Good evening! (or afternoon, or morning). I just finished up this fun little project today and thought I’d share it with you, since I love it so much. I’ve been wanting to do this project for awhile now. I finally ordered a clear cell phone case from Amazon.com the other day, and today it arrived! I headed right on over to the craft store and picked out some scrapbook paper. As you can see, I went overboard. I don’t usually get the chance to buy any of the beautiful papers I drool over, since I don’t scrapbook, so this was the perfect excuse to buy lots of pretty paper.
If it’s not self explanatory enough, basically all you do is trace around your cell phone on some scrapbook paper. Cut it out. And then cut out a hole for the camera and flash. I used the clear cell phone case to help me determine where to put those holes, since there is a hole in the case for the camera and flash. To do this I laid the clear case on the cut out cell phone shape and traced around the hole. I cut the holes out with a round hole punch, I just punched around the traced area until all the area was all punched out. You could probably cut the hole out with an exacto knife as well. Once I got a good pattern cut out, I used it as a template for the other covers.
Once they’re all cut out you just pick which ever pattern you feel like, stick it in the case, and snap it onto your phone. It stays in nice and tight, and the case keeps it in place so you don’t have to worry about it slipping around or falling out. I freakin’ LOVE this! Now I can customize my case to match any outfit, mood, or holiday! And it’s so easy and inexpensive too!
Check out what my phone will be wearing for the Independence Day, lovely chevron stripes and stars. It will definitely be the best looking phone at the family barbeque (if we have a family barbeque this year).
I have an iPhone, as I mentioned earlier, and I don’t know if this technique will work for other phones. If you know of another type of phone this technique will work for please let us know in the comments!
UPDATE: I’ve had a lot of people ask where I bought the case. I bought it off Amazon.com. Here is a link to the exact case I purchased. So far I’m pretty happy with it!
68 comments
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DONNA
July 2, 2012 at 8:22 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
i HAVE A PHONE THAT SLIDES OPEN I AM GOING TO TRY THIS.I WILL LET YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS.I JUST ORDERED ONE FROM AMAZON AND IT WAS BROKEN.GREAT IDEA!!!!!!
partycraftsecrets
July 2, 2012 at 9:01 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Very, very cute – well worth the effort!! I found you via linky; off to have a good look around – love you to come join me too – the more the merrier! http://partycraftsecrets.blogspot.com.au/
cassidy
July 3, 2012 at 12:43 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
This is such a great idea!! Love how simple and easy it is! Love your blog. You have some really great projects. Following you on Pinterest
http://fitcraftystylishandhappy.blogspot.com/
Jeannie
July 3, 2012 at 6:51 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
This is such a super cute and clever idea! If I didn’t need a rubber case for protection from my toddlers, I would do this today. Thanks for linking it!
Firedropdesign
July 3, 2012 at 11:55 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Would never have thought about doing it that way! Great idea!! On my to do list!!
Hasmi Ferguson
July 3, 2012 at 12:20 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Alissa! I love your blog. And this is totally brilliant. I was going to get one of those custom cases printed so I could have my indie dyer company logo on my iPhone. Now I don’t have to. Thanks for sharing!
I’d be happy to send you a skein of yarn if you want to pick out something as a gift to say thanks for sharing all this stuff so generously – http://www.rockymountaindyeworks.com. Its not up to date – sorry but behind schedule – so some things on the site have been sold but you can email me through the site if you want to take me up on the offer and let me know what you’d like.
Jaime
July 3, 2012 at 4:56 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
So smart and fun! I should try to find a similar case for my phone!
patti
July 3, 2012 at 5:11 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Love this! Where did you get your scrapbook paper that is pictured?
Patti
Alissa
July 3, 2012 at 5:24 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I got a couple of them from Hobby Lobby, the rest I got from a small local shop called Pebbles In My Pocket.
marissa
July 3, 2012 at 9:22 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I love this! I hope you’ll stop by and add this and any other posts you’re proud of to my Wednesday What We Wore, Read, and Made Link party
marissa
http://raegunwear.blogspot.com
praew
July 4, 2012 at 11:07 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Tha’s really great idea ! =) do you have a pattern of iphone case and may i ask, what did you use to stick a paper into the clear case?
