Tutorial: Custom Pipe Display Case

In this tutorial I'm going to show you how to make your very own pipe display case. So you can keep your precious pieces safe and show them off at the same time.

This was my first time making something like this. It only took about a day or two. I already had everything I needed to make it so it really didn't cost me anything. But everything that was used is really inexpensive.

I now have a few more pipes I can add to the empty spaces. But I'm eventually going to have to make a whole new case. Because I love buying new pipes! Oh yeah, that's the awesome thing about this case..it's made so you can change it whenever needed. Just in case you want to rearrange it or if one of them breaks. Now, let's get started!

First, you'll need the case. A shadow box or flag case would work great.

Next, you need those green foam blocks they use for plants. I got these at the dollar store. You need enough to fill up your case from corner to corner.

I cut the blocks in half, long ways. And placed them inside the case evenly. Mine fit perfectly. You may have to trim your blocks a little bit to make sure you have enough room to tuck in your fabric.

Somewhere in between these two pictures, I painted the display case. You can stain it or whatever. But all I had was brown paint, and that was fine enough for me. In this step, lay your pipes out and figure out how you want them to go. I put each pipe on it's own block, so if I ever needed to remove a block, it wouldn't disturb the others. In this picture you can see all the pipes on their own block. And I still have room for two more eventually. Yes, I also included my broken Kaos mushroom pipe.

Now, you're going to trace and dig out a spot for each pipe. This is probably the most sucky/hard part about this project. Make sure you have a nice custom fit for each piece. In this case, no other pipe fits anywhere but where it was made to go. Also, a spoon seems to be the best tool for this part.

After you cut out all the holes, get rid of all the little tiny dust pieces left over from digging. A vacuum works great for this.

Next, lay down your fabric piece and pipes. Make sure there's enough slack so it looks cool.

Now, tuck the excess fabric into the sides. Don't glue anything, or you won't be able to change it later.

Here's what it should look like when everything is all tucked in.

Then you're done! Close the lid and marvel at the awesomeness that you've just created.

posted by Keefy Buddz