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!
Now 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!
This 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!
Carole @ Blue Chateau Interiors says
October 19, 2011 at 4:25 amAnd 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!
Debbie~refreshrestyle says
October 19, 2011 at 7:05 amOh I love this idea! I just an iphone after waiting many, many years and this will dress it up nicely!
Debbie
Jessica says
October 19, 2011 at 7:47 amWhat a great idea, seems so easy!
[email protected] says
October 19, 2011 at 7:55 amWhat a great idea!
Karen @ The Quaint Cottage says
October 19, 2011 at 7:56 amAnd for this week’s cover you need a Cardinal one 🙂 Go Cards!!
howtonestforless says
October 19, 2011 at 8:41 amLOVE that idea, Karen! GO CARDS!
Megan says
October 19, 2011 at 8:37 amLove! I’m sure you have one for you sister, right??
howtonestforless says
October 19, 2011 at 8:42 amOf course, I always make stuff for you! Why just make one when I can make two at twice the price, LOL! 🙂
Megan Brooke says
October 19, 2011 at 11:30 amSuch 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 🙂
Lori says
October 21, 2011 at 12:25 pmOh man how about fabric?!?!!
kathryn says
June 20, 2012 at 7:36 amI 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
March 20, 2013 at 8:42 pmIf you iiron cotton fabric onto freezer paper it will be stiff enough to cut out and insert into the iPhone case.
howtonestforless says
March 20, 2013 at 9:07 pmGreat idea Allison!
Ann says
October 23, 2011 at 12:04 pmBoy these would make fantastic stocking stuffers!!! I’m going to pin this on my board. Thanks!!
Ann
[email protected] says
October 24, 2011 at 7:25 amI 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
Heidi @ Decor & More says
October 25, 2011 at 5:00 pmSuper 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. 🙂
Lynette says
October 26, 2011 at 9:21 amWow, super cute. Thanks for sharing!
caralyn says
October 26, 2011 at 10:21 amDitto 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.
Katie says
October 26, 2011 at 9:43 pmThis 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!
Mindy says
October 26, 2011 at 11:09 pmLove this idea! It’s so easy to switch your covers out! Thanks for sharing:)
Seaweed & Raine says
October 27, 2011 at 5:08 amThese 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).
Melissa says
October 27, 2011 at 2:50 pmGreat idea. Gonna have to try these.
Melissa
redflycreations.blogspot.com
Chelsea says
October 27, 2011 at 3:43 pmSo clever!! Gotta love pinterest! 😉
Lyndee says
October 28, 2011 at 10:40 amWhy 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.
Allison @ House of Hepworths says
November 2, 2011 at 11:08 pmYou rock so I featured you this week at my Hookin Up with HoH Link Party!
Feel free to stop by and grab a button if you’d like.
xoxo
Allison @ House of Hepworths
Bec says
November 2, 2011 at 11:19 pmBrilliant!
I’m totally gonna have to do this!!!
THANKS!
~Bec 🙂
June @ I will craft..... says
November 3, 2011 at 1:27 pmGreat 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.
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
November 4, 2011 at 9:25 amWhat a fantastic idea – I LOVE it!
Anne Francis says
November 10, 2011 at 11:07 pmI’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!
Wilma says
November 16, 2011 at 7:31 pmGreat idea, I just completed mine. I COULD not find a cover I liked for my new iPhone, but you saved the day. Thanks.
Dana @ CraftedNiche says
November 18, 2011 at 1:20 pmLoving this idea. Might have to hunt down a clear cover!
Jimmie says
November 20, 2011 at 9:23 amLove this idea. Just got new phone but was looking for a cover. Now I can have what I want
Eleni says
November 20, 2011 at 1:13 pmThis 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.
Jessica says
November 21, 2011 at 3:14 pmI 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 🙂
Blue Dot Paper Shop says
November 23, 2011 at 10:49 amOh 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!
Kristina says
November 26, 2011 at 12:30 pmSuper 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!!
