Smartphones are an essential tool in everyday life, but many people worry that commercially available cases will look the same as someone else's, or that there's no design that perfectly suits their taste. In fact, handmade smartphone cases are currently all the rage on social media and in handmade markets! Not only can you create your own original design, but the appeal is that you can finish them at low cost using materials from 100 yen shops and items you have at home. In this article, we've carefully selected five ideas that are easy even for beginners to try. We'll explain everything from choosing materials to tips for making sure you don't make mistakes!

The benefits of handmade smartphone cases

Realizing a one-of-a-kind design

The biggest appeal is that you can create your own unique style that you can't find in commercially available products. For example, by simply adding lines with masking tape to a simple, plain case, you can create a finish that looks like something from Scandinavian goods. On the other hand, by lavishly sprinkling beads and sequins, you can create a gorgeous look that will stand out at an evening party.

Another advantage of handmade cases is that they can be remade to suit the season or an event. In the summer, add shells for a seaside design, or decorate with red and green ribbons at Christmas, and your smartphone will instantly transform into a stylish accessory. Just like "changing your case to match your outfit for the day," every day will become a little more special.

Best value for money with 100 yen store materials

In most cases, the cost of materials for a handmade case is 1/5 to 1/10 of that of commercially available products. For example, if you combine a 100 yen transparent case (110 yen) with unnecessary items you have at home, you can make one for virtually 0 yen.

Specific money-saving techniques

• Create multiple designs using a 100-yen masking tape set of three

• Reuse beads and ribbons that children no longer use

• Stock up on magazine clippings and wrapping paper for decoupage

"Even if you don't have expensive materials, you can improve the quality depending on your ideas."

For example, by using 100 yen store UV resin (330 yen), you can fix beads and pressed flowers with a professional-looking shine, resulting in a finished product that is indistinguishable from commercially available products.

The essence of handmade products is not "cheap means poor quality" but "high quality at low cost."

Perfect as a gift

In recent years, it has become a standard gift for birthdays and anniversaries as a "gift filled with care and thought."

Three reasons why people love it

A completely custom-made feel: A gift that perfectly reflects the recipient's favorite colors and hobbies. (Example: For a friend who loves cats, a paw print sticker + cat toy embroidery thread)

Warmth not found in commercially available products: The slight unevenness of handmade products and the texture of the materials create a special feeling that is different from machine-made products.

Recreating memories: Incorporating a seashell you picked up on a trip together or a photo of the two of you into the design will deepen the bond between the giver and receiver.

In fact, there are many posts on social media about stories like, "I've been using the handmade case my boyfriend made for me for three years."

Even if the materials are inexpensive, a thoughtful gift will be treasured for a long time.

Related article: Can I use a smartphone chain without a case?

Basic ingredients and preparation

Must-have items

• Clear smartphone case (purchased at a 100 yen shop or online) *Make sure to choose the size that matches your smartphone model number!

• Adhesive : wood glue, UV resin, fabric glue, etc. (choose according to the design)

• Decoration materials : stickers, beads, fabric, masking tape, etc.

Useful tools to have

• Scissors and tweezers

• Toothpick (for removing air bubbles from resin)

• Coating agent (decoupage liquid or top coat)

Precautions for work

• Decorate only the outside, as sticking decorations on the inside of the case could damage your smartphone!

• If you are using resin, make sure you have good ventilation.

5 DIY ideas

The appeal of handmade smartphone cases is that you can freely customize them according to your materials and skills.

Here we will introduce five ideas that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced users alike, along with specific tips on how to make them.

1. Decoupage art case

Just by pasting magazine clippings or your favorite wrapping paper, you can create a finished product that looks like a work of art. All you need are a clear case, decoupage liquid (or a 1:1 mixture of wood glue and water), a brush, and decorative paper.

To make it, first cut out the paper to the shape of the case, then apply decoupage liquid and stick it on. The trick is to simulate the placement before sticking it on. For example, if you line up part of a landscape photo with the camera hole in the case, it will look like you are looking at the scenery through a window. To finish, apply another coat of liquid to coat it, making it less likely to peel off and more durable! This is especially recommended for art lovers and those who prefer a vintage look.

