DIY Ombre Glitter & Studs Cell Phone Case Tutorial

I've been wanting a pretty phone case to dress up my smart phone for a long time now, but I've really struggled with finding one I like since it seems I am one of the only people on the planet without an iPhone. I'm sure you've noticed that 99% of phone cases (at least the cute ones) are only made for iPhones. I have a droid x2, and so I decided why not make my own? ^^ I finally decided to take the plunge, and bought this clear hard plastic case on ebay for $1.80 including shipping. I wasn't sure of the design I wanted, but I have more glitter than anyone should ever own just lying around in my studio and I figured a girl can never go wrong with glitter, right? So I ended up settling on a pink glitter ombre and studs design. I love how it turned out! And if you like it too, follow these simple steps to make your own!

Materials Needed:

• Mod Podge - any craft store or online
• Tin Foil
• Popsicle sticks - any craft store or online
• Glitter - I used Martha Stuart glitter that came in perfectly coordinated ombre shades available at Michael's
• e6000 Glue - any craft store or online
• Stud trim - Joanne's craft store
• Regular or foam paint brush
• Paper Towel

Step one: Cut three strips of tin foil and fold the edges over to make disposable "bowls" for mixing each glitter shade.

Step Two: Pour a small amount of Mod Podge in each bowl and add a lot of glitter to each. Mix each color with a different popsicle stick to prevent the shades getting mixed together.

Step Three: Paint your glitter mixture on the case in a thin even coat, starting with the lightest color at the top and darkest at the bottom. Don't forget to paint both the front and back of the case if you have one with two halves! If you are using a foam brush, dip it in water and wring out before dipping in mod podge to prevent it from absorbing the mixture before it is applied. Clean your brush in between shades. Don't worry about overlapping each shade on the case as you paint it, you actually want this to happen as it will make the gradient between shades more even. You will probably want 3-4 coats to cover the case completely in glitter without empty spaces. Remember to let your case dry in between coats, at least a few hours. Once you are satisfied with the amount of glitter, apply another thin even coat of plain mod podge to the entire case in order to seal the finish and smooth it out. Let dry.

Step Four: Cut out studs from the strip in your desired pattern. Try to keep as many still attached together as possible (this will make it easier to glue). Lay them out on your phone case to make sure you like the design. When you are happy, apply e6000 to the back of each stud and glue them to your case. Let dry at least 24 hours. Then you are ready to snap it on your phone and enjoy! ^^

I *love* my new case, it is so girly, glittery, yet still edgy and trendy! And I don't think it looks "diy'ed" at all.

Let me know what you think of this case and if you try this tutorial! ^^

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xo ♥ Aubree