Alissa
July 4, 2012 at 2:09 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I bought the clear case off amazon.com, and I used the cell phone to trace the shape, and the case to trace the hole.
deniece
July 4, 2012 at 1:26 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Love this idea, but where did you get the clear cases?
Thanks in advance
Megan Sudermann
July 4, 2012 at 10:27 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I’ve done this too, but I glued the paper to the case. That way you can do the sides too. I got my case from dollar giant for $1.25
Dezy
September 9, 2012 at 9:41 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
What kind of glue did you use to make it stick?
Alissa
September 9, 2012 at 5:16 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I didn’t use any glue. I slipped the paper inside the case, against the phone.
Jordon Furnell
July 5, 2012 at 3:20 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
How awesome!! Thanks for posting!
Emily at SweetBellaRoos
July 5, 2012 at 5:04 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Great idea! I would love for you to link up to my ‘Pin It Thursday’ party http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/2012/07/05/pin-it-thursday-1/
Rachel
July 6, 2012 at 11:42 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I love this idea! Wish I had an iphone. Thanks for sharing at Terrific Tuesdays.
Rachel
adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com
Shelly
July 8, 2012 at 7:50 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Thanks for sharing this idea! I will definitely try this!
Have a GREAT day!
Shelly
Kayla
July 10, 2012 at 9:51 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
This is Awesome! I am so in love with all of those papers- and I have a clear case at home too! Squee! I featured you on 2 pick Tuesday! http://saynotsweetanne.com/2012/2-pick-tuesday-4/
Katie
July 10, 2012 at 9:07 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Love this idea! What brand/model of case did you buy? I also have an iPhone 4s
Alissa
July 12, 2012 at 3:40 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Hello, I added a link in the post to the exact case I purchased. I hope that helps!
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles
July 12, 2012 at 9:17 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I’ve wanted to try this project. Just need to see if I can find the right case for my phone. Super cute!
Angie K.
July 13, 2012 at 1:13 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Love it! I’ve been wanting to do this exact same thing, but I do love the softer silicone/gel cases. They soften the many falls my phone takes. Any hard cases I’ve tried, cracked open the first time I dropped my phone. Can I ask how well this particular case holds up? Thanks!
Alissa
July 19, 2012 at 5:00 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I think the case isn’t the strongest. I don’t have any kids, and I’m pretty good about not dropping my phone, so this case works great for me! I know that there are some more durable clear cases out there, I hear Walmart has one with bumpers.
Sharon H
July 14, 2012 at 6:28 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
This is awesome! I still have the clear case that I bought with my phone and have been using a silicone case instead because I like the feel better, but might have to try this with some of my scraps! Hey,s top over for some blog candy when you have a chance! Http://craftroomtransformation.blogspot.com
Rachel
July 15, 2012 at 8:13 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Such a great idea! I got a Griffin Reveal case from WalMart. It has a clear back and rubber bumpers all around. Instead of tracing, and free-hand cutting, i measured then used a straight paper cutter. The dimensions for the paper are 2.25″x4.5″ rounded with a 1/4″ corner rounder punch. I used an xacto knife and small file for the camera/flash hole.
Thanks for posting this!
Cheranne
July 17, 2012 at 6:52 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Hi!
I have done this and can not thank you enough for sharing this with us!
I do have 1 question and i hope someone can help….id like to stick the paper to my clear cover, and make a few different covers.
Any recommendations for a sturdy pretty much invisible glue?
Hoorah for pinterest for bringing me here! xx
Alissa
July 19, 2012 at 4:50 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Hmmm, I’d try sticking it to the case with Mod Podge, but I’ve never done it so I can’t guarantee it will turn out okay.
