I love the way my iPhone looks without a case… I’m sure we all do. However, we know it’s completely impractical to carry an iPhone without a case save we drop it and break it and never forgive ourselves. I found this clear rubber case recently {at a kiosk at the mall for $20} and loved the simplicity of it. I especially love the mirrored glass effect it simulates around the edges when I’m looking at the front of it.
That said, the back is an entirely separate issue. The case presses against the iPhone and then appears to be sweating, like feet in clear plastic shoes. GROSS.
So I thought I’d come up with a few alternatives to hide and/or disguise the “sweatyback” — er, not to be confused with “sexyback“.
* My first and easiest solution was to simply slip a peacock feather in between the case and the phone.
Slim enough to appease the way the case wraps around the phone and perfectly pretty.
But I wasn’t happy just yet…
* Solution number 2: I found some pretty scrapbook paper and with a pencil, carefully traced the back of my iPhone onto it, cut it out, fit it in, traced the camera hole, cut that out, erased the lines on the edges & fit it in.
Which turned out pretty, but still not quite my style…
* Solution number 3: Since I’m madly in love with the photos from my latest mantelscape {yes, I’m even using it as wallpaper on my phone} I went to my computer…
Googled a template, opened it & my photo in photoshop, highlighted the template, dragged it onto a new layer in my closeup photo, “stroked” it, deleted the inner lines I didn’t need, made sure the print size was correct by measuring my iPhone, printed it on matte paper, and cut it out as I did in the steps above.
And Voila! now I’m in love… it looks more like art than anything else, which is why I like it. But I also love that’s it’s consistent with the other side.
The clear case is the most fun for a DIYer like myself as well as for someone who gets bored easily or wants to follow the latest trends. You can really run with this idea… imagine the possibilities!
Have Fun!
Elise Kramer
i love it! i have a blackberry which doesn’t really afford an opportunity for a ton of different cool cases but i’ll keep looking 🙂
MforMegan
So pretty! This alone makes me want an iphone… the possibilities would be endless! 🙂
mouse
it looks so great! 🙂
Love
Love this idea. I can`t wait to try it myself.
xoxo
Love
http://lovethefashionista.blogspot.com/
kelliegonzo
hawt damn i love the feather idea! thanks for the inspiration doll 🙂
Caroline, No.
Oh my days. This is AWESOME! I’ve got the same phone on it’s way to me right now — I will so be doing this! Genius! xx
Laura
Absolutely Fabulous! I cannot wiat to try this!
Shanika Pichey
Great, quick DIY! I like the feather. Gives me ideas for when I get my new iPhone!
Ana
I live this idea and I am goin to try it as soon as possible! I am getting the screen on my phone replaced this week because I too hate the look of cases, but I dropped my phone and the screen shattered. Perfect way around this. You are a genius! Me loves you!
Tara
I love this, its such a versatile DIY 🙂
xx
http://www.queenoffunkydiy.blogspot.com
Rocquelle P.
This is such a great idea!!! I never thought of this, but will be giving it a try when I upgrade my iPhone!
lauraa
This is gorgeous! I will definately be trying that one when I’m bored of my glitter. Although I fear it has made me really want to steal that beautiful photo of your mantlepiece for it!
xxx
Cymone
Such an amazing idea, I can’t wait to try this now 😀
MrsLord
You are so creative! Yet another reason why I need to get an iPhone 🙂
xo
thoughtsbyapetitebrunette.com
Food, she thought.
that turned out great, makes me regret the $35 one i just ordered.
PinkGlitter
Wow, you are so creative! I love all three of your DIY cases and now I really wanting to pick up a clear case and play around. I’m imagining sequins or something pink..
Schnelle
Brilliant idea! I have so many beautiful photos saved on my computer or pinterest that I could print and use. I love the idea of using the peacock feather too.
Linda
YOU…are a brilliant woman. Love all the ideas but esp the peacock feather. Genius.
Megan Muller
Genius! And since it’s practically free, you can change the look of it as much as you want! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Meg
@MissMegasaurus
http://www.glamoroushustle.com
Gwen
I love this idea!!! I can’t believe people spend $50+ for personalized phone cases when they could easily do something like this. My phone is black so a clear case wasn’t something I even looked at. Pink rhinestones and rainbow zebra print made the cut however. 🙂 I really think I’m going to look for a clear plastic case though. Heck…maybe I’ll beg you to borrow your antler/flower photo too.
