Steampunk iPad Conversion:

Steampunk iPad picture fame

Steampunk iPad picture fame

To build this steampunk iPad frame I found an old brass mirror in an antique store and took the frame along with my iPad to a framing shop. I had the framer custom cut beveled mattes to frame the iPad and used those precise matte measurements to build a foam core backing for the iPad to sit in. The mirror frame backing included threaded screw inserts for holding the original mirror in place so I used these inserts to secure a custom-built brass band and quick release for the iPad. I cut rounded bevels into the front of the matte for the button and camera and treated all bevels with gold paint to accent the edges and match them with the brass frame. The backing was also cut to accept the charging cord. Click here, or on the image to see a close up of the frame and iPad.

The original function of the antique mirror is also preserved in the front camera feature on the iPad; However, it is much more practical to use it for hands-free Skype or Facetime chat with a friend. To be honest, it was the mirror that inspired this project, and not the iPad. If it had been the other way around I probably would have been searching much longer for the perfect mirror/picture frame.