Decorating your own phone case is such a fun way to add some personal flair to your everyday tech. Using simple craft supplies like washi tape and cute stickers, you can easily turn a boring case into a totally unique creation that expresses your style. The best part is you get to customize it however you want - maybe with a coordinated color theme, precise decorative tape designs, an eclectic mix of your favorite stickers, or all of the above! With just a few affordable materials and a little time, you can craft a totally one-of-a-kind phone case that's all you. This guide will walk you through exactly what supplies you'll need and easy step-by-step instructions for layering tapes, stickers and embellishments to make your designer case vision come to life. Get ready to craft a brand new look for your tech!
What You'll Need to Design Phone Cases
The Essentials
To make your designer phone case, you'll want to grab a few key supplies. First, a clear hard plastic case - this lets your decorations really shine through while providing a smooth base for sticking things on. Avoid cases with textures or soft materials.
Tapes and Stickers Galore
The real fun comes from decorative tapes and stickers. Washi tapes with their colorful patterns and designs are perfect for the main layouts. The Timeless Verses Washi collection has vintage vibes, or try bolder Artistic Film tapes for pops of metallic or bright color.
For that personal touch, cute character sticker packs let you add all sorts of fun doodles, icons and more. The Character Stickers set has dozens of adorable options.
Just a Few Tools
You only need a few basic tools: scissors for cutting tape, a ruler for making crisp straight lines, and tweezers to accurately place tiny sticker details. That's it!
With a clear case, varied tapes and sticker sheets, and those few tools, you'll have everything required to craft the perfect custom phone case. Let's get decorating!
Prepping Your Phone Case
Give It A Good Cleaning
Before you start decorating, give your clear phone case a thorough cleaning. Use a mild soap and water solution to remove any dirt, oil or fingerprints from the case surface. Any debris left behind can prevent the stickers and tapes from sticking properly. Dry the case fully with a lint-free cloth before moving on.
Let It Fully Dry
This is an important step - make sure your phone case is completely dry before applying any materials. Even a hint of moisture can affect the adhesive and cause your decorations to peel or not stick at all. Let the case air dry for 10-15 minutes after cleaning just to be safe.
Then, you'll have the ideal surface for your washi tapes, stickers, and embellishments to adhere flawlessly. A properly prepped case helps ensure your custom design lasts without peeling or lifting.
Planning Your Design Vision
Sketch It Out First (Optional)
If you're more of a visual person, it can help to sketch out a rough design plan for your phone case before you start applying materials. This lets you experiment with layout ideas and placements on paper first. Sketch your case outline and play around with positioning elements like washi tape strips and where you may want larger sticker accents.
Choose a Color Scheme or Theme
Having a loose theme or cohesive color palette in mind can help unite your design's various components. Maybe you want a monochrome look using tapes and stickers in the same color family. Or perhaps a nature theme with floral and leaf motifs. Even a simple theme like geometrics with striped washi and square stickers can look crisp and intentional.
Creating the Foundation
Start With a Base Layer
Before adding your main decorative elements, it's a good idea to put down a base layer on the back of the phone case. This will ensure your design looks complete and polished, with no see-through gaps.
Use a solid color washi tape or decorative tape to fully cover the back surface of the case. Choose a color or pattern that complements your planned design style. For example, a soft neutral pairs well with floral washi patterns, while a bold metallic base makes bright colors pop.
Let This Layer Set the Tone
Think of this base layer as the "background" that will allow your other tapes, stickers, and embellishments to really stand out. A crisp white washi can make detailing appear crisper. Or use a busy pattern tape as your base for a more eclectic, maximalist vibe.
With this foundational layer smoothed down, you'll have a clean slate ready for your main decorative washi tapes and stickers. Having this backdrop sets the overall tone.
Washi Tape Wonderland
1. Lay Out Your Washi Strips
Now for the fun part - creating designs with beautiful washi tape! Start by laying out larger strips of patterned washi tape across the case back. Overlap the pieces, play with different complementary patterns, or make bold stripes.
2. Get Creative with Patterns
The Timeless Verses Washi Tape collection has so many lovely vintage-inspired motifs perfect for mixing and matching. Create geometric shapes with straight washi strips using a ruler as a guide. Or go for an organic, free-flowing look by layering curved strips.
