This Instructable shows the process of making a cell phone or tablet stand out of a sheet of Instamorph. The stand was designed to be used in both portrait and landscape orientations.

Materials:

Pre-made flat sheet of Instamorph approx 1/8 inch thick x 4 inches wide x 12 inches long (Note: Instamorph is reusable, so any extra from this project can be used elsewhere).

The phone the stand is for

Aluminum foil large enough to cover the phone (to protect it)

Measuring tape

Scissors

Pot or bowl of water and a method to reheat the water during the build

Flat surface (a jelly roll pan works well) and rolling pin equivalent to re-flatten the Instamorph if necessary

Step 1: Prepping the Flat Sheet of Instamorph

Use the measuring tape to verify the width and height of your phone. It's helpful to draw a simple side view diagram of the shape you want the stand to be.

It's very difficult to roll Instamorph into a perfect rectangle. While it is warm and clear in color, trim with scissors to the required size for your phone. Trim the width of the Instamorph to fit the width of your phone, and the length to accomodate the shape of your design based on the length of the phone. A good rule of thumb for the length is to start with about twice the length of the phone. Any excess can be trimmed off.

Step 2: Initial Shaping of the Stand

Wrap your phone in aluminum foil. Instamorph sticks to plastic, and unless you want Instamorph fused to your phone case, don't skip this step!

Heat water to nearly boiling in a large bowl or pot. Pour the water into the jelly roll pan. Slip the sheet of Instamorph into the hot water to soften. When it becomes clear, remove it (tongs or a fork help prevent burns from the water). Start forming the initial shape, using the phone as a guide, as seen in the pictures.

Once you're satisfied with the shape and size, you can start trimming excess Instamorph with scissors. Hold the form in the shape you want while it cools.

The shape may look awkward at this stage. Don't panic! You will fine tune it in the next steps.

Allow the Instamorph to cool until it is stiff enough to stand on it's own.

Step 3: Fine Tuning the Stand Shape

Keep hot water in pot. Reheat sections of the stand as needed to get the final shape you want.

You may find your stand needs extra support-- in the example above, a crossbar was added for stability. Dip the crossbar and then the stand in the hot water, then pinch together to form a good bond. The shape can be smoothed further by re-dipping in the hot water to soften first.