Retro-TV iPad/kipi frame
1 October 12
While driving, I use my kipi to navigate, and so I need a holder for it our new housebus. Rather than buying a boring plastic mount, I took my cue from this Etsy vendor and made my own cover in the shape of old-fashioned television.

NOTE: Our family uses the word kipi (pronounced “kee-pee”) as a generic term for our electronic tablets. It’s a word Brioni made up, it saves us from using a brand name all the time, and it’s stuck.
I found a retro TV shape that I liked, and I used that as my model for the shape of my frame. Then I had to find a template to help me make the shapes that I wanted.


I only used two thicknesses of wood. I used a thin plywood for the front and back, and thicker plywood for the interior frame. Because I keep my kipi in a protective cover, I needed to make the whole frame suit the kipi while it is still in its case. After tracing out the shapes, I used a jigsaw to cut the three pieces before gluing them together.






When the sanding is finished, I add some finishing touches. I want to complete the look with knobs, but I’m not happy with the look of wooden knobs. I also decide that I don’t need to use the speakers on the kipi while it’s in its case, so I don’t have to provide holes for that.


Getting the knob columns to the right depth was pretty tricky. Thank goodness the dials cover the mess I made with the glue! A router would make the holes properly, but I improvised with a large drill bit.


I’m really happy with the finished project! I’m going to give the frame a couple more coats of finish before I lay it aside, and then it’ll be screwed permanently in place in the front of The Gifted Gypsy.
This was a very simple wood-working project with fantastic results. With just the basic tools, you can turn your kipi into a real wow factor. If you make one of these, I’d love to hear about it!
1 · Kylie · 1 October 2012, 19:59
I love your kipi keeper Lauren. Such a great way to give your technology some personality. Well done – it looks brilliant.
2 · Renee · 1 October 2012, 20:38
Looks fantastic, Lauren!
3 · Jenni · 1 October 2012, 21:36
Your kipi looks very ‘hipi’ – loving the style!
4 · Teresa · 1 October 2012, 22:36
Wow, you’ve helped to eliminate gender roles with this project! Very inspiring!
5 · Jo · 1 October 2012, 23:05
That is SO awesome Lauren! What a great idea! I hope your kipi and it’s navigating skills help you find your way to visit us some day! :)
6 · youknowwhatmama.blogspot.com · 2 October 2012, 00:44
excellent (:
7 · Naomi · 2 October 2012, 07:23
That is amazing – I loved the first image but did not expect a woodworking project when I clicked! Looks like definite fun.
8 · Ailsa · 2 October 2012, 10:43
I can’t believe you just whipped that up! It looks fantastic! Well done x
9 · Lisa Wood · 2 October 2012, 16:51
Gosh that is way too cool!! How clever are you :)
Love the retro look, and how handy it is.
10 · Jo · 2 October 2012, 23:09
very cool! I love that you have embraced the iPad. I really enjoyed having an iPad for a few months, before passing it on to my mom because I was so attached to it that my blood pressure rose when my two year old son used it. I hope to get to the stage where I don’t mind him feeling free with our technology- I think I’m getting there, slowly.
11 · Lorraine Stephanyshyn · 3 October 2012, 00:06
Wow! Lauren, this is seriously awesome!! I need to make one of these for the kids :)
Cheers!!
Lorraine
12 · Phoebe · 4 October 2012, 07:36
This is so awesome! You make me feel like I could make something, too. :D
13 · Pip · 12 October 2012, 18:02
I love this. I think it will look fantastic in the front of the bus.