Circular spare tire covers mounted on SUVs and Jeeps double as convenient creative canvases for drivers eager to take their particular passions on the road.

Spare tire covers are designed to take a lot of abuse, so investing one’s time, money and creativity towards designing a custom spare tire cover is definitely a labor of love. As long as the driver keeps it (both the cover and the message being expressed) clean, the payoff comes from the smiles and snapshots elicited from those following. Just don’t get hypnotized by some of the designs… “Inception”-style covers like the ones on the above Land Cruiser and Jeep have a way of pulling you in.

Speeding Spalding

Copyright issues aside, wouldn’t it be neat if the driver above bought his vehicle at Wilson Chrysler Jeep? Or if the driver was a dentist named Spalding? In any case, it’s safe to say the real star of the 2000 film Cast Away was Wilson, Tom Hanks’ character’s constant companion during his time on an island where a Jeep would have come in handy… a spare tire cover, not so much.

Catatonic

Just imagine being stuck in traffic behind THIS… road rage is nothing compared to street psychosis. To be fair, the driver probably gets the real deal at home and just wants to share the experience. Wonder where “Mr. Chiggers” is… most he’s likely staring out from the back of the driver’s spouse’s vehicle.

Cat-themed spare tire covers are rather plentiful but this one caught our eye… “Eat the Cat”? Not sure whether the driver is advertising a cookbook or an erotic bakery. Either way, the concept must have been unsuccessful as the advertised website has gone 404.

Bring Me Solo and a Humvee

Yikes! We don’t know what this is or how is was made… and frankly, we’re afraid to ask. At least it’s good to know spare tire covers are now being made from indestructible Carbonite.

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Tread Setters 15 Wheely Cool Spare Tire Covers

A Berlin street art collective is hitting the streets of Europe again, touring major cities to turn infrastructural patterns into (quite literal) streetwear across the continent. Each of their unique creations is tied to public art and design patterns often overlooked as we walk by (or on top of) them.

Raubdruckerin (AKA Pirate Printer) press apparel to painted street objects featuring a level of relief, soaking up the top layer to create impressions of manhole covers, vents, grates, bike lane symbols and just about anything else with some depth to it.

In German, there is some nuance to their name as well: ‘Rauber’ means both pirate and robber, while “drucken” is both press and print. Effectively, they press and steal patterns (though since their source material is quite literally in the public domain, no one so far seems to mind).

Like graffiti artists or mobile street painters with portable canvasses, their work tends to draw a crowd and has a performative aspect to it by its nature. In turn, they aim to raise awareness of overlooked and everyday design objects.

So far they have made their way through Amsterdam, Athens, Paris and Lisbon. In each location, they press cotton bags and apparel to street surfaces coated in eco-friendly ink, then wash up behind themselves to leave no trace.

When Facebook added its timeline cover image, it was likely the first time users didn’t revolt against a Facebook change; it gave the flexibility to truly customize one’s profile page and a lot of creative folks have taken full advantage of that opportunity.

(Images via epiclol, geekscrunch, nonexiste)

Nothing adds a little energy to a profile like a bit of danger. With clever manipulation and Photoshop work, the small box that usually houses a person’s face can become an epic life or death struggle. Whether it’s running from a lurching Tyrannosaurus Rex, battling a giant clone, or fighting off a terrifying dragon… these profile owners can rest assured they have risen in the esteem of their friends if only because they have portrayed themselves in such an awesome light.

(Images via techeblog, facebook-cover-profile)

Classic videogames are the door to the geek soul, so it’s fitting that the more creative ones have put together excellent homages to their old school favorites. Dan has entered Streets of Rage as a streetwise brawler, while David has settled on an all time favorite: Super Mario Bros. Power up!

(Images via bestwebhostsanddomains, best-ever-facebook-timeline)

There is something very meta about a timeline cover photo in which the profile owner is pouring something on their own head, and while the subject matter is a bit odd, it’s definitely executed well in the above examples.

(Images via baconwrappedmedia, scotgat, xploringminds)

There are several ways to react to cover photos that show surveillance equipment narrowing down on the profile owner’s face: They can be seen as a comment on social media and the death of privacy, or they can be a tech-minded individual showing off their love for technology in a creative way. The top images are great examples of the zoom / enhance overwhelming surveillance found in spy thrillers. The bottom example is just plain fun, and likely the most epic use of a “man at a desk” thumbnail ever created.

(break, imgur)

It’s true… animals attack. In these creative examples this is especially true. It would be interesting to know which way most people would rather go; smushed by a giant crab claw, or consumed by a giant shark? Can’t get enough of these? Check out more of the best, with 24 Poke-worthy Facebook Timeline Covers.

Facebook changes can often cause a landslide of creativity, as all the artsy types and tech-inclined push the limits. The new Facebook Timeline, with its new cover image, is the perfect playground for those who want to impress their friends.

(Images via mad4flash, technodesire, digitalwizdom, fbupdates)

Why not use the cover photo as a way to show off favorite personal images in a new and interesting way? Toss up some polaroids of the good old days, and they’ll be emphasized a whole lot more than they would be if they were tossed into a dusty album nested deeply inside your profile.

(Images via mameara, techomag, pixgateway, techomag)

It’s important to have fun when adjusting a profile. Eye-catching images and manipulated backgrounds can showcase new facets of one’s personality… and that’s the whole point of a profile, isn’t it?

(tweeting, pixgateway, reface)

The best Facebook Timeline cover photos step outside the box to display a quick scene or quirky setup for the rest of the page. Some careful planning and photo-editing software is all one needs to be the talk of the newsfeed.

(Images via mashable, v3im, dailylinked)

Use the integration of the cover image and your profile picture carefully. With the right tweaking, the cover image can replace the need for the profile photo, and become newsworthy in its own right.

