How to Nest for Less™

On the Cheap: Scrapbook Paper iPhone Covers

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I found this clever trick on Pinterest the other week from Oops I Craft My Pants and had to try it for myself: iPhone covers using scrapbook paper!

scrapbook paper iphone coversNow when I had my first cell phone in high school (the old Nokia), I probably had about 15 different cell phone covers that I would switch out to match my clothes everyday! I figure this scrapbook paper iPhone phone cover is an easy way to update my phone without spending all the cash!

First thing I did was purchase a couple sheets of scrapbook paper from Michael’s.

I also purchased a clear iPhone 4 cover from Best Buy. You could really purchase any cheap clear phone cover, but I wanted one with protective rubber sides since I’m a klutz and always drop my phone!

First thing I did was trace the scrapbook paper around the iPhone cover to get the basic shape.

I cut out the main section just using a pair of scissors. I kept trimming and setting in the clear plastic phone cover until it fit perfectly. Once the shape was set, I used this as a template for the rest of the scrapbook paper.

For the camera hole I used a pencil to sketch in the hole that I had to cut out using an exacto knife…. and that’s about it!

I’m really digging these fabric scrapbook pages! Love the texture plus I scored them on clearance for only $1 each!

Oh, and that iPhone cover below? I designed this in Photoshop with my blog logo. Yep, just normal laser printer paper that I cut to size!

brand-marketing-small-businessThis is also a great way to get festive for the holidays!

And I think the black damask one is my favorite for now!

Oh, thank you Pinterest for another great idea that’s affordable and easy to make!

 And you can also see all of my holiday scrapbook paper phone covers here!holiday scrapbook paper iphone covers

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Comments

  1. Carole @ Blue Chateau Interiors says

    And here I thought I was the only person who was klutzy enough to always drop her phone. 🙂

    What a great idea! I am definitely going to do this when I get my iPhone. Thanks for the inspiration!

  2. Debbie~refreshrestyle says

    Oh I love this idea! I just an iphone after waiting many, many years and this will dress it up nicely!
    Debbie

  3. Jessica says

    What a great idea, seems so easy!

    • howtonestforless says

      LOVE that idea, Karen! GO CARDS!

  6. Megan says

    Love! I’m sure you have one for you sister, right??

    • howtonestforless says

      Of course, I always make stuff for you! Why just make one when I can make two at twice the price, LOL! 🙂

  7. Megan Brooke says

    Such a cute idea! I’m finally entering the 21st century and getting an iPhone this weekend! So excited 🙂 I went ahead and got a clear cover. I might try and make some of these. I definitely have enough scrapbook paper to choose from 🙂

  8. Lori says

    Oh man how about fabric?!?!!

    • kathryn says

      I really want to know how to do it with fabric too! Like to actually stick it in and make it permanent! But not sure how to go about it!

      • Allison says

        If you iiron cotton fabric onto freezer paper it will be stiff enough to cut out and insert into the iPhone case.

  9. Ann says

    Boy these would make fantastic stocking stuffers!!! I’m going to pin this on my board. Thanks!!
    Ann

  10. [email protected] says

    I love this idea and can’t wait to make some. I agree with Ann above – they would make great little gifts. I am linking this to my Daily DIY page on my blog.

    My best- Diane

  11. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    Super idea!! I’ve been looking at all the cutesy phone covers on Etsy for $50… not anymore! Thanks for sharing ~ visiting from T&T at A2Z. 🙂

  13. caralyn says

    Ditto the Stocking Stuffer Idea!!!
    I know a few cousins who will be getting new Phone Covers this year! It’s like a Swatch Watch…only better.

  14. Katie says

    This is so awesome!! I love this idea ’cause I can never decide which cover to buy! I love how you can just change it up this way!

  15. Mindy says

    Love this idea! It’s so easy to switch your covers out! Thanks for sharing:)

  16. Seaweed & Raine says

    These are great! 🙂 Love the easy interchange. Does the paper scratch the phone at all? (I was just thinking you could achieve the same effect with fabric perhaps).

  17. Melissa says

    Great idea. Gonna have to try these.

    Melissa
    redflycreations.blogspot.com

  18. Chelsea says

    So clever!! Gotta love pinterest! 😉

  19. Lyndee says

    Why didn’t I think of this? Such a great idea! I love that I would be able to change the look of my phone anytime I wanted.

  21. Bec says

    Brilliant!
    I’m totally gonna have to do this!!!
    THANKS!
    ~Bec 🙂

  22. June @ I will craft..... says

    Great idea. I’ll have to look for a clear cover for my phone and make some customized covers for my phone.

    Saw you featured at House of Hepworths.

  24. Anne Francis says

    I’m going to Best Buy tomorrow to (hopefully) find a clear case for my 3G. All the cute cases out now are for the 4! Ugh! So, I hope I find one. I have been dying for a new case. Can’t find anything cute for my model phone. Thanks!

  25. Wilma says

    Great idea, I just completed mine. I COULD not find a cover I liked for my new iPhone, but you saved the day. Thanks.

