DIY Kindle Cover

This instructable flows out of Rayeath's very helpful nook cover instructable with some (hopefully) helpful changes.

How to convert a hardback book into a Kindle cover with a strap:

What you will need:
1) A book you don't mind chopping up; this book must be at least 7.5" tall, 5" wide, and 1 cm thick (though a little thicker might be better)
2) Two sheets of craft felt which are larger than the books covers by approximately 2 inches on all sides
3) Hot glue gun & glue sticks
4) Up to 3' of 1/2" braided elastic
5) Stiff paperboard; Rayeath recommends a cereal box, I used the covers of an old composition notebook
6) Scissors
7) X-acto knife
8) Paperclip
9) Ruler
10) Sharpie

I spent less than $10 on this whole project, including the book, which I found for 99 cents at Goodwill.  It took me about two hours, but this is my first attempt, as well as my first instructable, so a more competent crafter could move more quickly, I imagine.

Step 1: Prep the Book

Using the X-acto blade, cut in the seam of the front interior and back interior of the book.

After removing all of the bound paper, the book should be able to lay flat.

Cut a piece of felt to stretch across the binding and hot glue it to the spine of the book.

Comments

[bradpants]

SUPER HANDY: The plastic from original Kindle packaging. If you can make a perfectly-sized cutout in a book, they pop together in an extremely awesome fashion. I'll be posting one of these soon.

[rosenred]

Very nice Instructable, congratulations! I will attempt to make one for myself for sure. However, since I am reluctant to destroy an existing book (no matter if it was found in a garbage can - I just can't) I was thinking to make the hard cover using bits from some book binding instructables.

[Ironfounderson]

Thanks for this great 'ible! I slightly modified this design to make a Nook cover yesterday. Instead of using the elastic band to keep it closed, I made a felt and snap closure arrangement that keeps the book front uncovered. I found a fantastic book in my local library's discard bin, which is a great resource for projects like this. I will soon be the envy of all my ereader friends. :D

[djulian]

That's a great find! Consider me to be filled w/ healthy jealousy. :)

And I like the snap closure as well. Very slick.

[ser_pez]

I followed this instructable today and made a cover for my new kindle, and I have to say, it looks great! I used a blank sketchbook with a plain black cover instead of a used book (sketchbook was on sale at the art supply store for $5), and hot pink felt, and everything else was stuff I had around the house. Spending $6 to make a cool, unique cover instead of paying $30 for a mass-produced one feels pretty great. Thanks!

[bruc33ef]

Very good recycling job; should work great. Love the Dick and Jane cover!

I did something similar for my Kindle using sticky-back Velcro-for-plastic instead of straps. I found a simulated-leather-bound writing tablet holder at Big Lots for $4. Then, I attached the Velcro to both the Kindle and the planner. When it opens up, the Kindle is on the right and a writing pad is on the left. Looks classy. Might make it into an Instructable.

[siafulinux]

You should; would like to see it (and how it's made) :D

[djulian]

Thanks @bruc33ef! I was stoked to find the Dick & Jane book @ goodwill for only $1.

I've heard that quite a few folks have been very happy w/ the sticky back Velcro. My wife's getting an e-reader soon, so I'll see if she'll let me try it out. I'd be interested to see your instructable.

[williamdavid1218]

I believe the readers of this post may also benefit from the information that these days reader binders come with internal compartment for credit cards, cash and ids. Really useful if you are a light traveler. Kindle 3 cover