You can say I'm pretty obsessed with Vera Bradley's retired Java Blue print. It's perfect...not too girly, and not light enough to show stains [if you know me, you know this is a very important feature, haha ;)]. It was love at first sight.

When I graduated high school in 2006, I received several luggage pieces and totes in this print, most of which I have and still use to this day. In 2010, Vera retired this print to make way for other, less attractive prints. Apparently, nearly four years later, Java Blue is still pretty popular, as it is still being offered in select items on VeraBradley.com...like this iPhone case I received for Christmas:


 
I thought since my phone had a case to match my purse, wallet and everything else I carry, my iPad shouldn't be left out. It was the only thing that didn't match, so the only natural solution was to make it match...right?
 
I searched the Internet far and wide and could find no iPad cover or case. However, Pinterest led me to a DIY, no-sew project involving none other than a bubble mailer.
 
That's right...an envelope lined with bubble wrap.
 
 
Genius right? After all, the point of a case is to protect the iPad, so it makes complete sense!
 
After following the directions (and adding a few of my own touches, of course), here's how my iPad case turned out:
 
Here's a list of what I used:

• Bubble mailer envelope (not sure on the size)
• Fabric
• Hot glue
• Spray adhesive (safe for fabric)
• Ribbon
• Lace
• Flowers
• Velcro

On one of my eBay Java Blue-buying rampages a few years ago, I ran across this piece of fabric. I didn't know what I would ever use it for, but I bought it anyway and kept it in my nightstand drawer. This is what became of it.
 
First, I cut the envelope so there would be plenty to wrap around my iPad, plus some for the flap. I didn't actually have the interior fabric, so I glued some chevron-printed scrapbook paper to the bubble wrap. Then, I glued the sides together to make the pocket. After spraying the front and back of the folder, I covered it with the fabric and let it dry. I added the ribbon, flowers and lace moreso to mask the imperfections than to accessorize. All in all, I'm very satisfied with the way it turned out.
 
If I had to do it again, here's what I would do differently:

• Use fabric instead of paper for the interior lining;
• Use a button or tie closure instead of velcro (I still may do this) OR do away with the flap altogether and connect the top using a zipper;
• Make a pocket for a portable keyboard.

 
:)