Want to make a custom e-reader case that really shouts "This is Me! It's how I roll, I am a maker!"?
For a couple of bucks, I'll show you how you can make an e-reader case as unique as you.
Practical. Attention grabbing, unique.
Make one for next to nothing, and reap the rewards of being an attention grabbing trendsetter. Well, maybe.
For a couple of bucks, I'll show you how you can make an e-reader case as unique as you.
Practical. Attention grabbing, unique.
Make one for next to nothing, and reap the rewards of being an attention grabbing trendsetter. Well, maybe.
Step 1: Hunter/Gatherer
Here is all that you will need to find
- - two artist hardboard canvases (They come in a pack of two for one dollar at the dollar store)
- - a scrap length of 1/2 inch square dowling
- - two small hinges, I nabbed mine off of a wooden box from the dollar store
- - some black clothing elastic (local sewing store or, you guessed it, the dollar store)
- - a needle and thread
- - acrylic hobby paint and brushes
- - Modge-Podge
- - a drill and a tiny drill bit
Step 2: Make the Covers
Start by cutting two lengths of square dowel slightly shorter than the canvas.
Use some carpenters glue to stick them to the back side of the boards, slightly inset from the edge. Clamp them and let them dry.
Use some carpenters glue to stick them to the back side of the boards, slightly inset from the edge. Clamp them and let them dry.
Step 3: Finish Prepping the Panels
Place the e-reader on one of the boards to get a rough marking for where to attach your elastic.
Make your marks and drill some small holes. These will be for attaching the elastic that will hold your e-reader secure when in use, so keep the holes small and tight enough to accommodate your elastic. (i.e. Not further apart than the elastic is wide.)
Make your marks and drill some small holes. These will be for attaching the elastic that will hold your e-reader secure when in use, so keep the holes small and tight enough to accommodate your elastic. (i.e. Not further apart than the elastic is wide.)
Step 4: Paint!!
Paint Paint Paint.
I'll do a short walk through of the blue one, to help those who don't know where to start.
I usually start by giving my boards a base colour, in this case blue. I just used white and blue and went to town with horizontal strokes, dipping in blue sometimes, white others and just blending and enjoying the sun.
I left it to dry, flipped it over and made sure to cover everything, inside and out.
Then I used some dark green, some bright green, and some yellow with a feather brush and short strokes to create some grass.
I like to start dark and lighten until i am happy and then just touch in some highlights.
Add in a happy little tree. The trunk is made greys and browns, just cut in rough, it mostly gets covered in leaves anyways.
Dot in some leaves, start dark and work towards the brighter leaves. try to imagine light dappling around in there.
Next i reversed the canvases to get my two trees and my valley. Then I roughed in and finally detailed the 'Moon Guy Thingy'.
Once you are finished with your painting, coat the whole thing in a couple of layers of Modge-Podge, or similar. Inside and out, you never know when you might spill a coffee while sitting outside having a good read, looking super cool because of your envy evicting e-reader case.
I'll do a short walk through of the blue one, to help those who don't know where to start.
I usually start by giving my boards a base colour, in this case blue. I just used white and blue and went to town with horizontal strokes, dipping in blue sometimes, white others and just blending and enjoying the sun.
I left it to dry, flipped it over and made sure to cover everything, inside and out.
Then I used some dark green, some bright green, and some yellow with a feather brush and short strokes to create some grass.
I like to start dark and lighten until i am happy and then just touch in some highlights.
Add in a happy little tree. The trunk is made greys and browns, just cut in rough, it mostly gets covered in leaves anyways.
Dot in some leaves, start dark and work towards the brighter leaves. try to imagine light dappling around in there.
Next i reversed the canvases to get my two trees and my valley. Then I roughed in and finally detailed the 'Moon Guy Thingy'.
Once you are finished with your painting, coat the whole thing in a couple of layers of Modge-Podge, or similar. Inside and out, you never know when you might spill a coffee while sitting outside having a good read, looking super cool because of your envy evicting e-reader case.
Step 5: Hinges
While your work of art dries, you can dismantle the Dollar Store box to get the hinges.
Just line them up on the edge of the 'book', drill a small starter hole and screw them in.
Just line them up on the edge of the 'book', drill a small starter hole and screw them in.
Step 6: Attach the Elastic
Cut two lengths of elastic the length of the boards.
Sew the elastic into position. Fold them back when attaching so as to create a loop under which you can tuck your device.
Use the holes that you drilled when preparing the covers to facilitate sewing the elastic on.
It is a little bit tricky to get the second side started while retaining a little bit of tension on the elastic, refer to the photos to see how I pinched it while I did it.
Sew the elastic into position. Fold them back when attaching so as to create a loop under which you can tuck your device.
Use the holes that you drilled when preparing the covers to facilitate sewing the elastic on.
It is a little bit tricky to get the second side started while retaining a little bit of tension on the elastic, refer to the photos to see how I pinched it while I did it.
Step 7: Read in Style!
That's it, your new awesome e-reader case is ready to receive an e-reader!
Tuck one in, go to the park and have a good read while everyone looks on in envy and curiosity!
Tuck one in, go to the park and have a good read while everyone looks on in envy and curiosity!
Visit Our Store »
Go Pro Today »
Good work with the case too. Did you cover it with clear coat (matte clear coat) just to protect it? I would be afraid about paint rubbing off with hands
My only complaint about Modge Podge is the lengthy dry time. It sets up fast, but stays kinda tacky for about a day.
A matte clear coat would probably do better justice to the art, modge podge does add some shine.
For those with no painting skills, maybe you can decopodge a picture on the boards, using the modpodge.
I actually did some decopodge on this project
(and a simple child-like painting)
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-Keepsake-Book-for-your-Child/
done with bits and bobs of textured things that I had. Even tissues and brown paper bags.
Not the most interesting piece, but supports the point.
Sunshiine
I'll go snap a shot of it and put it up(pretty evident why I quit on it, the composition bites). Might as well it is just sitting in a pile waiting for another coat of gesso (all out)
Cheers.