Jessica Mullins
July 18, 2012 at 1:58 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Thanks for the great idea!!! I work for Stitch Craft Create magazine and I made this
I’m going to blog about it and tag your post. Thanks!!
Alissa
July 18, 2012 at 2:26 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
wow, thanks Jessica!
Jessica Mullins
July 18, 2012 at 3:09 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
No, thank YOU for the fabulous idea! Not only do I have a choice of what style I want, but I also saved $$ in the process
The blog is scheduled to be posted about 2:30p CST tomorrow afternoon 
Thanks again. Brillant.
Alissa
July 18, 2012 at 3:19 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I’ll keep my eye out for it. Thanks again!
Hannah
July 20, 2012 at 7:13 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Dearest Alissa,
I am so glad I know you in real life. I am obsessed with your blog and your craftiness. I want to do this craft so badly, but I don’t know how I can cut it so perfectly the way you do if I do not have special crafty cutters. Suggestions? You’re the best. Miss working with you!
Love,
Hannah
Alissa
July 20, 2012 at 2:35 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Oh Hannah,
I’m not that crafty, I just endeavor to craft… and in my opinion I’m falling short of my goal. Oh well. If I can trace out a phone onto paper and cut it out, so can you! All I used was a pair of scissors and a hole punch. Mine are not perfect, but they’re good enough and nobody is going to look that closely. If you want perfection you can get a straight paper cutter and a rounded corner punch.
I’m so happy we worked together, and you’re lame for quitting!
Love,
Alissa
Ann Marie
July 20, 2012 at 2:56 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I am so excited to try this!! I just went through an epic ordeal of searching for a cute case for my iPhone!! I have ordered the clear case, and cut out a template from my phone. As soon as I hit the craft store, I’m ready to go!!! What a terrific idea!!
Chasity
July 23, 2012 at 6:13 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I’m not very good on tracing the case! But I thought this was a great idea, so me and my best friend ordered the clear cases for our phones and they just came in today, now I need to get the scrapbook paper! (:
Molly Wieber
July 25, 2012 at 9:56 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Any tips for getting my case off once it’s on?? I’m afraid I’m going to break it! It’s snapped together nice and tight – as it should be… Just can’t get it open now to change out the paper.
Alissa
July 27, 2012 at 2:31 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
The case I used does come off with a little force. I usually loosen one corner up a little and then pull up a corner adjacent to it.
Jen
July 27, 2012 at 9:17 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I have a clear case for my android phone, and this method works great! Thank you!
Alissa
July 27, 2012 at 2:32 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Thanks Jen! that’s good to know, I had no idea how it would work with other types of cell phones. I’m glad that iPhone users aren’t the only ones who can do this.
Rebecca
August 10, 2012 at 9:43 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I do this also but create my images in Photoshop first then print
You can do it with other phones same concept but most Android phone have a rounded edge so what I do is trace the case onto paper scan it then increase the size by 10% lightly trace what needs to be cut out and cut it with an Xacto 
Mike Bennette
August 12, 2012 at 7:23 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
This is a nice idea. I always get tired of my cell phone case like 10 days after I put it on. Being able to change it at will will be nice and cost effective too, thanks.
Montanna
August 13, 2012 at 3:31 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I was wondering if like I could print out a picture on photo paper would it still work? Cause I want to do a special birthday present for a friend
Alissa
August 14, 2012 at 8:19 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
You could definitely do that!
Kita
August 15, 2012 at 6:31 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Found your awesome idea on pinterest a few weeks ago and loved it. Then got an iPhone 4 for my birthday and found the perfect case it has a rubber edge but clear back so it’s more protected than a plain plastic case and I wanted share it http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Griffin+Technology+-+Reveal+Hard+Shell+Case+for+Apple%26%23174%3B+iPhone%26%23174%3B+4+-+White/2808035.p?id=1218352572979&skuId=2808035
Sorry for the long link but I found it at a best buy store
Also thanks for the awesome idea I have about 10 pieces of scrapbook paper waiting to be cut!
