Camouflaged

Shortly after I got a Kindle for my birthday in January I figured out how to use it at work without anyone noticing. The mall Customer Service desk has a large overhang at the top.  I always have a water bottle tucked under there, and I just leaned the Kindle against it.  All I have to do is reach forward a bit every time I need to hit the page button.

That worked OK, but even though my water bottle is a sturdy metal model it would topple backwards if I pushed the page button too hard.  I also had a problem with the Kindle maintaining the right reading angle; it had a tendency to slide down on the slick counter top.  I looked in a couple of stores to see if I could buy a holder, but when I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for (something inexpensive and small enough to fit into my storage drawer in the back office) I decided to try making my own.

I started with a sturdy box that had held a small quilting kit....

and glued an interior section to what had been the top of the box.

I took my creation to work the next day.  It performed wonderfully, but I was concerned the bright colors and large size might draw attention to the Kindle, which was the last thing I needed.  I decided to make the stand less visible.

The first thing I did was cut it down to size.  When I did that the front lip was less sturdy, so I added additional cardboard to reinforce it.

Then, to mask the hodgepodge of colors I gave the whole thing a couple of coats of black acrylic paint.

I've already used the new and improved holder a couple of times.  It's amazing how inconspicuous it is!

Five years ago today: New Thing #68--Total Rewards