Love this! I just posted about how much ABM inspired me to start my own blog and try a little DIY myself –
Thanks Emma and Elsie!
X
so fun!!
Sweeet! I love the nail polish one 🙂
Super cute! I love the nailpolish one… Definately spring colours! I tend to not change my phone cover all that often, but the brighter and cheerier the cover is, the more likely I am to buy and use it!
very clever!
I like both!
the nailpolish one seems super fun for spring and summer 🙂
http://theeoptimist.blogspot.com
Super cute! I’ll have to try this!
Elsie, did you paint the side of the case with the polish! I can’t really tell from the pics. It is adorable and I can’t wait to try it! 🙂
this is such a fantastic idea! I have a huge clunky gross looking griffin case on mine right now since I tend to drop it alot and don’t want it to break. I may just make something like this and add it on to the outside. thanks for the idea! xx. gigi. food and beauty blogger @ www.gigikkitchen.blogspot.com
i LOVE the nail polish one!
grace
http://herumbrella.com
Come on over and enter my GIVEAWAY!
These are cute! Customizing is so fun : )
-Ashley
http://pencilleddaydream.com
love the polish case! it’s so cute and chic.
kw ladies in navy
Love this! But I have a question! Is your wedding ring vintage?! Cause I’m in love with it! xoxo
OH my!! LOVE the nail polish stripes one! We are going to have to try this one out for sure. Great idea!
absolutely adore the colorful one !
xoxo
Cecile In L.A.
I designed a case and got it produced at Society6. I actually got it today and I love it! If you have digital designs, it’s actually a great way to create a unique case!
I have a case I’ve been wanting to DIY, maybe I’ll try some nail polish! Yours turned out super cute. I’m wondering if the nail polish will chip off eventually.
Kristina does the Internets
the nail polish case is SO cute! I have to try this!!
tr[i]b[e]cca
Hi, Elsie.
Hope my diy iPhone case can be an idea for your next project with Emma. I made to me and my sis.
Kisses from Brazil 🙂
http://potpourridakaren.blogspot.com.br/2013/03/diy-iphone-case.html
I love the nail polish one! Every girl has plenty on hand, so the possibility of colors are endless.
M.
this is so genius! love love love it! thanks for sharing 🙂
Ah! I love the nailpoilsh one!! I’ll have to try this 🙂
Erica of
sweet-endeavors.blogspot.com
So going to try this! I have just made some fabric covers myself, will post you the link once it is on my website.
Have discovered your blog a few weeks ago, such a massive inspiration to me at the moment. Have started my own sewing business a while ago and now planning to take the step and do it full time 🙂 Love your tips on working from home and having your own business!!
Thanks
Andrea xxx
I like that you used fingernail polish to decorate! Especially if you have fun colors!
With the clear cases, if you paint on the inside, you don’t need a top coat and it doesn’t chip.
I’m so weird about changing my iPhone case for some reason. I guess, to be honest, I’m weird about changing anything really. lol These are super adorable though and I think that I actually want to buy some and make some cute cases for my phone. 🙂
I just ordered a great new metallic case, but it would definitely look good with some details!
http://lasaloperie.blogspot.com
These cases are too cute! My girlfriends and I have DIY nights every once and a while, so this will definitely be added to our to-do list (as well as about a million other DIYs on your blog). Thanks for sharing!
Such a cute Idea! I’m getting sort of bored of my case, (I mean, its teal polka dot, so I will always come back to is (; ) but, this is such a fun way to switch it up.
But, weird question, I noticed in your last picture you had on a super skinny heart ring, I love it! And, have been looking for thin gold or silver rings myself. Where did you get it?
Bridgi
Yodgi.com
aww these cases are adorable! I love the leather one
Hannah xx
www.raspberrykitsch.com
this is an AWESOME diy! i would love to do this!
http://iamturquoise.com
Great idea !
Love the leather one !
http://www.olastory.com/
This is a fab idea. I love the light blue one!
http://erstwhilefelicity.blogspot.co.uk/
This nail polish one is really great. Surely will incorporate the idea in my next iPhone related DIY.
http://neongreenbike.blogspot.com/2013/02/diy-iphone-case.html
Those look aweosme! That is a great idea!