Alissa
August 15, 2012 at 8:44 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Thank you for sharing!
I might upgrade to one with bumpers, but I’m in no rush since I’m pretty good about not dropping my phone and I don’t have any kids.
Aj
August 15, 2012 at 6:47 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I just ordered a case off of Amazon for my Galaxy S2 (sprint) and I can’t wait to try this cause I have been wanting a purple case for my phone and didn’t want to pay big bucks for it! My case only cost $2.90 and I have a tun of scrapping paper laying around the house. Thank you for this money saving idea!!!!
Alissa
August 15, 2012 at 8:43 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Thanks for sharing! It’s good to know this can be done with different kinds of phones and not just the iPhone.
iProjectAssist
August 26, 2012 at 12:12 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
This is so great! Mashable features the top 10 pins of the week and it brought me here. As a person that loves graphics and prints this is completely awesome. Will be repinning the minute I’m back on Pinterest.
Thanks!
Maria
August 27, 2012 at 2:30 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I love this idea! We’ve been making our printable iPhone templates for a while now! Check them out! http://www.seethatthere.com/search/label/freebies
Kelli
August 29, 2012 at 3:02 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I wonder if I old do this with a Lear iPad case??
Cell Phone Cases
September 11, 2012 at 2:53 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Those custom cell phone cases are great! I’m looking for another one right now for my iPhone 4s, but may wait until the iPhone 5 comes out.
Lauren
October 13, 2012 at 11:03 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
what size hole punches did you use?
Dee
October 15, 2012 at 7:25 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Hi do you have the paper going around the sides of the case?
Thanks!
Rebekah
October 26, 2012 at 9:58 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Do you have any idea if there is a cover like this with a white bumper area and clear back? I’d love to try this out but would really like white sides to go with my white iphone.
Mal
February 21, 2013 at 12:25 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I found a few on ebay for about $6 – black and white bumpers with clear backs (i got black because white gets too dirty).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170950216720?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Be forewarned that if you use too thick of scrapbook paper the bumper wont fit around your phone – at least that’s what happened to me.
Good luck!
Martha
November 9, 2012 at 12:37 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I was wondering if you would have a template of the size & where to punch out the hole for the camera & flash.. I can’t seem to get it right, & I end up with crooked smaller/larger edges :/
Also, regular computer paper (printed with any image) would work a lot better than any other thicker paper, the case doesn’t seem to grip as well with too thick paper
Thanks!
Janey
November 10, 2012 at 4:30 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I have a Galax S II phone, I love to personalize it with the different prints. Great Idea /thanks
Anne
November 21, 2012 at 8:56 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Thanks so much for this great idea!! I bought my sister a bunch of those touchscreen compatible gloves for christmas, only problem is she’s OCD about everything matching so I needed cases to match the gloves. I’m a broke college student and also could not find good enough colors that matched so this was absolutely perfect!! thanks so much!
Amanda Tempel
January 6, 2013 at 12:21 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I LOVE this!
Tie
January 26, 2013 at 12:50 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
If anyone cares I got my clear case at the Dollar Tree.
Lynn Mercurio
March 3, 2013 at 4:27 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Brilliant idea…I saw a link to your site on The Daily Digi, and I’m so glad I did. I have a clear case because I love the beauty of my iphone 5, but the idea of decorating the back is simply divine!
Ashlee bowe
April 7, 2013 at 10:09 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I was wondering can you glue the paper to the case and If you can how and what type of glue do you use ?
Alissa
April 10, 2013 at 3:32 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Hello Ashlee. You could definitely glue paper to the case. Just keep in mind that it wont be interchangable. To glue paper to the case, I would use some modpodge.
raechel
April 28, 2013 at 6:05 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
hi, could this be dangerous at all if the phone gets hot or anything??
Alissa
April 30, 2013 at 1:59 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Hello,
That’s an undertsandable concern. I have used mine for nearly a year and have not had a problem. I personally feel that the phone doesn’t get hot enough to light the paper on fire or anything like that.
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