Creating an E-Reader Case Inspired by Gustave's Journal (Expedition 33)

I own a Kobo Glo e-reader. It is quite an old model that I have been carrying around for years, but it still works flawlessly. Until now, I only used it at home, but recently I started taking it out with me more and more to read outdoors. Since I did not have a protective sleeve to transport it safely, and given how difficult it is to find a suitable case in stores for this specific older format, I decided to make my own custom case. As a gamer, I chose to model its design after the famous journal of Gustave, a key item you discover in the video game Clair-Obscur: Expedition 33.

Let's get to work!

* Case Base: A Paperblanks notebook (chosen for the texture and patterns of its hard cover).

* Design & E-reader Mounting: 3D printer (and PLA filament), caliper for precise measurements. 2 pieces of elastic ribbon.

* Paint & Finishes: Metallic paint (copper or bronze shade).

* Hardware & Electronics: A small, thin neodymium magnet (for the automatic sleep mode).

* Adhesives: Glue gun, white paper glue.

I started by gutting the Paperblanks notebook. The goal was to remove all the note pages as cleanly as possible by cutting the binding threads flush with the spine. I kept the block of pages intact so I could use it later as a refill notebook. To hide the remaining binding residue and smooth out the background, I glued a nice sheet of thick paper (like Canson or kraft paper) to the inside of the cover, creating a much more professional look.

Next, I moved on to 3D modeling to design the mounting system for the e-reader.

* Modeling: Using a caliper, I measured the thickness of my Kobo Glo. I designed 2 holding corners adjusted to the nearest millimeter, so that the device would be neither too tight (which might scratch the plastic) nor too loose (which would make it slide out).

* Installation: Once the parts were printed, I threaded two pieces of elastic ribbon through the holes and stapled them to form a loop. I glued them firmly to the inside of the right cover using hot glue. Thanks to the elastics, the e-reader is perfectly secured but remains removable if I need to take it out of its case.

> 💡 The "Smart Cover" Trick: The Kobo Glo features a built-in Hall effect sensor (sensitive to magnetic fields) underneath its shell. I located its exact position and glued a tiny, ultra-thin neodymium magnet to the inside flap of the left cover. Now, whenever I close the notebook, the magnet automatically triggers the device's sleep mode, and wakes it up upon opening!

The printed part can be found here : https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7374695

The choice of a Paperblanks notebook was no accident: the embossed artwork and weathered leather look of their catalog fit perfectly with the historical and painterly atmosphere of Clair-Obscur: Expedition 33.

To transform this notebook into a true replica of Gustave's journal, one central element was missing: the distinctive logo that adorns the cover in the game.

* 3D Printing: I modeled and 3D printed the emblem with a low thickness so that it wouldn't create an uncomfortable extra thickness when holding the e-reader.

* Painting: I applied a coat of copper metallic paint to the plastic logo.

* The "Antique" Patina Effect: To break the overly shiny and "plastic" look of fresh paint, I used a specific technique to apply the paint. I first applied the paint to a sheet of paper and then pressed my printed piece onto it. When removing it, this creates a mottled effect that gives the impression of a slightly weathered, antique piece of metal.

After applying a protective matte varnish to lock in the paint, I glued the emblem to the center of the outer front cover. The final look is striking!

The printed part can be found here : https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7359325

Although the production cost of this accessory (buying the notebook, printing consumables, and paint) is higher than that of a generic plastic case bought in a store, the final result is in a completely different league. I now have a unique, highly qualitative, protective object in my hands, with a level of finish that makes both reading and video game fans jealous!