iPad stand | easy Thrift Store Decor project

If you love finding simple thrift-store pieces that can be turned into something useful, this little project is a fun win. With just a few basic supplies and a little creativity, you can turn an inexpensive find into a handy iPad stand that works in the kitchen, craft room, or anywhere you like to follow recipes, videos, or tutorials hands-free. It is one of those small projects that make everyday life a little easier while still adding personality to your space.

I’ve seen a lot of my blogger friends make an iPad stand. I’ve wanted to make one for a long, long time. Have you been looking for an easy way to make your own iPad stand for your kitchen? I was talking to my daughter, Jamie, about it, and she came up with the best idea: making the iPad stand sit on the counter without falling over. She was talking about using a picture frame for the iPad stand… and that was a lightbulb moment for me.

Let’s take a look at this easy iPad stand project.

Thrift Store Cutting Boards

I bought two cutting boards for a dollar in Bowling Green at Grandma’s Attic, so using one of them for this month’s Thrift Store Décor project was a no-brainer.

Materials for DIY iPad Stand

What you’ll need to make this easy iPad stand for your kitchen.

• Thrift Store cutting board
• Scrabble tile holder
• small picture frame
• Minwax stain (I used Dark Walnut)
• rag
• Minwax Polyurethane
• cheap chip brush
• nail gun
• Gorilla Glue Construction Adhesive
• vinyl image of your choice
• Hem Guide (optional)

How to Apply Vinyl with a Hem Guide

Jamie recommended that I use a negative stencil with the word “yum,” staining over the vinyl and leaving the letters as the original light-colored wood. Sometimes I use painter’s tape as a transfer tape. The hem guide helps center the word on the iPad stand for the upcycled cutting board.

I applied the vinyl word “yum” that I cut from contact paper.

Stain Cutting Board and Scrabble Tile Holder

I used a soft cloth to apply the stain to the cutting board and the tile holder.

Oops! The stain bled under the contact paper stencil. This probably wouldn’t have happened had I painted the cutting board before staining.

Use a Scrabble Tile Holder to Support the Tablet

I used my staple gun to attach the tile holder (from the back). Then, I used the chip brush to apply the poly to seal everything.

NOTE: You don’t need a nail gun; you could use your favorite fastening method: wood glue, hot glue, or super glue.

I hung the cutting board from the handle to allow the poly to dry.

What makes this iPad stand out from any other?

Picture Frame Easel

On to Plan B—I’ll put the back (easel) over the word “yum.” I used Gorilla Construction Adhesive with my caulk gun.

Isn’t it genius? It’s so simple: brilliant, actually! There are no hinges involved. As I mentioned above, when I told Jamie that I was doing this project, she mentioned using a picture frame. Then there was some brainstorming, and somehow it was decided that the back easel of a picture frame would be perfect for supporting the new tablet stand.

NOTE: The easel doesn’t reach the bottom of the cutting board, which allows the iPad stand to tilt well.

To give the easel a more polished look, I should have run a Sharpie marker around the brown outer edge before attaching it to the back of the cutting board.

Add a Monogram to iPad Stand

I did a monogram on my Silhouette Portrait. As always, I used my hem guide to help with the vinyl placement.

DIY iPad Stand in a Kitchen

If you cook or bake frequently, a tablet stand like this is excellent for displaying recipes.

Find this awesome Toll House cupcake recipe at Create and Babble

This simple iPad stand is not just for cooking (recipes); it also makes a good stand for streaming your favorite shows while you’re in the kitchen or working at your office desk!

And, of course, you can peruse one of your favorite blogs!

Projects like this are a great reminder that not every makeover has to be big to be meaningful. A small thrifted item, a little paint or stain, and a new purpose can completely change how something is used in your home. If you enjoy quick, practical repurposed projects that are budget-friendly and beginner-friendly, this is definitely one to keep in your DIY toolbox.

This was a very fun project. Be sure to check out my friends’ other Thrift Store Décor projects below.

Lettered Sock Bin Bliss Ranch

Farmhouse Candle Holder Our Southern Home

Thrift Store Chair Makeover DebbieDoos

Wooden California Clock Domestically Speaking

Spray Painted Thrift Store Decor Petticoat Junktion

Globe Makeover Setting For Four

What have you upcycled from the thrift store lately? Do tell!

gail

Related Content:

Repurposed Cutting Board, Chalkboard, Tablet Holder PLUS Key Rack

If you love thrift store makeovers, you may want to check out these projects:

Repurposed Washboard Memo Holder

$2 Thrift Store Table Makeover