Decoden is a popular decorative craft style that originated in Japan, focusing on adorning everyday objects—especially phone cases—with extravagant and cute embellishments. Derived from “decorative denwa” (meaning “decorated phone”), decoden involves using whipped cream-style silicone, rhinestones, cabochons, pearls, charms, and other elements to create eye-catching designs.

If you love crafting and want to turn this hobby into a business, this guide will show you how to make decoden designs on phone covers and other items, along with tips on where and how to sell them successfully.

Materials Needed for Decoden Crafting

Before you start creating decoden designs, gather the essential materials:

Basic Supplies:

1. Phone Cases – Clear or solid-colored blank cases work best.
2. Whipped Cream Glue (Silicone Caulk) – The base for most decoden designs; available in white and pastel colors.
3. Piping Tips and Bags – To apply the whipped cream-style silicone neatly.
4. Cabochons & Charms – Miniature resin or clay decorations like sweets, animals, or flowers.
5. Rhinestones and Pearls – For added sparkle and elegance.
6. Tweezers – To place small details precisely.
7. Clay and Molds – If you want to create your own custom decorations.
8. Acrylic Paints – For coloring your handmade embellishments.
9. E6000 or Strong Glue – For securing decorations that won’t stick well with silicone.
10. Glitter & Pigments – For an extra decorative touch.

How to Make Decoden Phone Covers

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

• Work on a clean, flat surface with paper towels or wax paper underneath to catch any excess materials.
• Wear gloves if using strong silicone glue to prevent skin irritation.
• Make sure your phone case is clean and dry before decorating.

Step 2: Pipe the Whipped Cream Silicone

• Fill a piping bag with silicone, using a star or round tip for a whipped cream effect.
• Squeeze the bag gently and swirl the silicone onto the phone case, covering the surface evenly.
• Work quickly, as silicone begins to dry within 10–15 minutes.

Step 3: Add Embellishments

• While the silicone is still wet, carefully place cabochons, rhinestones, and pearls using tweezers.
• Arrange decorations in a balanced pattern, ensuring the design is visually appealing.
• Mix large and small elements to create texture and depth.

Step 4: Let It Dry Completely

• Leave the decorated phone case undisturbed for at least 24–48 hours.
• Avoid touching or moving it to prevent smudging.
• Once dried, test if all pieces are secure; reapply glue to any loose decorations.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

• You can lightly seal the decorations with a clear acrylic spray for added durability.
• If making a glossy design, apply a thin resin coat over rhinestones and charms.
• Wipe the edges to remove any excess silicone for a clean look.

Other Decoden Items You Can Make

Decoden isn’t limited to phone cases—you can also decorate:

• AirPods & Earphone Cases – Small but stylish designs sell well.
• Makeup Mirrors & Brushes – Great for beauty lovers.
• Notebook Covers & Stationery – Aesthetic school supplies are popular.
• Storage Boxes & Jewelry Holders – Decorative organizers.
• Handheld Gaming Consoles – Custom decoden designs on Nintendo Switches and controllers are trendy.

Where to Sell Decoden Phone Cases & Crafts

Online Platforms:

1. Etsy

Pros:

• Large audience specifically looking for handmade items
• Built-in SEO tools to help customers find your products
• Trustworthy platform with secure transactions

Cons:

• Transaction and listing fees can add up (6.5% transaction fee + $0.20 per listing)
• High competition; you’ll need to optimize listings and market effectively
• Strict policies on handmade goods and custom orders

2. eBay

Pros:

• Global reach with millions of buyers
• Auctions allow for competitive pricing
• Lower listing fees compared to Etsy

Cons:

• Buyers often expect lower prices, making it harder to sell at a premium
• High competition from mass-produced phone cases
• Customer disputes and returns can be frequent

3. Depop

Pros:

• Popular among younger buyers interested in aesthetic, trendy products
• Social-media-style marketplace, making it easier to engage with customers
• No upfront listing fees (only a 10% commission on sales)

