jim thomson | freelance design | portland, or

After being on the wait list for the entire month of August, my new Kindle has finally arrived. I wanted to make a protective case that looks great and easy to handle.

This won't be a regular DIY, step-by-step guide on creating your own case since I pretty much winged it anyways. Hopefully some of this information will help you create your own type of case for your Kindle or ebook. (I did start with this similar guide for an iphone).

What you will need:


-Moleskine (5.4" x 8.4" worked perfect for the Kindle 3)
-Elmer's White Glue
-Rubbing Alcohol
-Wax Paper
-Old artist paint brush
-X-acto Knife and new blades
-Metal straight edge
-pencil
-old magazine and heavy weights


I separated the moleskine just about down the center of the pages. I actually thought it was the same thickness as the kindle but turned out a little shallow. This actually worked out perfect by still allowing use of the page turn button while in the case.

Mix one part glue and rubbing alcohol in a glass ramekin. Using a sheet of wax paper to divide the two sections, proceed to paint on the glue mixture on the edge of the book pages While the book is closed. Not too heavy or the pages will warp. You can always come back later and add more glue if the hollowed pages need more stregth.



Slide book inside the old magazine and add weights to let dry flat. After a couple hours, gently separate the two sections and remove the wax paper. Remove the secret pocket from the back of the Moleskine. Trace the Kindle on the inside page and begin cutting out the inner portions of the pages.



Since the stack of pages aren't thick enough for the Kindle, you must do this on the following the left side of stacked papers as well. Be careful not to cut through the cover. Paint additional glue onto the interior edges of the recently cut paper. Finally glue the two stacks to the backs of the cover. Slip in some more wax paper, magazine and more weights. Wait another couple hours. It might be best to add a piece of felt to the inside left section to protect the Kindle screen and buttons.

I did notch out a spot to be able to use headphones and use the on/off button. This is optional.

I might add some corner pieces to help hold the Kindle in place but for now, the built in elastic band works just fine.






Happy reading.


Update: Adding corner pieces to the case didn't quite work out. I did find that adding a thin and flat layer of hot glue to the left edge of the interior cut. Hold the tip of your hot glue gun flat against the edge and move down the side slightly pushing the trigger. Have some water handy to dip your finger in and run along the surface (careful, el caliente). This will add thinkness to the edge so you might have to shave a bit off first. Let cool fully before inserting your Kindle. This should allow upright and even upside down reading if the fit is snug.

Labels: Case, Craft, DIY, E-book, Kindle, Moleskine, Reader