Cass says
November 26, 2011 at 12:40 pmI’m so doing this for my HTC Evo!! 🙂
Dana says
January 17, 2012 at 3:15 pmDId 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!
janelle says
November 26, 2011 at 7:04 pmlove 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!
Stephanie says
December 3, 2011 at 7:45 amI love this idea eeekkkkk!!!! What a money saver idea. Thank you for this one. : )
Gretchen says
December 6, 2011 at 6:04 pmI wish I could do this for my phone its an android and shaped
Charmaine says
December 7, 2011 at 12:50 pmI 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!
Ciara Kay says
December 8, 2011 at 6:22 pmSUCH a good idea… I just discovered this today on pinterest… almost makes me wish I had an iphone. 😉
Jenna, SAS Interiors says
December 29, 2011 at 6:36 pmLove 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
December 30, 2011 at 12:00 amThanks 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!
Leslie says
December 29, 2011 at 8:42 pmSuper 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
December 29, 2011 at 11:58 pmThanks for the info, Leslie! I’m a klutz too so I’m hoping this doesn’t happen to me!
Berlin says
January 3, 2012 at 11:29 amGENUIS!!!!!!!!
Devorah says
January 4, 2012 at 5:37 pmThis 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!
Maggie says
January 6, 2012 at 8:26 pmI love this! Can’t wait to try it.
ellis says
January 17, 2012 at 9:58 amooh, I love this.
But i’m going to try it with my ipod. 🙂
‘Cause I don’t have a Iphone.
Jeanna says
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[email protected] says
January 18, 2012 at 11:54 pmLove this idea! I have tons of scraps of scrapbook paper so the possibilities are endless. Thanks for sharing!
Kenzie says
January 23, 2012 at 3:47 pmI was wondering if you have a pattern for how big the back of the phone is?! This is an amazing idea!
howtonestforless says
January 23, 2012 at 3:52 pmSorry, 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 🙂
Jackie says
January 24, 2012 at 6:55 pmI 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!
Erin Dubrow says
January 29, 2012 at 6:57 pmSo simple and So clever! Thanks for sharing!
Amanda says
February 4, 2012 at 9:54 pmWhen 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 🙂
Sarah says
February 6, 2012 at 1:30 amLove this! Was wondering how your case was holding up? Trying to decide which one I want to go with.
howtonestforless says
February 6, 2012 at 7:39 amIt’s actually PERFECT!! I haven’t had one problem with the case so far. And I change out the insert quite often!!
Donald Rumsfeld says
February 7, 2012 at 10:56 pmI 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
Mara Jede says
February 13, 2012 at 1:06 pmI 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
February 13, 2012 at 1:07 pmI purchased mine from Best Buy, although I know they carry them at WalMart as well. Hope that helps 🙂
Carol says
February 14, 2012 at 12:21 amWOW! 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
February 14, 2012 at 6:56 amThanks so much, Carol!
kim-todays creative blog says
February 14, 2012 at 10:06 pmGreat 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.
howtonestforless says
February 15, 2012 at 6:43 amHere is the original source from Oops I Craft My Pants: http://www.oopsicraftmypants.net/2010/08/case-inserts.html The link is now updated on my site giving her credit! Urgh, I feel terrible about that!!
Lori says
February 16, 2012 at 7:56 pmI 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
February 17, 2012 at 6:50 amOh, 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!
Lori says
February 16, 2012 at 8:00 pmOh btw, I bought the same black and white paper without realizing that you had done that one too!
howtonestforless says
February 16, 2012 at 8:15 pmhaha!! too funny! I’m actually use that one right now! LOVE it (and get so many compliments)
Lori says
February 17, 2012 at 1:50 amI’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!
Melaina says
February 20, 2012 at 10:26 pmOMG! 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
February 21, 2012 at 6:40 amI hope so!! I know they make clear covers for a lot of different phone models. I’m telling you… it’s life changing 🙂
Kris says
February 23, 2012 at 10:56 pmi 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
February 24, 2012 at 6:48 amHAHA!! Thanks Kris! Soon you’ll be addicted to making these. I have about 25!
