HOW TO:
Upcycled Wetsuit Laptop Case
WORDS + PHOTOS BY KATIE MCLEAN
TOOLS:
• Scissors
• Wetsuit repair glue
• An un-wearable wetsuit
(Do not steal your spouse’s or sibling’s)
• Any long string, leather strip,
shoelace, or wetsuit strap
HOW TO:
1. Cut one rectangle the size of your laptop
plus 1/2” on the sides and bottom.
2. Cut one “house” shape: the size of
your laptop plus 1/2” on all sides,
and a triangular “roof” shorter than
the width of the laptop.
3. Cut a tiny strip of wetsuit 2”x1/4”.
4. Glue along the bottom edge and sides of
OUTGROW YOUR RADICAL
1980s NEON WETSUIT?
Split it in the buttocks from a critical bottom turn? Or simply just need
this season’s super-cute, hyper-stretch wettie? Rips, tears, shark attacks
or new sponsors, whatever the reason for that old wetsuit you haven’t
parted ways with, it’s time for a second coming.
THE DIY WETSUIT
LAPTOP CASE.
That water-repellent, squishy neoprene is perfect padding for your
gadgets. And based on your conflict with the cobblestone that
condemned this wetsuit, your gadgets need some protection
from your hazardous ways. So up-cycle, be Green, and save
bucks with this stylish, homemade wetsuit laptop case.
the rectangle shape. Then glue along the
bottom of the house shape and up the
sides stopping 1/2” from the “roof.” Note
that you’ll be turning your case inside
out, so glue on the side of your neoprene
that you want showing in the end.
TIP: Tape off your edges
for a clean, thin line of glue.
Then remove any tape. Let the glue
sit for a minute until it is tacky.
5. Stick the shapes together where
they are glued.
TIP: Tape the around the sides
of your case to ensure it dries in place.
6. Lastly, you’ll glue on your 2” strip of
neoprene for your portfolio style strap.
With the “house” shape facing up, glue
two dots 2” apart at the top of the
triangle. Glue coordinating dots on the
ends of your 2” strip. Let the glue sit for a
minute. Then press the pieces together.
TIP: Cover with tape to
ensure the strip dries in place.
7. Let dry overnight.
TIP: Stack books on top so
your case dries together flat.
8. Remove all tape and turn right side out.
9. Tie the end of your string to your 2” strip.
Wrap the string around your laptop for
closure, and you're done!
56
DEEP SURF MAGAZINE April 2014
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Questions on this project? email [email protected].
Have a DIY idea?
email [email protected] and tell us about it!
Ta-dah!
You have
yourself
a brand new
laptop case.