Make an Earbud Cord Caddy

So you've got an iPod... or other MP3 player, but that crazy ear bud cord is too long for you? Here's a cheap and easy alternative to paying $3-7 USD for a cord caddy at the electronics store.

Steps

  1. Gather your materials. Abandoned children's foam puzzle pieces work very well for this project, as do cheap "flip-flop" or "Zori" type shoes.
  2. Draw your pattern. Your caddy should be approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide by 3 inches (7.5 cm) long, so start with an appropriately sized piece of paper and fold it in quarters.
  3. Cut out your pattern and see if you like the looks of it. The ends need to be wider than the middle, and it should be no longer than 4 inches (10 cm), but other than that, your imagination is the only limiting factor.
  4. Trace your pattern(s) onto the foam.
  5. Cut the foam. Place another piece of foam under your cutting to protect the table surface.
  6. Cut slits in both ends. Widen the inside end of the slit to make a better holder.
  7. Bevel the edges using a pair of scissors.
  8. Trim any corners or sharp points to round them over.
  9. Wrap your earbud cord by tucking the plug into one end of your caddy and winding the cord to the desired length before tucking the other end into the caddy.

Alternate Pattern

Cut the foam as shown. Note that this was NOT beveled. The earbud holes are a nice touch. Cut them slightly smaller than your ear bud circumference for a nice, snug fit.

Tips

  • You can decorate and color this with permanent markers.
  • Any shape that is wider on the ends than in the middle should work so long as you're within 1.5 x 3.5 inches (3.8 to 7.5 cm). Longer shapes tend to rip and stretch, smaller shapes won't hold all of the cord.
  • Use a sharp, new blade.
  • Go Eco-friendly with your ear buds and recycle used foam rather than buy a new piece.

Warnings

  • Use appropriate caution when handling sharp edged tools such as X-Acto knives.

Things You'll Need

  • 3/8ths to 1/2 inch thick foam rubber or "craft foam". The sort used for Children's toys and puzzles works well, as do the footpads from the cheaper types of flip flops. Avoid the harder, rubbery floor mats.
  • X-Acto Knife or similar bladed tool.
  • Pen
  • Paper for pattern

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