The Mand

Align the popsicle sticks. Measure out 2.7cm away from the tip(s), and draw one line widthwise across all four. Then, draw three more lines, each spaced 6mm apart. Each stick should now have four lines (which create three rectangular boxes)

Draw parallel, diagonal lines through the two outermost boxes. These will function as alignment guides.

Repeat with all four sticks, so that – when aligned like in step one – two sticks have what look like parallel backslashes, and two have what look like parallel forwardslashes.

Time to get sticky! Apply a small drop of hot glue to the center box of one stick. Align a second stick on top, and press together. Repeat with the other pair. In order to confirm the angles for both are precisely the same, you can lay the second set over the first to double check before glueing. They should be completely aligned.

Let’s get an overview. Lay out your frame structure as shown above. Be sure that the sticks pointing up are beneath the ones facing down – this ensures that both sides are identical, and will allow you to make notches in the right spots.

Ready to get groovy? Use your X-acto to make a small notch on the top stick of each pair. These will help to hold your mobile device in place.

Almost there! Place your sticks as shown in the overview and drop some hot glue on both ends of one side…

…then sandwich them together. Wait a few seconds until the glue is tacky – basically, not totally liquid anymore – then…

…gently pull apart the two sides. For an iPhone 6, there should be 5cm between the notches (this leaves enough space for the headphone plug).