Want a simple and inexpensive way to make a sleeve for your Kindle or iPad? Restyle a thin padded envelope from the post office! This works as a flat clutch for essentials too :)

Here’s how:

Get a thin padded envelope that’s large enough to fit your Kindle or Ipad from the post office or supply store. A non padded envelope works if you just want to prevent scratches. (For those in Singapore, this costs S$1.35 at Singpost with bubble pack on the inside.)

Stuff your gadget in and mark the edges on the indentations. You could measure instead if you love rulers and numbers. :)

Connect the marks with a ruler.

Measure out and mark your top flap. If you want a triangular one as well, find the middle of the line, measure up about 3/4 of the height of the sleeve and join the two ends.

Cut along the line for the top flap design and then cut the front off at the height of the sleeve. If you like the look of the mailer, you’re pretty much done! To decorate, read on!

You can use glue but Mod Podge is way more awesome in my opinion! A roller applicator would probably be best for this but a sponge tip works too. Spread, spread, spread!

Stick the coated side onto the paper or fabric you want to use. In this case I used thick black paper. While that’s sticking, coat the other side!

(If you were wondering about the pool of glue in the corner – I tend to do my Mod Podge projects on freezer paper with a waxy side so I just dump glue in a corner and work with the project in the center.)

Fold another piece of paper in half and stick down. Don’t trim off the other half as we’ll use this to form a slit to hold down the triangular top flap when closed.

Flip to the front and Mod Podge away if you want to coat it for a nice finish or add another design.

I decided to stick on a page from a fashion magazine. Note that magazine paper tends to be really thin and crinkles easily. I contemplated using a thicker card with images on it (how forgiving of Mod Podge!) but the crinkly look grew on me :) Mod Podge over again for a glossy finish and leave to dry!

Flip to the back and mark a line where you want to stuff the top flap in. Fold down to make sure the slit is large enough for your flap to fit.

Use a paper blade to cut the slit in the paper (be careful to cut only the top sheet and not all the way through!)

You should have something like this. The top flap will bulge somewhat if you decide to wrap all sides with paper. For a flatter look, keep the inside raw (i.e. you’ll be able to see the bubble pack on the inside.)

Keep the flap tucked into the slit and flip to the reverse side. Apply Mod Podge all around but leave a gap where the flap tip and slit is. Press down firmly on the fold and leave to dry.

And there you have it – a great looking kindle or iPad sleeve! Trim the sides if required and apply a final layer of Mod Podge over everything for a glossy finish. Looks much better than just paper eh!

p/s  If you prefer an even more distressed look, when the Mod Podge on the front is almost dry, stick it onto freezer paper or a piece of paper. Pull off when dry and you’ll notice some parts will tear off slightly.

This also works best for impatient people who want to work on the back without waiting for it to dry fully (yes. that’s how I found out. but I really liked the look of it after!)

Laptop sleeve next perhaps? :)