Easy DIY Miniature iPads

Every doll needs an iPad–at least mine think so😉. Whether it’s a computer, tablet, or phone, my dolly residents want the latest and greatest tech and want it to look like the real deal. Apparently, they’ve inherited my nerdy side!

So today we are granting their wish by making miniature iPads.

How to make miniature iPads for your dolls! (Plus free printable!)

Supplies Needed:

Supplies for miniature iPads.

  1. iPad printables.
  2. Thin craft foam in white or black.
  3. Glue.
  4. Scissors and/or an X-Acto knife.
I tweaked the printables while writing this tutorial. The finished iPads (yours) are slightly different from the ones pictured. For instance, the original printable had iPads and iPad cases. The cases, however, weren’t up to par and had to go. I also changed one of the screens from a picture of my horse to a scenic landscape.
  • Print out our iPad printables (click the link in the list above or find them on our Printables and Freebies page). I printed mine on glossy photo paper to give them a realistic sheen.

Miniature iPads for dolls.

Don’t have any photo paper? No fear! You can get a similar effect by printing the iPads on regular computer paper then covering them with clear packing tape before cutting them out.
  • Cut out all the pieces. You should have four iPad covers and four screens.

Making miniature iPads.

Each iPad screen is different. One is a locked screen, the other is unlocked, the third has a row of digital books, and the last is an iTunes playlist.

  • Glue the iPad screens to thin craft foam.

Miniature iPad screens.

  • Once the glue is dry, cut out the screens using scissors or an X-Acto knife.

Screens for miniature iPads.

As I was cutting out the iPad backs, I noticed the dark grey logo didn’t show very well on the rose gold and black iPads. I went back and fixed this, giving the black iPad a silver logo and the rose gold one deep red.

Miniature iPads with fixed logo.

Much better! Now let’s glue the screen to the covers!

  • Rub glue over the back of the screens (the foam side), then press on the iPad cover of your choice.

Miniature iPads from craft foam.

You can mix and match the screens and covers. Just remember that two of the screens–the eBook library and music playlist–are in landscape mode and should be glued on horizontally.

DIY Ipads for Barbie dolls.

As you can see, the craft foam gives the iPads more depth than layers of cardstock do. I like this because the extra thickness makes positioning them in the doll’s hand easier.

Miniature Ipads made from craft foam.

Miniature iPads for dolls.

  • Use an X-Acto knife to trim away excess foam and round off the iPad’s edges.

Doll-sized iPads from craft foam.

I recommend using an X-Acto knife for this part. Scissors tend to crush the foam.
  • Color the exposed edges of the iPads to match the covers. You can use paint or permanent markers–whichever is easier. I’m using paint pens.

Color miniature iPad edges to match case.

  • Finally, seal the iPads with clear nail polish or Mod Podge. I chose glossy Mod Podge. Even though it leaves a few brush strokes behind, I find it’s easier to work with.

Sealing mini iPads.

That’s it! You’ve made tiny iPads for your dolls!

DIY miniature iPads for dolls.

This is one of my favorite printable crafts. I love having a variety of screens. The dolls can browse eBooks or listen to iTunes without me having to edit the screens in.

DIY 1:6 scale miniature iPad.

The only screens I didn’t add (and should have) are games.

That will have to change, though, because Tink and Tony are big gamers, and photoshopping their games onto the iPads is a real pain. So, I am creating a second printable with additional screens. Once it’s done, I will list it with the rest of our printables.

Now it’s your turn!

Well, friends, I hope you all have fun making iPads for your dolls! Feel free to tag me on Instagram if you make this craft (@pixie.dust.dolls). I’d love to see your creation!

4 Comments

  1. Hello. I found your blog through Barb (my little doll corner) and I love it. I wish I had found it earlier. This is the content I like to read, but also the content I aspire to create.
    I’m glad I’ve found you, I’ll stick around.

    1. Author

      Hey MonsterCrafts! Thank you so much! It thrills me to hear you enjoy my content😁.

      I’ve visited your blog several times but have yet to comment (sorry–I need to remember to comment more often).

      Your recent post with the list of active doll blogs was awesome. It gave me some fresh reading, which I desperately needed.

      Please do stick around. I aim to post weekly, but lately it’s been more like every other week.

  2. How cute! right now one of our dolls is haveing a birthday! we made all four of her freinds (L.O.L OMG DOLLS) No Sew outfits. Porlby wont post thoes om ym blog but i will post lots of Pictures! i was realy happy with teh out fits and the decorations But my cake didnt dry how i wanted it to. *sigh* Well cant wate to get these printed!

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