Lorina Daiana says
February 25, 2012 at 12:20 amI want an Iphone now.. just to do this.. lol
😛
howtonestforless says
February 25, 2012 at 11:58 amhaha!! Thanks for visiting Lorina!
Maggie says
March 7, 2012 at 1:42 pmWOW! 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
howtonestforless says
March 7, 2012 at 4:40 pmThanks Maggie! I’m obsessed with switching them out 😉
Mia says
March 7, 2012 at 5:32 pmI 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!!
howtonestforless says
March 7, 2012 at 9:18 pmThanks Mia!! Check out Best Buy or Walmart!
Mia says
March 8, 2012 at 6:27 pmOk thank you! Is it a hard or soft case?
howtonestforless says
March 8, 2012 at 6:31 pmHard backing, but the sides are soft!
Allison says
March 8, 2012 at 9:37 pmThanks for sharing a great idea. I made some myself and posted them on my blog if you want to check it out.
howtonestforless says
March 8, 2012 at 11:02 pmHeading over there now Allison!
Tara says
March 10, 2012 at 10:32 amSomeone 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.
Lorina Daiana says
April 12, 2012 at 6:47 pmLovely idea 🙂
I featured you tutorial on my blog –> http://creativebalorina.com/thursday-tutorials-iphone-case/
howtonestforless says
April 12, 2012 at 10:10 pmThanks!
Annabella Merlin says
April 25, 2012 at 7:24 amThis 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
April 25, 2012 at 10:21 amI actually just found a clear iPad case from Tuesday Morning! I’m going to be doing something similar soon 🙂
Trina says
May 10, 2012 at 3:44 pmYay! Easy last minute Mother’s Day idea! Love it.
howtonestforless says
May 10, 2012 at 4:10 pmOooh!~ That’s a great idea!!!
Marie Vickers says
May 16, 2012 at 1:02 amThis 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
howtonestforless says
May 16, 2012 at 7:10 amTHanks Marie! You’re gonna love it 🙂
Kar says
May 20, 2012 at 8:34 pmThis 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.
Ale says
May 29, 2012 at 10:05 pmI love The idea but it Bothers me that my scrapbook paper is not cut perfectly 🙁
Angi says
June 20, 2012 at 8:04 amAmazing 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!
Amanda says
June 23, 2012 at 6:58 pmI 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
June 24, 2012 at 5:26 pmHey Amanda!~ Try checking out Tuesday Morning (if you have one around you). I think they have clear cases for $5!!
Jenny says
July 1, 2012 at 4:50 amThat is super cute! and you can change it as often as you like, love it.
howtonestforless says
July 2, 2012 at 3:55 pmThanks Jenny!
Galy says
July 6, 2012 at 9:36 amnice idea i wish they had clear cases like this for my phone. . . 🙁
http:/www.galydichterstyling.com
Desiree says
July 15, 2012 at 7:53 pmThis is brilliant!
howtonestforless says
July 16, 2012 at 7:29 amThank you!!
Lacey says
August 1, 2012 at 10:21 amCan 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.
howtonestforless says
August 1, 2012 at 1:33 pmIt’s Griffin!
Brianna says
August 3, 2012 at 12:47 pmCan you use this idea for the fourth generation ipod?
howtonestforless says
August 3, 2012 at 3:01 pmSorry, 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!
VinPro Elegance says
August 14, 2012 at 3:03 pmGreat idea!!thanks
Rakeasha says
August 17, 2012 at 1:20 pmThis is the most coolest idea ever and it saves you a bunch of money I just live it I have a different case everyday
Claire says
October 14, 2012 at 12:03 amhow 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
October 14, 2012 at 10:38 pmHey 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!
Crystal says
June 15, 2013 at 11:41 pmLove 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
June 17, 2013 at 6:44 amI’m sure a photo would work perfectly, especially if it’s a vertical shot!
Jill says
November 2, 2013 at 8:13 pmIs there a hole punch made to do this. The actor knife is ok, but a hole punch would be better.
howtonestforless says
November 4, 2013 at 7:15 amSorry, no hole punch that I know of.