  27. Jimmie says

    Love this idea. Just got new phone but was looking for a cover. Now I can have what I want

  28. Eleni says

    This is such a good idea! I always see scrapbook paper I like, but I don’t scrapbook. Now I can finally have a reason to buy them, haha.

  29. Jessica says

    I love this idea!! I use scrapbook paper to use home-made picture frames, which I gave out as Christmas gifts a few years back. Everyone loved them!
    I will be upgrading my phone to the Verizon Rhyme…I hope I will be able to do this with my phone!
    Crossing my fingers 🙂

  30. Blue Dot Paper Shop says

    Oh wow, This is awesome! I’m definitely going to have to try this with a few of my favorite Washi stocks & I now have an excuse to find some new favorite patterned paper!

  31. Kristina says

    Super cool!!! I would have never thought of that, what a great idea. I love changing my iphone cover too, but they can be expensive. Thanks so much for the idea, I’m headed out to Michael’s ASAP!!

  32. Cass says

    I’m so doing this for my HTC Evo!! 🙂

    • Dana says

      DId you get to do this with your HTC? I have a Skyrocket and cannot find any cute cases whatsoever! I know alot of cases are designed specifically for the iphone! SO just wondering how it turned out! Thank you! Have a great day!

  33. janelle says

    love love love this idea! so simple and easy 🙂 can’t wait to try it out with my scrapbook paper that’s just laying around collecting dust!

  34. Stephanie says

    I love this idea eeekkkkk!!!! What a money saver idea. Thank you for this one. : )

  35. Gretchen says

    I wish I could do this for my phone its an android and shaped

  36. Charmaine says

    I think this solved my problem of constantly becoming bored of the Iphone cover that I have. Once I find a clear cover I can change up its look all the time. Thanks for the idea!

  37. Ciara Kay says

    SUCH a good idea… I just discovered this today on pinterest… almost makes me wish I had an iphone. 😉

  38. Jenna, SAS Interiors says

    Love this idea Erin and I actually just did the same thing with my phone last week – I love the idea of changing it often. I used scrapbook paper and then added my initials J and B with stickers. I have the old phone, so mine doesn’t have a flat back, but it still works. This post just came through on stumble upon and I gave it a thumbs up 🙂

    Jenna

    • howtonestforless says

      Thanks Jenna! I love the initials idea! I might actually try my blog logo next instead of buying an expensive version online. We will see if it works!

  39. Leslie says

    Super cute idea! Let me warn you, though, if you’re a true klutz! I have the same case and after dropping my phone twice in one night (with the phone set on vibrate), my phone is forever in vibrate mode! Just be careful! 🙂

    • howtonestforless says

      Thanks for the info, Leslie! I’m a klutz too so I’m hoping this doesn’t happen to me!

  40. Berlin says

    GENUIS!!!!!!!!

  41. Devorah says

    This is so cute! I wish I would’ve seen it before I got my hot pink one:( O well, in due time I will need a change and this is def something I want to try!

  42. Maggie says

    I love this! Can’t wait to try it.

  43. ellis says

    ooh, I love this.
    But i’m going to try it with my ipod. 🙂
    ‘Cause I don’t have a Iphone.

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  45. [email protected] says

    Love this idea! I have tons of scraps of scrapbook paper so the possibilities are endless. Thanks for sharing!

  46. Kenzie says

    I was wondering if you have a pattern for how big the back of the phone is?! This is an amazing idea!

    • howtonestforless says

      Sorry, Kenzie. I don’t have a pattern. I would suggest using a plain piece of computer paper to trace and keep trimming down until it fits perfectly. Then use that as your template going forth! Hope that helps 🙂

  47. Jackie says

    I am not going to lie, this is pretty sleek & chic! You should definitely add this blog post to my list of Sleek & Chic iPhone Cases < http://www.skinnyscoop.com/list/jackie/sleek-chic-iphone-cases

    Such a fun idea 🙂 And it reminds me of this Nokia I had back in the day where the case was clear so I could do exactly what this blog post suggests..so fun!

  49. Amanda says

    When I saw this u was like why didn’t I think of this . I got a clear case and lots of scrapbook paper and now my iPhone looks amazing and I don’t need to spend much money on it 🙂

  50. Sarah says

    Love this! Was wondering how your case was holding up? Trying to decide which one I want to go with.

    • howtonestforless says

      It’s actually PERFECT!! I haven’t had one problem with the case so far. And I change out the insert quite often!!

  51. Donald Rumsfeld says

    I simply could not leave your web site before suggesting that I really loved the usual info an individual supply on your visitors? Is gonna be back steadily to inspect new posts

  52. Mara Jede says

    I love this idea!! But I’m having trouble finding clear covers – any suggestions from someone who’s done this?? (aside from the griffin model posted here – I just want to see other models before I buy)

    • howtonestforless says

      I purchased mine from Best Buy, although I know they carry them at WalMart as well. Hope that helps 🙂

  53. Carol says

    WOW! I am one for customizing everything I own and even though I don’t have an iPhone, I kinda wish I had one just for this purpose. :] I love it and I love the designs you were using.

    • howtonestforless says

      Thanks so much, Carol!

