geek diy

The celestial sphere inspires us to wonder what lies beyond the Earth's atmosphere. Thanks to Elizabeth Giorgi at Being Geek Chic, you can bring some stellar astronomy to your iPad or ereader with this simple constellation tablet case do-it-yourself.

Turn on the device's screen when in the case, and watch that constellation glow! All it takes is two pieces of felt, a pair of scissors or fabric cutter, yarn needle, yarn, two hole-punch sizes, and a hand punch. Watch Elizabeth's awesome video tutorial and get more in-depth instructions after the break.

This year has been a big one for space, and since we aren't about to hop aboard a mission to Mars anytime soon, we'll take our space fixes any way they come. This nebula pillow DIY by Rachel Hobson for the monthly DIY box, Whimseybox (and of her own blog, Average Jane Crafter) fits our galactic bill.

Rachel uses Ink Effects, a fabric transfer ink, to paint the nebula image on regular printer paper and then irons that onto the pillow fabric. Imagine: a piece of the solar system without even leaving your living room!

Can't find an iPad cover that fits your style? Customize your own in the theme of an end-of-Summer picnic! The blog Always a Project came up with a fun and fast-enough-for-a-weekend way to make an iPad case from basic oilcloth. Who said the fabric is just for dressing up picnic tables? Put your sewing skills to work by mixing and matching a few prints for an original, eye-catching case.

Follow the step-by-step instructions on Always a Project to make an adorable case on a quiet afternoon.

Want to brush up on your crafting and DIY skills but have trouble finding available classes in your area? Never fear, here comes the Internet to the rescue, yet again! For a monthly fee of $25 — way less money than many in-person resources — you can have unlimited access to the video workshops of Creativebug.

Hoping to be the go-to source on the Internet for art and craft instruction, Creativebug offers dozens of online courses on everything from introductory screen printing to beginner's crocheting to needle-felted Peeps — yep, like the marshmallow candy. If crafting tutorials at any hour of the day from your own home wasn't exciting enough, the site donates five percent of all subscription revenues to nonprofit art organizations.

If you're planning to take some artistic weekend snaps, then try this faux tintype tutorial from the Instagram blog to create gritty, unique portraits. What's a tintype, exactly? First developed in the 1850s, tintype photos are taken on metal plates. Below, you can see an actual tintype on the left and a digital version on the right.

Photojojo's Lisbeth Ortega outlines a few quick steps to help you create a faux tintype:

• Add a tilt-shift effect.
• Darken and add contrast.
• Add some warmth.
• Use a thin, black border.

Hoping to try it for yourself? Check out the full tutorial to create your own faux tintype.

Photo courtesy of Photojojo

When we think Summer, our memories fill with long days spent on endless camp crafts to keep our restless hands busy. The clever team at Martha Stewart feels the same nostalgia, with this grown-up — and, of course, tech-focused — take on a certain unforgettable day camp activity called the lanyard. Forget the basic plastic keychain; make a modern leather iPad sleeve that uses the same neon plastic laces once swapped around the campgrounds.

Check out the iPad sleeve and mousepad templates and a step-by-step guide to making this Summer's version of a lanyard.

We get a little excited about all things photography and DIY around here, so naturally this cut-and-sew retro camera bag from Happysewlucky is next on our growing craft to-do list.

To make this plush bag version of the iconic blue Diana lomography camera, purchase a fat quarter piece of the fabric ($17) with the camera components already printed and ready to sew into place. Then follow Happysewlucky's step-by-step tutorial on transforming the fabric into a retro wonder.

Ah, weddings — a celebration of a lifetime of love between two people and the opportunity to share the emotional moment with those closest in your life . . . like fellow Imperial Army supporters. If you and your partner have pledged an allegiance to the Galactic Empire, this Instructables Stormtrooper boutonniere DIY is a must when outfitting the wedding party.

Whether you choose to make the boutonnieres with real flowers or fake flowers, there is no try with this wedding DIY, only do. A nice added touch is to make like this Instructables crafter and trade the traditional Wedding March for the Imperial March. Darth Vader will obviously appreciate your efforts on such a momentous day.