The Paper Cup Stand (For an IPhone, IPod Classic, PSP, Blackberry Etc)

by BobbyMcD1991 in Circuits > Apple

15262 Views, 5 Favorites, 0 Comments

The Paper Cup Stand (For an IPhone, IPod Classic, PSP, Blackberry Etc)

IMG00315-20090605-1913.jpg
This is a pretty much universal electronics stand I made from unwanted materials around my house. I am always listening to, using or charging my gadgets but I never have a safe place to put them while I'm doing this.

I'm quite new to Instructables, this is my first and I currently do not have a very good camera but I hope you will enjoy making this.

What You Will Need

IMG00306-20090605-1819.jpg
a Paper cup, although two would be better as your likely to make a few mistakes,
I used a medium McDonalds cup which probably is a small US McDonalds cup but any cup will do.

A Pair of sharp scissors

A permanent marker for marking out the lines to cut through

Spray-Paint ( I chose silver-metallic paint) or if you already have a coloured cup this wont be necessary

Paper to cover the spray-painting area

Step 1 - Marking and Cutting Out the Paper Cup

IMG00304-20090605-1819.jpg
IMG00305-20090605-1819.jpg
At this point you can either turn the Cup upside down for use on a desk or you could keep the cup upright and make a stand to fit in a car cup-holder. This would need a weight such as a few coins. These pictures show a Paper cup stand made for a desk environment.

You don't really need to measure much just estimate the sizes of stuff you will be displaying on this stand. The most important part of this bit is that both sides are roughly the same.

Its also important to mark out a triangular section at the front to prevent the device from slipping.

Step 2 - Cutting the Marked Lines

IMG00307-20090605-1820.jpg
This part is quite straight forward.
Just make sure you follow the lines you have marked.

If your a kid this might be a good time to get help from an adult, this also applies for the spray-painting process.

At the end it should look something like this.

Step 3 - Spray-Painting

IMG00311-20090605-1827.jpg
IMG00314-20090605-1912.jpg
Make sure you do this in a well ventilated space, preferably outside and make sure you cover the surface near where you spray with some newspaper.
My spray-paint was some strong stuff it made me so drowsy for about 30 minutes, probably best if you cover your face or use some sort of mask.
Follow the instructions from the spray can because spraying distances etc. vary.

I managed to cover my Cup with the paint after about 4 layers but that was mostly because McDonalds cups are so colourful. Doing a layer then waiting for it to dry for about 5 minutes is by far the best method otherwise it will become runny and the paint will not have a good finish.

Ideas on What to Put in the Stand.

IMG00315-20090605-1913.jpg
IMG00322-20090605-1919.jpg
DSC00012.JPG
IMG00328-20090605-1926.jpg
IMG00316-20090605-1917.jpg
IMG00318-20090605-1918.jpg
IMG00324-20090605-1920.jpg
IMG00320-20090605-1918.jpg
IMG00325-20090605-1921.jpg
IMG00326-20090605-1923.jpg
The possibilities are endless but here are a few I was able to try,