Design

8 Easy DIY Projects We Wish We'd Thought Up

Please don't call it steampunk. But this week's round-up of home-brewed project ideas mash up high tech with the low to create some genius contraptions.
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A basic metal bookend along with 6 rubber feet are all you need to keep your tablet in a full upright positionA basic metal bookend along with six rubber feet are all you need to keep your tablet in a full upright position.

Please don't call it steampunk. But this week's round-up of home-brewed project ideas mash up high tech with the low to create some genius contraptions. From an iPhone amp that sounds through an old bike horn to a PVC iPad holder and mount for tent camping, we've spotted some clever contraptions that are much greater than the sum of their parts.

Above:
  1. Simple + Cheap iPad Stand

This is one of those doh-why-didn't-I-think-of-that ideas. Create a cheap and dirty iPad stand using a metal bookend (The Instructables author Symon Chow got one for 97 cents at Staples) and circle rubber feet from the hardware store ($2 per pack). Find the how-to here.

Photo:

lowtechatmo
  1. iPhone Amp

Take your iPhone's sound to 11 (or at least 4), without powered amplification. According to its maker, "the bikehorn (with its noise maker removed) had just the right amount of threading on the end to screw into the soft plastic hole, and be flush with the inside of the PVC." Find out how to make it here.

  1. Twitter-Controlled Pet Feeder

Okay, this could be pretty tricky to make, but we love the idea! Using the Arduino Ethernet shield to receive data from Twitter, the dispenser automatically delivers food in response to activity on your Twitter account. Another brilliantly harebrained idea from the Instructables community. Hint: watch the video first.

Photo:

Timothy Wikander
  1. Paper Pockets

The library-style paper pocket gets a new use -- as a simple way to stash loose wires out of sight. Get designer Timothy Wikander's instructions here.

For those who just need a little extra slip-free grip, a wide rubberband will do the trickFor those who just need a little extra slip-free grip, a wide rubber band will do the trick
Doing MacGyver proud -- the most ordinary materials often yield the greatest rewardsDoing MacGyver proud -- the most ordinary materials often yield the greatest rewards.
  1. Grip Grip

A smart (and cheap) solution for those who like to "go naked" with their iPod touch, but could use a little more grip around the edges. A simple rubber band -- the wide type that hold your broccoli stems together. (Photo and idea by Tim Wikander). Get the instructions here.

Paper lantern Instagrams.

Photo: Photojojo
  1. Glowing Photo Spheres

Turn your snapshots into glowing spheres with this fun little how-to from Photojojo. It's a perfect summer project for your outdoor patio. Get out your tub of Mod Podge and get to work.

Photo: replayreb
  1. PVC iPad Holder/Mount for Tent Camping

We're finding entire muscle groups from holding our tablets aloft in bed. Next time you want to watch a movie while camping rig up this clever PVC iPad mount. "PVC pipe and connectors are basically tinkertoys for big kids," writes inventor replayreb. Check out how he made it here.

  1. The Automated Plant Watering System

Another awesome Arduino project. Instructable's Technology Editor Randy Sarafan came up with a way to take care of his plants with a self-watering system. Why shouldn't a robot do it? Build your own here.

Jan is the co-founder of Poppytalk, a blog about the beautiful, the decayed and the handmade and Poppytalk Handmade, an online curated marketplace. Follow her on Twitter , Facebook and Pinterest!