Cons:

• Must be highly active (liking, sharing, following) to gain visibility
• Some buyers may negotiate aggressively for lower prices
• Limited audience compared to Etsy or eBay

4. Instagram & Facebook Marketplace

Pros:

• No selling fees if selling directly via messages
• You can leverage existing followers and build a brand
• Great for selling to local buyers with in-person pickup options

Cons:

• Requires consistent marketing (posting, engaging, using hashtags)
• Payments must be handled manually unless using Instagram Shop
• Higher risk of scams or unreliable buyers

5. TikTok Shop

Pros:

• Huge potential for viral sales if your videos gain traction
• Younger audience interested in creative, handmade products
• Built-in e-commerce tools for direct selling

Cons:

• Requires video content creation, which takes time and effort
• Trends change fast, so you must keep up with popular aesthetics
• High competition from other sellers

6. Shopify or Personal Website

Pros:

• Full control over branding, pricing, and policies
• No platform fees except for hosting and payment processing
• You can collect customer emails for future marketing

Cons:

• Requires traffic-building through ads, SEO, or social media
• Monthly costs for hosting and domain fees
• No built-in audience like Etsy or eBay

Offline Sales

1. Craft Fairs & Markets

Pros:

• Great for direct customer feedback and instant sales
• No shipping hassles—customers take items home immediately
• Opportunities for networking with other vendors

Cons:

• Booth rental fees can be expensive
• Weather and foot traffic affect sales (if outdoors)
• Requires stock preparation, setup, and teardown

2. Consignment Shops

Pros:

• Your products get exposure in physical stores
• No need to handle individual customer sales
• Builds credibility by being stocked in boutiques

Cons:

• Shops take a commission (usually 30-50%)
• You don’t get paid until items sell
• Requires regular inventory restocking

3. Pop-Up Shops

Pros:

• Temporary low-cost retail option without long-term rent
• Allows in-person interactions with potential customers
• Can be used as a marketing event for your brand

Cons:

Limited duration, so sales are not ongoing

Requires event planning and logistics

Success depends on location and timing

How to Price Your Decoden Creations

To determine pricing, consider:

• Material Costs – Add up phone case, decorations, and glue costs.
• Time Spent – Charge for the hours spent making each design.
• Complexity – More detailed cases should have higher prices.
• Market Demand – Compare similar products online for competitive pricing.

A basic decoden phone case may cost around $15–$25, while highly detailed designs with custom charms can range from $30–$60+.

Marketing Your Decoden Business

Social Media Promotion:

• Post high-quality pictures and videos of your creations on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.
• Create behind-the-scenes content showing your crafting process.
• Use trending hashtags like #Decoden #CutePhoneCase #KawaiiCrafts.
• Offer giveaways or discounts to encourage customer engagement.

Branding & Packaging:

• Use cute, themed packaging to enhance the customer experience.
• Add thank-you notes, stickers, or small freebies with each order.
• Include your social media and shop links in packaging inserts.

Offering Custom Designs:

• Let customers request personalized cases with specific themes or colors.
• Charge extra for name customizations or special requests.
• Keep a portfolio of past designs for inspiration.

Tips for Success in Selling Decoden Crafts

1. Stay Updated on Trends – Popular designs include anime, pastel, goth, and Y2K aesthetics.
2. Use High-Quality Materials – Customers will appreciate durable and well-made items.
3. Engage with Your Audience – Respond to messages, comments, and reviews.
4. Offer Seasonal Collections – Create designs for holidays, special events, or trends.
5. Expand Your Product Range – Try decorating other accessories like keychains and phone grips.

Just Get Started

Making and selling decoden phone cases and crafts is a fun and creative way to earn money. By mastering the crafting techniques, pricing your work competitively, and marketing your brand effectively, you can turn your passion for decoden into a thriving business. Whether selling online or at local events, a well-crafted product and strong customer engagement will set you up for success.