Project time: 10 minutes
DIY level: (Super) Easy
This might be one of my favorite projects at the Studio so far. Why?
One, because the project literally takes 10 minutes once you have the supplies. Maybe 15 if you’re really meticulous. Low labor, high reward.
Two, because the end product is simple, clean, and eye-catching. I am astounded how often I come back to the simplest design principles when I’m trying to create something exciting—often the most minimalist designs pack the most punch. And for this iPhone case, that’s definitely true.
I even created a sleepy-eye stencil for you to download to make this even easier for you. You can use the small set of eyes for an iPhone cover, or the large set for an iPad or laptop cover.
Ready?
Supplies needed for this project:
- Wool felt in the color(s) of your choice—I bought three 12X18” pieces from this Etsy shop (coral, bayou, and opal), but you may need larger pieces if you want to cover an iPad or laptop
- This stencil for your sleepy eyes
- A silicone mat (doesn’t have to be large; here is one on Amazon from Fiskars)
- Paper and pencil
- Sewing pins
- Scissors
- AdTech LoTemp glue gun (optional: you can switch back and forth between the LoTemp and the Project Pro if you have both; see steps for instruction)
- AdTech Glitter Glue sticks
- AdTech Multi-Temp glue sticks (optional)
- Embroidery thread
- Large-eyed needle
Step one:
Trace your device onto a piece of paper and add a 1/2” margin all around. Cut this piece and make two more. (In the video below, we free-hand cut the wool felt without creating this stencil, but if you want to be safe, make the stencil!)
Step two:
Line these pieces up next to each other on your wool felt so that their long sides are touching, and attach with sewing pins.
Step three:
Cut the felt and remove the paper patterns you created.
Step four:
Fold the felt into thirds and press to create faint creases, and then unfold. At the place where one of these creases appears, cut 1/2” into the fabric on either side. (I forgot to do this when I was making the video, but it helps to keep those creases looking sharp!)
Step five:
Warm up your LoTemp Mini. Glue a thin line near the edge of the felt on the first third of the fabric leading up to the incision you’ve made. Do this on either side of the fabric.
Note: The glue you use for this step will not show on the final product, so if you prefer to use AdTech Multi-Temp (which is clear), you can preserve the glitter glue for another project.
Fold the piece you’ve glued up over the middle third of the felt and press evenly, creating a pocket with a flap.
Step six:
Place the sleepy-eye stencil underneath the silicone mat, and run any clear glue through your Project Pro so that you can use glitter glue for this next part.
I chose the Project Pro for this project because (a) it can fit AdTech glitter glue sticks, which only come in mini, and (b) because the chamber is just slightly longer than the one in the LoTemp Mini, which means you have control for a little longer while using the glue. You’re still up close and personal with the project, though, which I like. You can totally use the LoTemp at this point if you only have one glue gun; I just like the hotter temp and cleaner lines of the Project Pro.
Trace the sleepy eyes and allow to set.
Pro tip: Add a little extra squeeze any time you reach the end of a lash. When you lift the nozzle the line will get thinner, so having a little extra glue at the ends before you lift will make them come out even.
Step seven:
Peel the sleepy eyes away from the mat and use multi-temp or glitter glue in tiny dots to adhere to the tech cover. (This will be the middle third of the felt; tuck the loose piece down over the pocket, and flip over, and this is the front of the case, where the eyes should go.)
Using the LoTemp for this portion is wise, because you’ll more easily be able to press the sleepy eyes into the felt without burning your fingertips.
Step eight:
Cut the back flap in an arc (optional). I found a round dish that was about the same length across at the back of the case and traced it for an even rounded edge.
Step nine:
Squeeze 6-8 pumps of glitter glue onto your silicone mat and allow to settle into a round.
Step ten:
When the round is set, use your embroidery needle to punch two holes into the round, creating a button. Sew this button to the bottom third of the fabric (the inside front of the case, in the middle of the front of the pocket), and cut a hole in the flap to match.
Slip your device in and make sure it fits… and you’re done!
Optional other idea:
You could totally put open eyes on the inside of the flap, too, so that when you open the case, it’s like the eyes open! Just a thought…