I was never actually sure if I could make a Kindle case with repurposed bike tubes. I had the general idea in my head before I started but not the details.
A few years back I scoured my dad’s shop looking for things he didn’t need that I could use. Bingo. Bicycle and motorcycle tubes. I created these earrings out of bike tubes a few years ago but never returned. The tubes floated around my craft supplies just begging to be used.
I opted to repurpose motorcycle tubes for this project since they are thicker and offer more protection. My original plan was to sew the pieces together. Taking sewing courses Melbourne and fixing it quickly. It made the most sense for strength and durability. I think this would have been more do-able with bicycle tires… The motorcycle tubes were a little thick for my machine. After adjusting my tension, I was able to make it work but it still looked messy.
Attempt number 2.
E600 glue.
Sometimes I think my world is put together with hot glue and E600 glue. I love the stuff. It can handle anything. Including bike tubes. I will admit I am nervous about the longevity of the adhesive. We are talking about rubber and glue… I’m rubber and your glue…
For added protection, black flannel lines the inside. I used my machine to sew the pocket but it is just glued to rubber. E600 knows what it’s doing.
The closure was a last minute inspiration. I bought buttons to use for the closure but I was never very happy with them. The plastic seemed all wrong and they were a little bigger than I liked. I was pretty psyched to make the washers work for the closure.
This is a project I honestly didn’t have high hopes for. Too many problems along the way. Too much uncertainty. I figured I would give it a shot and see what happened. Surprise! High five Lauren.
I like the thickness of the material. Even when I toss it in my bag, I know it will be protected. I love the varying textures throughout the tubes. I like that none of the pieces match up. I like the measurements written on the side.
Now, what else can I make with repurposed bike tubes
Cori says
Does the case bounce if you drop it? Good job recycling!
Lauren says
haha I did actually check this. It does a bounce a little especially on the bottom because it is wrapped around instead of a seam.
candy says
How you thought of this I will never know, my mind would never go there.
Lauren says
Just how my brain works I guess. 🙂
Dana says
This is beautiful! I pinned it and will definitely remember to tell people about it. I too wonder, however, about how well the E600 will hold over time. Please keep us posted.
And if you’d like to collaborate at some point – I have a new micro-volunteering site for makers called Create To Donate and know we could do something really fun!
Lauren says
I just checked out your site and I am super interested! I will look into it a little more and reach out with my ideas!
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
This is seriously SO cool! I love it – So unique!
Lauren says
Thanks Erin!
Catherine @ Ten Thousand Hour Mama says
This is SO COOL. I’m sending to an uber crafty friend who does a tone of biking. Good on you for repurposing something in such a creative way!
Lauren says
Thanks for sharing Catherine! If you friend is a biker, they will have no shortage of bike tubes.
Alicia Taylor says
What a brilliantly unique upcycle! It’s so much better than the landfill – and what a great idea.
Lauren says
Thanks Alicia! It was a fun project.
Jenni says
This turned out super cool! I need something similar for my laptop and camera because I’m always just tossing them in my bag. I wouldn’t have to worry with that on them!
Lauren says
Thanks Jenni! Sounds like you need a craft day.
Mary @ Vindulge says
Woah. That is so cool! I LOVE it! You’re onto something. You should start selling these. I can see these being a HUGE hit in Portland!
Dia All The Things I Do says
Such a cute idea! I love how this turned out. I just paid to get ride of 4 regular tires lol Should have been crafting.