DIY Laptop Case: How to Apply Pearlescent Heat Transfer Vinyl on Leather

When you’re taking your laptop on-the-go, it’s always a good idea to put it in either a laptop case or laptop sleeve. Trust me, I tossed mine into a bag by itself once and it turned out to be a very bad idea! If you don’t have a laptop case (again, you NEED one), or you’re in the market for a new one, this colorful dot laptop case with Pearlescent Heat Transfer Vinyl is a simple beginner project anyone can do.

To create my half circles, I used a Cricut machine, but if you don’t have a Cricut, you could always create your own half circle template out of paper (or even cardboard!) Just trace it on the vinyl with the liner side up and cut it out. Your laptop can be in a new home lickety-split since this project can be completed in just over an hour.

Take a look at the video below to see how you can create your own colorful dot laptop case with Pearlescent Heat Transfer Vinyl. Your laptop will thank you!

Here are the supplies you will need:

Step 1: Open the project cut file. Click on “Make it”. Then, select “Everyday Iron-On" for Cricut Maker, “Heat Transfer +” for other Cricut machines, or “Heat Transfer, Smooth” for the Silhouette. Load the first color on the cutting mat, liner side down. Then, add the mat to the machine to cut. Repeat this with all the colors.

Step 2: Weed away any unwanted vinyl from your design. Then, cut out each half circle individually.

Step 3: To add the vinyl to your laptop, first set your EasyPress or iron to 280 degrees. Once the correct temperature has been reached, cover the laptop case with the Teflon sheet and preheat it for 5 seconds (If you want to add Pearlescent Heat Transfer Vinyl to a fabric laptop bag instead, please refer to these directions instead). Then, place half circle designs on the laptop case.

Step 4: Place the Teflon sheet on top of the designs and press firmly for 30 seconds.

Step 5: Wait 1 minute then slowly peel the carrier sheets off the half circles. If the vinyl isn’t sticking, press with a Teflon sheet for another 10 seconds. Wait another minute to peel off the carrier sheet.

Step 6: Place different colored circle halves below the ones already on the laptop case. Make sure the bottom half circle is right below the top half circle with no gaps. Place the Teflon sheet on top of the designs and press firmly for 30 seconds. Wait 1 minute then slowly peel the carrier sheets off the designs. If you add half circle that are hanging off your laptop case, trim them after you heat them and before your remove the carrier sheet.

Step 7: Repeat the above steps to add additional designs to your laptop case.

Isn’t she pretty?! I love how the Pearlescent Heat Transfer Vinyl shimmers when the light hits it. It gives the laptop cover a sophisticated design with a pop of playfulness. Once you see how simple this project is, you’ll want to whip up a few for your friends, family members, and co-workers. Everyone could use a cute and functional laptop case!

About the Author

Meghan Quinones

Meghan lives in Chicago with her husband and 4 year old twins. She is obsessed with making and creating the look for less. Pretty much every decor piece in her home is something she either made or upcycled. She started her blog to inspire everyone who visits her online creative space to create in their own lives.

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