How to make a leather case for the Irex Iliad

Required Materials:

Irex Iliad
The Iliad bag that comes with the Iliad (optional)
A leather bound journal size 6x8 inch (available in many styles at Barnes & Noble)
A knife (or scissors)
Epoxy (if using the Iliad bag)
Duct tape (optional)

Step 1: Removing the Pages

After choosing a journal, take your knife (or scissors) and cut the paper out of the binding by cutting where the paper is glued to the leather at the spine. This isn't too difficult, and it didn't damage the leather even though I cut out the pages with a pocket knife.

Step 2: Insert the Plastic (optional)

For this optional step, cut open the cheap bag that Irex sends with the Iliad and remove the hard plastic plate. I used this to add some solid protection to the front of the case.

Using a knife or strong scissors, begin to take a small sliver off of the plastic plate from a long edge that is about 3/4 inch wide. Then take another small sliver off of a short edge that is about 1/2 inch tall. This will ensure that the plastic plate won't stick out of the leather or keep the case from closing tightly.

Apply an epoxy or another strong glue to the back of the plastic plate and place on the inside flap of the leather. To let the glue set, replace the paper and close the case. Set something heavy on top of the case.

Step 3: The End

After the glue has set, you can place your illiad into the new case, but if you are like me, then the paper that is glued to the leather will annoy you. To fix the inevitable paper shreds near the spine, I placed a piece of duct tape over the area.

The end result of this DIY project is a snug fitting case that protects you Iliad, and looks decent.
The odd shaped upper right corner of the Iliad sticks out of the case slightly (but unless you are a huge perfectionist like myself, it won't be noticeable).

If you are worried about the Iliad slipping out of the case, then add some velcro strips to the back.