Anonymous
Oh my gosh Maegan, that is such a smart idea! I just started following your blog and I am absolutely in love with it!
Anonymous
I personally think the feather is the coolest option, but they are all great!
Rhianna
This is such a great idea. I have a clear case. I think I will try this.
Anonymous
I love this! I’m always trying to find ways to get a cuter, better looking iPhone case. Does the case protect the front? I have one that only protected the back, I dropped it, and then the screen shattered.
House of Avandan
Looks great! You are so creative!
A jewelry giveaway.
http://www.houseofavandan.blogspot.com
Erica
WOW! I love this!!! And it’s great to change the look so often!
http://www.theprettyfactor.blogspot.com/
Margaret
this looks unreal <3 Need to get myself an iphone just to make my own cover ! <3
the Blah Blah Blahger
FAB!!!
Alexa Bennett
this is such a great idea!!!
xx
Alexa
http://brightandsassy.blogspot.com/
Cee Cee
This is so cool, so creative 🙂
xo Cee Cee
@ Cee Cee’s Inspirations Blog
Jules
These are all gorgeous!
Jessica Snellings
All three options are gorgeous. Hooray on diy cell cases =]
drollgirl
well the whole sweaty back thing made me laugh. and your solution(s) are amazing! way better than the ugly black case that i have on mine! waaaaaaaay better!!!
Angie
This idea rocks! Thanks so much for sharing! I just got the 4S too….I’m ready to get a clear case and get to work! 🙂
CessOviedo
First thing I’ll do after work todays is go get a clear case! Love it!
Cess O. <3 The Outfit Diaries
Alela Sirah
What a cute idea!! You are really making a want for an Iphone greater I’m Android girl.
http://fashionablyspeakn.blogspot.com/2012/01/vintage-of-day.html
Kc
This is such an awesome idea!! So on the lookout for a clear iPhone case now!!
Kc
a-sparkley-silver-lining.blogspot.co.nz
Anonymous
this is the greatest DIY yet!! now i wish I had gotten white instead of black… i guess i could do a white paper with design over it…? LOVE.
joyanu
very nice and good
Jessica
Fantastic idea, especially for those of us who get bored easily!
helen @ forty percent fringe: sixty percent face
I don’t have an iPhone but love this idea so have linked to your tutorial from my blog post today 🙂 Hx
http://www.helenlimbrick.com
The Craft-Arty Kid
Totally gonna remember this for when i finally get an iphone. I love that the designs aren’t permanent so you can switch it up whenever you like
Pearllllllllll
I have a black iPhone…this should work right? What’s the brand of iPhone case that you have?? Thanks!
Ren
This is beautiful!
Sorry for the random question, but is that a knife/blade in the picture with the Kate Spade eraser? Where can I get one of those?
JACKIE
This is adorable! I love the peacock feather 🙂 I used to have this kind of case for my nokia phone back in the day (it was a clear cased phone – i didn’t buy a protective case for it lol)..you must add this idea/tutorial to my list of Sleek&Chic iPhone Cases 🙂
Anonymous
we love your idea but having trouble getting the right kind of craft knife to make a neat cut for the camera lens. What type of knife did you use??
Thank you
Scholsey
This comment has been removed by the author.
Scholsey
The last solution is great! I use a clear case and made a DIY iPhone case with a Krispy Kreme paper bag.
http://blog.gemmii.com/post/29262971178/creating-your-own-design-krispy-kreme-iphone-case
Anonymous
Love the idea! You mentioned that you love the look of the case. I’ve been having trouble finding one that protects the phone/won’t yellow over time.
Do you remember the brand of the case? That would help so much. Would love to gift this idea!
Claudio Timbers
iPhone without a case save we drop it and break it and never forgive ourselves. I found this clear rubber case recently {at a kiosk at the mall for $20} and loved the simplicity of it. I especially love the mirrored glass effect it simulates around the edges when I’m looking at the front of it. for the iPhone
kampanyali beyaz esya
This is looking so great. I really like it and would like to buy one for my iPhone. Thanks for sharing.
Cecilie Frølich
Cute! I’m making a cover for my best friend for Christmas, but unfortunately I don’t have an iPhone to trace after like you did.
Do you have a link for the template you used? Thanks!
Hugs