  54. kim-todays creative blog says

    Great idea, Love it! but do you know who the original source is? You said you found it on Pinterest…….but I know pinterest didn’t do that craft. 🙂 I wonder if I can find clear covers for my LG phone.

  55. Lori says

    I just did this for my new iphone! I even got the same case. I had a hard time cutting the hole for the camera though. They aren’t nice and clean looking. Any suggestions? Thanks for the great idea!!!

    • howtonestforless says

      Oh, sorry… just saw that last part! I used an exacto knife to get the hole nice and clean. Make sure it’s really sharp though!

  56. Lori says

    Oh btw, I bought the same black and white paper without realizing that you had done that one too!

    • howtonestforless says

      haha!! too funny! I’m actually use that one right now! LOVE it (and get so many compliments)

      • Lori says

        I’m using a peacock feather paper right now but have showed the black and white one to a few people and they want me to make them one with it!

  57. Melaina says

    OMG! Would this work with any phone?? Like, I have a Samsung Gem, so, if I could get a clear case for that, could I make a case like you did?

    • howtonestforless says

      I hope so!! I know they make clear covers for a lot of different phone models. I’m telling you… it’s life changing 🙂

  58. Kris says

    i love you. I mean it. I am kind of addicted to iphone cases…but it is pretty pricey habit. I cannot wait to get a clear cover. Thanks for sharing.

    • howtonestforless says

      HAHA!! Thanks Kris! Soon you’ll be addicted to making these. I have about 25!

    • howtonestforless says

      haha!! Thanks for visiting Lorina!

  60. Maggie says

    WOW! This looks way to easy to be that much fun. I love switching my covers but I HATE paying 30 bucks for one! What a rip! Thanks for the awesome idea!

    Take a peek at my place borntobeblonde.com

  61. Mia says

    I think that this idea is fantastic! I was just wondering what clear case it was that you used in the first picture (the one without the black rim). Thanks!!

  62. Mia says

    Ok thank you! Is it a hard or soft case?

  63. Allison says

    Thanks for sharing a great idea. I made some myself and posted them on my blog if you want to check it out.

  64. Tara says

    Someone should totally make a diecut for this! Hello, Ellison??? Or at least a .pdf pattern… On my next go-round, I might use a series ofhole-punches to try to open up the camera hole more neatly.

  66. Annabella Merlin says

    This is a great idea. I’ve been looking for ways to make my own ipad 2 covers but seem to find none. But this might work out for me. Thanks for the idea!

    Annabella Merlin
    Creative Photo Albums

    • howtonestforless says

      I actually just found a clear iPad case from Tuesday Morning! I’m going to be doing something similar soon 🙂

  67. Trina says

    Yay! Easy last minute Mother’s Day idea! Love it.

  68. Marie Vickers says

    This seems like such an obvious idea, and yet it had never occurred to me!
    Thank you for sharing this – I am off right now to do it!! 🙂
    Marie

  69. Kar says

    This is a very cool idea, especially considering gummy rubber covers cost like $15 a piece and they never have the one you want.
    Griffin has the best stuff for Apple gear. I have their screen protectors and different inds of chargers too.

  70. Ale says

    I love The idea but it Bothers me that my scrapbook paper is not cut perfectly 🙁

  71. Angi says

    Amazing I can’t wait to try this! I am always looking for projects that fit me skill level and this one seems easy enough! Thank you for sharing!

  72. Amanda says

    I love this! I just got an Iphone and I was wondering how much was the clear case that you purchased from Best Buy? I have no income(I’m 15) so I’m on a budget… I saw a couple cases from there and they’re about $25+

    • howtonestforless says

      Hey Amanda!~ Try checking out Tuesday Morning (if you have one around you). I think they have clear cases for $5!!

  73. Jenny says

    That is super cute! and you can change it as often as you like, love it.

  74. Galy says

    nice idea i wish they had clear cases like this for my phone. . . 🙁
    http:/www.galydichterstyling.com

  76. Lacey says

    Can you tell me what brand phone cover you have? I am trying to find your case and I cannot find anything similar on amazon or bestbuy.

  77. Brianna says

    Can you use this idea for the fourth generation ipod?

    • howtonestforless says

      Sorry, I don’t have an iPod so I’m not quite sure! But I’m sure if you can find a clear case for it, this would work perfectly!

  79. Rakeasha says

    This is the most coolest idea ever and it saves you a bunch of money I just live it I have a different case everyday

  80. Claire says

    how is the case holding up? if you still use it. because i want to do this idea but i need to find a clear case! also, do you have an iphone 4s? if so, does the case fit the 4s? thank you! 😀

    • howtonestforless says

      Hey Claire. Yes, I have an iPhone 4S for my clear case and it works perfectly. The case is holding up wonderfully! I’ve had it for a year now and have had zero problems 😉 Oh, and dropped it NUMEROUS times!

  81. Crystal says

    Love This! Have you tried cutting a picture to fit? I would like to try to find a picture of my kids to fit in the case

    • howtonestforless says

      I’m sure a photo would work perfectly, especially if it’s a vertical shot!

  82. Jill says

    Is there a hole punch made to do this. The actor knife is ok, but a hole punch would be better.

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