2. Gorgeous design with beads and sequins

If you want to make a sparkly case that will look great at parties or special occasions, this is the perfect idea. Using UV resin, you can fix beads and glitter powder in place like jewels.

The process is to first arrange the beads on the outside of the case, then pour in a thin layer of UV resin and cure it under a light. After that, cover the entire piece with resin and it's complete. Try using techniques such as "using tweezers to place the beads so they don't slip off" and "mixing in a small amount of glitter powder for an elegant shine." However, since resin takes time to harden, the secret to beautiful results is to "build up layers in 2-3 steps rather than applying a thick layer all at once."

3. A cute and cozy case with fabric covering

Using scraps of fabric and lace, you can make a case with a warm feel. It's a simple process of just gluing together the pieces with fabric glue, but treating the edges of the fabric with anti-fray liquid will make it last longer.

For example, you can create a rustic cafe feel with a checked fabric, or layer on lace for a romantic look. What's more, spraying it with an anti-friction spray will make it more resistant to rubbing in pockets. It's also popular with people who want to enjoy fabric design even if they're not good at sewing, and moms who want to turn their baby's unused underwear into a keepsake.

4. Create colorful designs with masking tape

This is the easiest method. Just cut and paste colorful masking tape from a 100 yen shop to create your own original case.

You can create endless variations depending on how you apply the tape, such as applying it diagonally to create a striped look or lining up small triangles to create a geometric pattern. In particular, layering the tape to create a three-dimensional effect can give you a professional-looking finish like commercially available products. It's easy to peel off even if you make a mistake, so it's perfect for having fun with children.

5. Natural and delicate pressed flower case

The design captures seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves.

Pressed or dried flowers can be fixed with UV resin to maintain their translucent beauty for a long time.

The key is to "stretch the flowers thinly and evenly before use." If the resin is too thick, it will not cover them evenly and may peel off. Also, "applying the resin in two layers" will prevent the flowers from shifting position. The "contrast between the ephemeral nature of natural materials and the transparency of resin" will create an Instagrammable finish that will be a hot topic on social media.

Advice on choosing an idea

• For beginners: Masking tape or stickers (can be completed in under 15 minutes)

• For gifts: Pressed flower resin or bead decoration (for a luxurious look)

• Want to create a seasonal feel? Remake it for an event with decoupage

The quickest way to improve is to "start with one idea and then combine ingredients once you get the hang of it!"

Q&A

Can you make it in a case other than a transparent one?

Of course you can! Even with a colored case, you can create a beautiful finish if you follow some design tips.

For example, adding dark decorations to a light-colored case (white or pastel) will make the design stand out.

If you use an opaque case, decorating only the uneven parts will create a three-dimensional effect and achieve the same quality as commercially available products.

Even if you're not a fan of clear cases, why not give a colored case a try?

Do you have any ideas for making things with your kids?

If you're having fun with your kids, stickers and masking tape are the best! Choose stickers with designs that kids will love, like characters or star shapes, and they'll be hooked. If you use masking tape that can be torn by hand, you don't need scissors and can work safely. What's more, using a glue stick keeps your hands clean and makes cleanup easy! Enjoy some "making time together as a family" and create a one-of-a-kind case.

summary

Handmade smartphone cases are the perfect DIY project because they're cheap, fun, and one-of-a-kind!

All of the ideas introduced here can be easily started using materials from 100 yen shops or things you have at home.

Even if you're worried about failing, try using masking tape or stickers first.

Once you've finished, be sure to share it on social media and show off your creations with #handmadesmartphonecase!

If you think "handmade is too difficult" or "you want something with more professional quality," we recommend TORRAS smartphone cases. TORRAS is characterized by lightweight, durable materials and simple, stylish designs. In particular, models with excellent shock absorption are perfect for those who want to add a touch of handmade individuality while still protecting their smartphone.

Related article: Why you should avoid wallet-style smartphone cases? Here are some points to keep in mind!