(Images via hongkiat, mad4flash, techomag)

The huge area at the top of the Timeline is perfect to advertise one’s pet causes. This area can be the perfect space to share important ideas with friends and family.

(Images via redux, dailypics)

Art fans can put themselves directly into their favorite galleries, or slip their photo into some of the most famous masterpieces.

(Images via techomag, dailypics, openforum)

One of the easiest ways to customize a cover image is to add a profile picture like normal, and then overlay it over a humorous scene. Animal lovers will immediately see the benefits of this design.

(Images via dailypics, dailypics)

Nostalgic for old videogame favorites? Make everyone happy by adding an old school flair to the newest in social media tech.

Watching movies, reading e-books, browsing the web – with so many uses for the iPad taking it everywhere from the airport to the beach, some enthusiasts need a variety of cases for protection, grip and style. These 15 iPad cases, covers and sleeves range from leather-bound book covers and wooden boxes to designer versions that cost three times as much as the iPad itself.

This is Not a Book

(image via: nedrelow)

It’s not a book – but you’d never know by looking at it. Simple and beautiful with its linen book cloth and sustainable felt interior, ‘Book’ by Nedrelow is even customizable – you can choose your own title for the spine and cover.

Vers Wood Case

(image via: versaudio)

A case and stand in one, the Vers Shellcase brings a warm organic aesthetic to the iPad with steel-reinforced, hand-crafted hardwood or bamboo.

Pad & Quill Book Case

(image via: pad and quill)

Another slick way to conceal that sought-after gadget is ‘The Case’ by Pen & Quill, a bonded leather portfolio case that looks like an ordinary journal. The cute little red ribbon ‘bookmark’ even has a practical purpose: you use it to remove your iPad from the case.

TAPE Cork Sleeve

(image via: ryan frank)

It doesn’t get much simpler than this: two thin sheets of cork, stitched together at the edges to create a spare yet stylish protective sleeve for the iPad, made from a natural renewable resource.

Heavy-Duty iPad Cloak

(image via: quirky)

The last thing you want is a scratch on your brand new iPad, so a heavy-duty silicone case is peace of mind. The ‘Cloak’ is multi-functional, unfolding in various configurations to act as a stand and provide a comfortable angle for typing.

Leather Volume BookBook

(image via: twelvesouth)

For reluctant iPad-toting bibliophiles who just can’t bear to give up the feel of a good, solid leather-bound book, the BookBook hardback leather case gives e-books a more traditional feel. It’s padded and protective, and also functions as a stand.

ColcaSac Hanakapiai Sleeve

(image via: colcasac.com)

If you’re the type that will always have your iPad in hand, minus-20-degree weather be damned, maybe you need a super-insulating sleeve that will keep your iPad at a stable temp. While ColcaSac isn’t making any claims in terms of cold protection, that fleece lining is looking pretty cozy. The exterior is made from heavy-duty hemp.

Temple Bags Leather iPad Case

(image via: templebags)

The appropriately named Temple Bags created this leather iPad case which is sure to appeal to anyone who fancies himself an Indiana Jones type. In addition to this all-leather version, the company offers a design made with repurposed waxed canvas.

Ferragamo Designer iPad Case

(image via: definitive touch)

At $390, this understated iPad case by Salvatore Ferragamo is actually one of the less expensive designer cases made just for this little Apple gadget – one by Yves St. Laurent will set you back $795 while Chanel’s goes for $1,555.

Flowerly JAVOedge iPad Case

(image via: ipad case den)

Feminine and pretty, the JAVOedge iPad sleeve case is made with printed canvas with a magnetic tab closure – a far cry from all those cold, colorless, boring sleeves and cases, yet still functional and minimalist.

Stylish Handmade Fabric iPad Cases

(images via: blytheking)

Etsy seller Blytheking gained a lot of admirers with a wide selection of handmade iPad covers made with reclaimed materials in sharp fabrics like houndstooth, plaid flannel and tweed. Some even come with additional pockets for an iPhone.

Waterproof iPad Case

(image via: amazon)

So maybe it’s not the coolest, sleekest, prettiest iPad case ever. Some might even call it ugly. But there are definitely times when a waterproof iPad case would come in handy, whether at the beach or in an unexpected downpour. The TrendyDigital WaterGuard case is far superior to a gallon-sized ziplock bag, and infinitely better than a very expensive useless, waterlogged tablet.

iPad-Compatible Pocket Vest

(image via: scottevest)

If you’re not the bag-carrying type, perhaps you’d prefer to keep your iPad as close as possible – inside your clothing. The Scottevest company offers a variety of clothing items, including this travel vest, fitted with a giant pocket made just for the iPad (and many more pockets as well). It does eliminate the need for a carry-on, and the company touts its ‘No Bulge’ pocket design.

Substrata iPod Box with Lid

(image via: substrata)

For the technophiles who love the sleek, slim shape of the iPad, perhaps bulky boxes seem like a step back. But anyone who appreciates the juxtaposition of modern gadgetry and simple old-fashioned craftsmanship will get a kick out of the Substrata iPad Box, which comes with a hinged lid.

iMaxi iPad Case with Wings

(image via: hip handmaids)

Many a crafty Etsy seller began offering tongue-in-cheek handmade iPad sleeves that play on the device’s name, but Hip Handmaids offered up this humorous description: “With its durable vinyl outer layer and plush, quilted-cotton sleeve, the iMaxi helps keep your iPad clean and dry. Plus, the iMaxi’s Velcro-latched, advanced wing design wraps snugly around your device, so your iPad always stays where it should. Best of all, it shields it from all those unsightly and embarrassing data leaks that would make any motherboard worry!”