geek diy

For Pinterest addicts, the site has become both a blessing and curse. You discover new accessories for gadgets, but then comes the task of restraint in purchasing said products. If those thousands of inspiring images are good for anything, it's discovering the latest DIYs for updated gadget gear without putting a drain on our bank accounts. Spying this painted camera strap DIY from Designlovefest has me excited to stop selecting "Add to Cart" and pick up a paintbrush instead this weekend.

With some cotton webbing available from any craft store and masking tape, create a bright, geometric print to outfit your DSLR during a Spring getaway. Head over to Designlovefest for the step-by-step directions, one of which is even in my favorite medium — GIF!

As Maker Faire enthusiasts, we love any display of technology-laden craft products. This Lite-Brite DIY by Haley of The Zen of Making has us dreaming of warm Summer nights watching fireflies — with a digital twist, of course. Take one LED light embroidery kit, add Haley's own free firefly embroidery pattern (complete with a mason jar to catch them), and include some finger magic for a wall hanging that'll make both your grandmother and cool computer professor proud.

Head over to The Zen of Making for the pattern!

For the mathematically inclined, we present a DIY that is equal parts geometry and delicious breakfast carbohydrates. The bagel chain by George W. Hart divides one common bagel into the geometric improbabilities that make up a bagel chain.

Check out the full how-to that George had his "Computer and Sculpture" class work on using basic X and Y axes. Even if you weren't a star math pupil, at least the chain bagel is a good excuse to play with your food.

The team at ModCloth is always two steps ahead in the world of all things cute and fashionable, so it comes as no surprise that they're also crafters with a tech edge. If photography is more your forte than sewing, this camera strap DIY requires only basic skills and some old fabric lying around the house.

Use an old flannel shirt, fabric belt, or even material from a worn-out pair of boots to make a wrist strap or a vacation-ready around-the-neck strap with lining. We might make a thrift store run to find a red plaid just like the fabric that ModCloth used! Check out the full how-to on their blog.

You can pay big bucks for tech gear with some edge (seriously, we see a lot of cases) or just make your own with the supereasy studded iPhone case DIY from Cristina of Fuji Files.

The only tools needed are a basic silicone iPhone case that can be purchased online for as little as $4 and half-inch spikes, also available online. Follow the how-to on creating a fashion-forward phone accessory at Fuji Files!

Forget to put a lens cap back or even worse — lose it — and you're setting yourself up for the potential heartache of photos tainted by a dusty, scratched lens. Keep your lens safe and your photographs top-notch by making your own version of this too-cute camera lens pouch from Melissa of The Polka Dot Chair.

With a hook that snaps onto the camera strap, finally solve the case of the missing lens cap. Check out The Polka Dot Chair for the step-by-step directions on this weekend DIY that doesn't require too much sewing experience.

Wear your design snob badge on your refrigerator with pride by whipping up this weekend's DIY. Take chip samples from the source for color, Pantone, to revamp the tired food delivery magnets covering the fridge. The Pantone chip magnets from How About Orange involve a little cutting, paper glaze, and magnet pieces for a home accessory to mirror your design geek personality.

If you don't have Pantone chips handy and don't want to invest in the full chip book, everyday paint chips from a hardware store make a good substitute.

Heavy-duty camera bags are great for the bumps and bruises of traveling, but for everyday life we'd like something a little, well, softer. The latest DIY, a camera cozy from crafty blog A Beautiful Mess, takes care of our camera case need and what to do with the fabric from a tired vintage dress sitting in the closet. Made of upcycled material from old clothing, we love a DIY that saves money too.

Choose the fabric, get a sewing machine ready, and head over to A Beautiful Mess for the full how-to on toting your camera in style.

Source: A Beautiful Mess

New Year's resolution to save more, spend less? Save one more old incandescent lightbulb from a trip to the landfill, along with money in your wallet for not buying home goods. Repurpose this used household product as a tiny vase ready for Spring's first blooms.

ReadyMade's lightbulb bud vase is an afternoon craft perfect for those who already have DIY staples like safety glasses, pliers, and an Allen wrench at home. Take an incandescent bulb (NOT fluorescent bulb, as those contain mercury), and follow ReadyMade's directions for a luminous living room accessory.