Unique E-Reader Case

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.

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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

juicymoose says: Nov 10, 2012. 1:02 AM

i live in the UK and im pretty sure we cant get modge-podge could you use book covering film.

shaks says: Jul 19, 2012. 4:09 PM

Great work! I love both pictures, they came out really nice

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

fjordcarver (author) in reply to shaksJul 19, 2012. 4:49 PM

Thanks! I covered them both in Modge-Podge, (step 4) and so far I am very pleased with the protection. The one with the android devil thing has been in service for awhile, I even got rib sauce on it , it wiped right off.
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.

waterbaby in reply to fjordcarverAug 3, 2012. 9:37 AM

Great project! Yes, a few coats of decoupage glue will provide an extremely durable finish -- and just for future reference, Mod Podge comes in a variety of finishes, including three kinds of matte and a satin; here's a link to an informational pdf from the company: http://www.plaidonline.com/eduPDF/MP_Formula_Guide.pdf

angelabchua says: Jul 23, 2012. 2:15 PM

Gah! I love Love LOVE this! Totally going to make one and finally have use for the tons of flat canvas boards. These will make great gifts too. Great i'ble, and your artwork is amazing!

fjordcarver (author) in reply to angelabchuaJul 26, 2012. 10:55 AM

Cheers!

PikeMinnow says: Jul 20, 2012. 7:49 AM

Dude, I think I may just make one for my lenovo thinkpad tablet. This is awesome!

fjordcarver (author) in reply to PikeMinnowJul 22, 2012. 8:40 AM

Thanks!

LeslieJane says: Jul 19, 2012. 8:01 AM

Love the instructions, now to go make my own.

For those with no painting skills, maybe you can decopodge a picture on the boards, using the modpodge.

fjordcarver (author) in reply to LeslieJaneJul 19, 2012. 4:54 PM

Cheers and great idea on decopodge (also love the word).
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.

rrkrose says: Jul 16, 2012. 8:25 PM

Wow these are amazing! Of course mine would look nothing like yours because I have 0 drawing skills!

fjordcarver (author) in reply to rrkroseJul 16, 2012. 10:02 PM

I am sure you could make a fantastically unique one.

rrkrose in reply to fjordcarverJul 17, 2012. 7:56 PM

Maybe not fantastic but it would definitely be unique.

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sunshiine says: Jul 16, 2012. 3:07 AM

Very good, thanks for sharing!
Sunshiine

fjordcarver (author) in reply to sunshiineJul 16, 2012. 6:28 AM

Thank you Sunshine.

Flying Shuttle says: Jul 15, 2012. 5:47 PM

Where can I buy your painting abilities? You forgot to put that in the instructions.

fjordcarver (author) in reply to Flying ShuttleJul 15, 2012. 6:39 PM

Cheers;)

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jessyratfink says: Jul 15, 2012. 11:02 AM

Those look great! Look the evil little android.

fjordcarver (author) in reply to jessyratfinkJul 15, 2012. 6:36 PM

Unfinished (never to be) larger piece inspired by the evil 'lil android. (The e-reader case was were he was born, I actually like the skeletons more....they represent a very bare bones android)

fjordcarver (author) in reply to jessyratfinkJul 15, 2012. 6:27 PM

Thanks! The cheap pandigital(89$) tablet, was not too useful until I rooted it with openpdp, at which point it became a useable android device...so I tried to come up with something fitting for it, I won't say that I nailed it, but it's alright. I liked it enough to have started a piece to serve as a cool custom background for it (In my head I was going to create a whole theme around it....but I lost interest.....as I do so often.....)
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.