CELIAROSE
Good ideas! 🙂
I love this!!! So smart and inexpensive. 🙂 I wanted to let you girls know I did your ladder turned shelves project and blogged about it. I’m so happy with it. Thanks for the amazing idea!!!
They look great! I also love using nail polish on everything, for me they last on every surface except the nail!
NICE!! My wife would love one of those. Maybe I need to sneak into our craft shop and do something like that when she is out running errands or something. I love the nail polish idea… easy and practical. Easy being the key word there!!!
What a cool idea!!!
These are so cute! They make me wish I had an iphone. I’m always looking for things to paint with nail varnish. It always seems such a shame when my favourite colours run out and I haven’t found anything to paint the colour permanently onto.
the stripey one is so cute!
http://somebodyfromsomewhere.blogspot.com/
Great idea.
http://www.carmencarrascoblog.blogspot.com
Very cute! My favorite thing to do with my clear iphone case is slide different bits of cut scrapbook paper under it– I can rotate patterns under the same case cheaply and easily.
This is such a cute idea! I never change my iPhone case, but maybe I should!
Love,
Stephanie May*
http://www.maydae.com
We made our own iPhone cases with scrapbook paper!
http://missmelandmissheather.blogspot.com/2012/04/diy-scrapbook-paper-iphone-case.html
So cute and original!
Carina
http://carstina.blogspot.co.nz/
Ohh these are great ideas! I customised my iphone case a few weeks ago (after it being boring for SO long) and love it, I get asked all the time where its from, there is something in this ‘do it yourself’ stuff 😉 http://theonlyplaceblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/diy-iphone-case.html
great !
You could actually do a whole lot with clear iPhone cases for example: scrapbook paper, washi tape, bling, etc.
The nail varnish one is amazing!
Looks rigth up my street 😀
Bundana @
http://www.bundana.blogspot.co.uk
Very pretty!
I like to sew and do iphone covers cross stitch. If you want to see examples, I have photos here: http://etsy.me/YyDChG
Hope you like 🙂
Freaking love the nail varnish one, I’m a little bit obsessed with the stuff even my art practice revolves around nail varnish as well as most of my blogposts, have a look if you get bored 🙂
cheeky link 😉
Great Idea! Now all I need is the iphone!:P
Aj
Awesome DIY! I’ve been meaning to make my clear case prettier! 🙂
adorable! Maybe I will do this over the weekend
great idea! i get bored with mine so quickly!
So cute, I really need a case my phone is getting so bashed up!
Lauren
livinginaboxx
This is a really cool DIY! 😀 I especially like the nail polish one, those colours feel so much like Spring *-*
xo
clothesanddreams.blogspot.com
Beautiful and original, love it! xx
www.creativityandchocolate.com
Love this project! I am trying it for sure, love the one with lots of colors 😉
This is awesome!
I would not have thought of painting the case with nail polish, genius idea ladies!
Cool suggestion. And I just happen to have all kinds of leftover polish.
Love the nail polish idea – so creative and easy!
ButtonsAndBirdcages.wordpress.com
The nail polish case is just so cute! Really cheers you up 🙂
Very cute idea! 🙂
These are amazing. i’ve been wanting to do these forever, but it’s hard to find one i like for an ipod touch. 😛
xo,
RN
www.rachelnicoleblog.com
Very cute ideas. I especially love the nail polish case! It’s so bright and fun!
That is so smart!
Thanks for sharing!
I just got an iphone, and have been thinking of decorating a case, love the stripped one!
These are cute and so perfect for spring! As a fellow case junkie, I can really appreciate a nice DIY’d case. I’m eligible for a phone upgrade but I’ve been dragging my feet because of my great homemade collection. I’ll be using these as inspiration for some new ones!
If you burn the edges of the leather, they will seal up and not flake or look as rough! But you’re right, a thinner piece of leather would probably be easier to work with.
I’m ordering a clear case right now to try this out!
The design reminds me of Kate Spades! Love it!!
Rad idea! with the clear cases surely you could wasabi tape your fave photos inside? or use wasabi tape for a design!
Love the leather idea – would protect too
Barnicles