3. Build Layers and Dimension
Don't be afraid to layer multiple washi tape pieces on top of each other. This adds gorgeous dimension and depth. The varying colors and textures will make your design so visually appealing.
4. Make It Your Own
The possibilities are endless with washi! Use it to frame the case edges, make abstract shapes and designs, or spell out words and initials. There are no rules, so get creative and turn your phone case into a unique washi tape creation.
Crafting with decorative washi tape is such a fun and easy way to achieve a signature look for your custom phone case. Let your artistic spirit shine!
Adding Decorative Accents
Incorporate Bold Colors and Metallic Elements
Once you have your washi tape base in place, it's time to add some eye-catching decorative accents. The Artistic Film PET Decorative Tape collection offers a range of bold colors and metallic finishes that can really make your design pop. These tapes are perfect for creating borders, highlights, or unique patterns on your phone case.
Use Decorative Tape Strategically
When incorporating decorative tape into your design, it's essential to use it strategically to enhance the overall look without overwhelming it. Consider using these tapes to:
- Create a border around the edge of the case
- Highlight specific areas or shapes created with washi tape
- Add metallic accents for a touch of glamour
- Introduce a contrasting color to make certain elements stand out
A little goes a long way with these bold tapes, so use them sparingly to maintain a balanced and cohesive design.
Personalizing with Cute Stickers
Now it's time to add the final touches to your phone case design with cute stickers! The Character Stickers Collection offers a wide variety of adorable designs to choose from, so you can select the ones that best reflect your personality and style. From quirky animals to charming food icons, there's something for everyone.
When applying your chosen stickers, use tweezers to ensure precise placement. This is especially helpful for smaller stickers or when you want to layer them over washi tape for a multidimensional effect. Take your time and carefully position each sticker to create a balanced and visually appealing arrangement.
As you add stickers to your phone case, keep the overall composition in mind. Think about how the stickers interact with the washi tape and decorative tape elements you've already applied. Aim for a harmonious balance of colors, shapes, and sizes to create a cohesive and intentional design.
Filling Gaps and Completing the Design
Once you've added your main sticker elements, take a step back and assess your phone case design. Look for any sparse or empty areas that could benefit from some additional detailing. Fill these gaps with smaller washi tape pieces or miniature stickers to create a more comprehensive and polished look.
As you fill in the gaps, keep an eye on the overall balance and cohesion of your design. Make sure the added elements complement the existing ones and don't disrupt the visual flow. The goal is to create a design that feels complete, intentional, and true to your personal style.
Finalizing Your Design
Before considering your phone case design complete, take a moment to review the overall look and composition. Step back and assess the design from different angles and distances to get a comprehensive view. Ask yourself if there are any areas that feel unbalanced or if there are any elements that don't quite fit with the overall aesthetic.
If needed, make any final adjustments to the placement of stickers, washi tape, or decorative tape. Don't be afraid to remove or reposition elements if they aren't working well with the design. This is your opportunity to refine and perfect your creation.
Once you're satisfied with the final design, it's crucial to let the phone case sit undisturbed for a period of time to allow the adhesive on the tapes and stickers to fully set and dry. This process ensures that your design will be long-lasting and resistant to peeling or shifting.
Place your decorated phone case on a flat surface in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Leave it untouched for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight, to give the adhesive ample time to cure and form a strong bond with the case surface.
Maintaining and Caring for Your Custom Phone Case
Now that you've created your one-of-a-kind phone case, it's essential to handle it with care to preserve the design. When putting your phone in or taking it out of the case, be gentle to avoid snagging or pulling on any of the decorative elements. Take extra care when placing your phone in pockets or bags to minimize friction and potential damage to the design.
If your phone case accumulates dirt, dust, or smudges over time, clean it gently to maintain its appearance. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away any surface debris. If necessary, slightly dampen the cloth with water and gently pat the case. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents or abrasive materials, as these can damage the tapes and stickers.
Celebrating Your Unique Creation
Congratulations on completing your custom phone case design! By combining your creativity, personal style, and the versatile range of washi tapes, decorative tapes, and cute stickers, you've crafted a truly one-of-a-kind accessory that reflects your unique personality. Remember, the beauty of designing your own phone case lies in the ability to change it up whenever you feel inspired. Share your creation with others and inspire them to explore their own creativity by designing their own custom phone cases.
