DIY Your Kindle Cover: Transforming an Old Book into a Stylish E-Reader Accessory

With Amazon's new feature allowing Kindle users to display book covers on the lock screen, it's more important than ever to customize your Kindle experience. One way to do this is by creating a Kindle cover from an old book. This guide will walk you through the process, making your e-reader not just functional but also a unique piece of art.

What You Will Need

To transform your old book into a Kindle cover, you will need the following materials:

A book you're willing to repurpose. This should be at least 7.5 inches tall, 5 inches wide, and 1 centimeter thick. A slightly thicker book can be better for added strength. Two craft sheets larger than the book's cover by 2 inches on all sides. Fevicol or glue stick. Stiff paper board. Scissors. Paper clips. Ruler. Knife or cutter. Felt. Hot glue gun and glue sticks. Elastic bands. Sturdy paper clips for eyelets.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Kindle Cover

Step 1: Prepare the Book

Begin by cutting into the seam of the front and back interior of the book. Using a cutter, carefully remove all the bound paper. The book should remain flat, providing a stable base for your cover.

Step 2: Add Felt to the Binding

Cut a piece of felt to stretch across the binding and hot glue it to the spine of the book. This will hide the edges and provide a better fit for your cover.

Step 3: Cut and Arrange the Cover Material

Measure and cut the paper board to match the cover of your book. Then, cut a 45-degree corner from each corner of the felt. Fold the flaps down and hot glue them into place.

Step 4: Create the Elastic Straps

Cut 4 stripes of elastic and prepare a sturdy paperclip to create eyelets. Measure and punch a hole through the felt and paperboard at the traced outline, making sure to adjust the size for the elastic. Push the eyelet of the paper clip through the hole, load it with an end of the elastic stripe, and repeat on the other end.

Before the next step, dry fit the cover with the reader inside to check the length of the cover strap. Cut and adjust the elastic to the desired length, pull it through the cover, and hot glue the second end. Ensure the paperboard is hot and aligned neatly before securing it into the cover.

Step 5: Finalizing the Kindle Cover

Once you are satisfied with the fit, insert the e-reader and enjoy your custom Kindle cover, transforming a simple book into a personalized and stylish accessory.

Conclusion

Transforming an old book into a Kindle cover is not only a cost-effective way to personalize your e-reader, but it also breathes new life into books that might otherwise go unused. Follow these steps to create a unique and functional Kindle cover that complements your reading experience.