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This DIY is brought to you by a central Indiana Goodwill shopper and DIY-er, Roberta Gardner . She is a local writer for her company blog as well as a volunteer for Mephiobosheth Ministries . Much thanks to her for this great tutorial!
One of my favorite Christmas presents last year was a Kindle Fire HD, a gift from my sister and brother-in-law who know my inclination to collect too many books. I admit my switch to an eReader is a work in progress because I really love books. Nonetheless, I am committed to using it.
As I looked for a cover to protect it, I was disappointed with the drab designs and the prices. An online search turned up a unique idea that was perfect for the thrifty, vintage book lover in me – re-purposing a classic children’s book.
Supplies:
A vintage hardback book (easy to find at Goodwill or a Goodwill Outlet) – here’s your chance to express your personality! Be sure to measure your device and compare to the dimensions of the book to be sure it will fit inside.
Lining material – I used a baby blanket, but you could use any soft fabric.
Glue
Elastic
Needle and thread to match the color of the elastic
Thin cardboard for the panels – a shoe box works well.
Step one: Remove the pages – The first step is to separate the pages from the hard cover of the book. Look closely at the binding to determine the best way to detach the pages. I used an Exacto knife and the pages came out intact. My book has some adorable illustrations so I’m saving those for another project.
Step two: Lining the cover – Measure the front and back cover of your book then cut one piece of cardboard to fit the front and one for the back. To make the front panel, lay out the fabric and place the piece of cardboard on top. Cut the fabric about an inch larger than the cardboard rectangle. Cut the corners so the fabric will lay flat. Glue the fabric to the cardboard.
Repeat the steps above to make the back panel.
Step three: Place your device on the back panel. Loop the elastic around one corner of the Kindle and the panel to estimate the length you will need. Cut the elastic. Be generous when you cut the piece. It is easy to trim off the excess. Now position the elastic where you want it and then sew each end in place. It can be difficult to push the needle through the cardboard, so I used pliers for leverage. Repeat this process for all four corners.
Step four: The final step for the lining is the inside of the spine. Cut a strip of fabric (I used a complimentary pattern) to fit the length from top to bottom. Add extra width on both the left and right sides to fit behind the panels.
Step five: Assembling the pieces – Start by gluing the center piece over the spine. I only used glue on the left and right edges, so this piece floats. Next, glue on the front panel and then the back panel. Put some heavy books on top of the whole thing and let it dry overnight.
The next day, you will have a one-of-a-kind cover that gives the feel of a real book in your hand as you read your favorite e-books.
Terri Moyer says: March 5, 2014 at 2:03 pm Brilliant and beautiful, Roberta! What a terrific job in explaining the steps and providing photos as further explanation. I can’t wait to get started on my cover! Many thanks and big hugs for sharing! Reply rjgardner says: March 13, 2014 at 8:48 am Thank you Terri! Reply
Brilliant and beautiful, Roberta! What a terrific job in explaining the steps and providing photos as further explanation. I can’t wait to get started on my cover! Many thanks and big hugs for sharing!
rjgardner says: March 13, 2014 at 8:48 am Thank you Terri! Reply
Thank you Terri!
Joe says: March 6, 2014 at 2:53 pm This is very cool :) Reply rjgardner says: March 13, 2014 at 8:48 am Glad you liked it Joe :) Thanks! Reply
This is very cool :)
rjgardner says: March 13, 2014 at 8:48 am Glad you liked it Joe :) Thanks! Reply
Glad you liked it Joe :) Thanks!
Roslyn says: March 12, 2014 at 11:44 am Love the idea, and what a great explanation with photos on how to complete the project. Question, will you do this for several books you read? Or did you choose an old favorite to keep your device inside? Reply
Love the idea, and what a great explanation with photos on how to complete the project. Question, will you do this for several books you read? Or did you choose an old favorite to keep your device inside?
rjgardner says: March 12, 2014 at 12:32 pm Thanks Roslyn! I chose a vintage book from my Goodwill store. I picked this particular one because I loved the image on cover and my sister’s name is Rebecca :) You could choose an old favorite or make several. It’s all up to you and your creativity. Reply
Thanks Roslyn! I chose a vintage book from my Goodwill store. I picked this particular one because I loved the image on cover and my sister’s name is Rebecca :) You could choose an old favorite or make several. It’s all up to you and your creativity.
Evelyn Clark says: March 12, 2014 at 10:32 pm very dressy!! like the “news letter” Reply rjgardner says: March 13, 2014 at 8:47 am Thanks Evelyn! Reply
very dressy!! like the “news letter”
rjgardner says: March 13, 2014 at 8:47 am Thanks Evelyn! Reply
Thanks Evelyn!
Linda says: March 13, 2014 at 12:35 am Ms. Roberta, Thank you so much for sharing such a creative and inexpensive way to make an extremely clever e-reader cover. That’s a great idea and fun to make and personalize for friends and family. I love your illustrations also. :) Reply rjgardner says: March 13, 2014 at 8:46 am Thank you Linda! I hope you give it a try. :) Reply
Ms. Roberta,
Thank you so much for sharing such a creative and inexpensive way to make an extremely clever e-reader cover. That’s a great idea and fun to make and personalize for friends and family. I love your illustrations also. :)
rjgardner says: March 13, 2014 at 8:46 am Thank you Linda! I hope you give it a try. :) Reply
Thank you Linda! I hope you give it a try. :)
rsmithcando says: March 13, 2014 at 11:18 am This is also a decent safe-guard from theft; when set down or left in a car, people will notice a basic book, not see an expensive electronic device. It’s a fun way to maintain a little piece of childhood, too. Thanks for sharing your gifts! Reply gwgoodstuff says: March 13, 2014 at 11:27 am That’s a really great point! Reply rjgardner says: March 13, 2014 at 12:11 pm Great points! I hadn’t considered the anti-theft aspect.Thank you for sharing your thoughts! :) Reply
This is also a decent safe-guard from theft; when set down or left in a car, people will notice a basic book, not see an expensive electronic device. It’s a fun way to maintain a little piece of childhood, too. Thanks for sharing your gifts!
gwgoodstuff says: March 13, 2014 at 11:27 am That’s a really great point! Reply
That’s a really great point!
rjgardner says: March 13, 2014 at 12:11 pm Great points! I hadn’t considered the anti-theft aspect.Thank you for sharing your thoughts! :) Reply
Great points! I hadn’t considered the anti-theft aspect.Thank you for sharing your thoughts! :)
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