Build a custom E-reader or pad enclosure from an old book. The book gets a new life and you get a custom reader enclosure that will impress!!

Step 1: Select a Book

Choose your book wisely!! Consider the strength of the binding, the attractiveness of the cover art, and the size!!! The book is going to experience a major transformation and hopefully begin a long new life so it is essential that the binding be strong enough to last. The cover art should also be appealing, as it will be "every book" in it's new life!! The book should also be sized so as to do the job with minimal weight. I selected an old math textbook that met the criteria for my needs.

Step 2: Cut a Pocket for the Reader

Once the perfect book is chosen, trace the device dimensions on the last page of the book. Use a hobby knife and scissors to cut the shape out... Continue to a depth somewhat greater than the thickness of the reader device. The pocket may be somewhat smaller than the device at this stage. Place a thin cutting board between the pages at the desired stopping depth.

Step 3: Glue the Pocket!

Start at the center most hollowed page of the book and glue all pages together moving toward the back of the book. Remove a few pages periodically to compensate for glue thickness. Lastly, glue the back of the book to the stack. Place a sheet of wax paper at the transition to complete pages. Clamp the completed job until dry.

Step 4: Trim the Pocket to Exact Size

Use the hobby knife blade to trim the rough inside surface until the device fits snugly. The device must not be too loose, but also needs to fit easily. The glued pages cut like soft pine and can be sculpted easily. Use the device to "fit check" until it fits nicely, and can be contained in the closed book.

Step 5: Cut a Viewing Window

The device screen can be carefully traced into the next full page. That cutout should be continued up through a dozen pages. Use glue to solidify this group. Once the group is dry trim it to just slightly larger than the reading screen on your device.

Step 6: Add a Power Button

The device power button is not accessible in the new compartment. To remedy that situation mark the location of the button on the outside of book leaves. Use a drill to bore a hole with perfect alignment to the device power button. Next line the hole with a small tube. I used the plastic tube inside a bic pen. Next get a nail that fits loosely in the tube. Cut the nail so that the head is aligned with the power button, and the outside end is just long enough to push and activate the reader. I used a jewelry bead as the button.

Step 7: Wrap the Viewing Pages

Place a sheet of card stock in between the device box and viewing window pages. Trace the viewing window and outside of page. Use a straight edge to crisp up the lines and draw an "X" in the view window mark. Now cut the "x" and trim the page size leaving an extra 1/2 inch per side. Next place the paper back in and fold the "x" triangles outward. Tape and glut these into place. Fold the additional 1/2 edge in and glue also.

Step 8: Complete the Enclosure

Add craft paper around the outside if desired to cover up the glue pages. Also use Velcro strips to make the viewing window to close against the enclosure box.

Step 9: Test the Results!!

Place the kindle in the compartment and Velcro stick the viewing window pages down over the device. Activate the power with the extension button, and read away!! The reader now has the "feel", "look", and "smell" of a real book. The device can be read in privacy and style!! Customize the book enclosure with unique dust jackets and needed to fit in anywhere!!