1 post tagged “43 folders”

I've fallen in love with the Hipster PDA that I found over at 43 Folders, but if you lug it around in a backpack or messenger bag like I do, the cards aren't going to last very long!  In the spirit of the very inexpensive Hipster PDA, I decided to make a protector for it using only materials that I found around the house.

 

Materials: Duct tape, colored electrical tape (optional), scissors, ruler, 2 unused checkbook covers, elastic band (optional), and the Hipster PDA!

 

The checkbook covers I had are made out of a durable, textured vinyl.  I opened both covers, overlapped them, and placed the Hipster PDA on the center panel.  I was lucky, and mine fit the PDA perfectly.  I think they're all about the same size but you want to make sure that it's not going to be too small when you're done.

Next, I cut off a little less than half of what was to be the center panel of the protector on ONLY ONE of the checkbook covers. You'll see why in the next step; removing an inch or so is plenty.

 

Place the 2 covers facedown on your work surface and then overlap them.  Cutting the panel in the previous step will allow you to attach the pieces down the back of the protector, instead of over the fold which could cause some loss of flexibility.

 

Use the duct tape to attach the two pieces together, leaving several inches of extra tape on each side.

 

Flip it face up and fasten the extra tape to the inside of the Hipster PDA protector. Pretty simple!

 

Now do the same thing with another piece of duct tape to finish covering the back entirely.

 

Once you fasten ths piece on the inside of the protector, you've now created a secret pocket in which you can store all manner of secrets and mysteries!

 

I used some strips of colored electrical tape to jazz up the front a little bit, but this step is entirely optional.  You can go as crazy as you want decorating it, or just leave it non-descript.  Place the PDA inside and close it up.

 

That's it! You're done!  I used a rubber band to keep everything shut and it doubles as a pen / iPod / whatever holder. Enjoy your new, super-durable Hipster PDA that cost you next to nothing!

 

EDIT: Upon further thought, I ditched the elastic band and put short strips of adhesive magnetic material inside the front cover.  It saves me the trouble of having to pull off the band every time I want to take a quick glance at my lists, and it's quieter than Velcro, which is always a plus when you're sitting in lecture hall. :)