There’s been a lot of talk lately about how the iPad is going to save the publishing industry. It’s an amazing device, and surfing the web on it is pretty incredible. Some of the new magazine apps, like Wired, are neat, but they haven’t quite tapped the potential of where these devices can go with content. They’re still print migrating one media to another.

I’ve been on the hunt for a case that fit my needs. Then it occurred to me. I could reuse some of the old media from my desk, and solve my new media case dilema in the process. So Green.

ReadyMade Magazine is a fitting candidate for a DIY undertaking of this magnitude, as it’s the very sort of thing they write about on their website, and in the magazine (and I assume soon on the iPad in the form of an App). It’s also sized very nicely in relation to the device: A bit of extra all the way around. It’s perfect bound, so no unsightly staple scratches down the road, either.

I surveyed the situation and gathered my supplies. Who would have thunk it? In a design office it would be hard to find an elastic? This slowed down my fabrication process, but over the weekend I was able to salvage a hefty blue band from some produce. Again, reusing. So Green. I sketched a few things on paper (recycled) , and made the decision to forgo any sort of detailed AutoCAD drawing before starting the process. I wore safety glasses.

The most important factors in my case design are finding a magazine that’s not too big (and not too small) and a rubber band that will hold up to the task (hint: celery). For god sakes, no saddle stitched magazines, please. Staples and modern technology do not mix. With those objects in tow, you’re half-way home.

After a few minutes of careful consideration, and staring, I started the process by opening up the magazine. I suggest roughly half-way open, allowing for optimum impact resistance on both sides of the device. I like to choose an editorial spread, so there’s no chance I’ll accidentally click on one of the ads. Breathe. Next step.

Here’s where it gets risky. Slide your iPad into the magazine, being EXTREMELY careful to avoid paper cuts. Once you’ve got it positioned adequately, close the pages. Be sure to note which page you left your iPad on. It will help you find it later.

Now comes the important part. Restraint. We need to insure this thing doesn’t fly back open. You’ll need two hands for this, and safety glasses, should the band rupture.  The [former] celery elastic gets stretched around the pages (being careful not to create dog-ears… you’ll confuse future readers). Position the band equidistant from the top and bottom. Breathe again.

That’s it. You’re done. Remember that you’ve just helped save landfills from the nearly 2 billion magazines that end up in them each year. And what’s more, you’ve got a bunch of celery to eat for dinner while catching up on the news, or reading a novel on your iPad.