relation to the moving parts, and make sure they don’t
interfere with each other or with the closing of the book.
Construction
The PCB and schematic files were generated using the
free DesignSpark software ( www.rs-online.com/
designspark/electronics/). All files are downloadable from
the article link.
For purposes of this article, we will assume that the
book is in the same orientation as if you were getting
ready to read it. Cover opens right to left.
It’s best to wrap the book with an “old” looking book
cover first. Get some brown craft paper (grocery bag!) and
cut it big enough to wrap the cover, back, and spine of
the book. Then, wad the paper several times to get a good
wrinkle in it. Glue it on the book avoiding the fake pages.
Spray adhesive works well. (Spray the paper, not the
book.) I make the paper wrap over the edges for a neat
look.
Let it dry for a couple hours, then you can highlight
the wrinkles with some dark brown paint on a dry brush.
Go lightly or the whole thing will just be a solid color. The
secret here is to wet the brush with paint, then paint a
paper towel until the brush ALMOST runs out of paint.
Then, LIGHTLY go over the wrinkles. When you have the
look you want and the paint is dry, a coating like Mod
Podge or watered-down white glue can be painted to
cover the entire book for better longevity.
On the back cover (the bottom) of the book, cut a
24 September 2015
■ FIGURE 4. Drilled 20 mm eyeball.
■ FIGURE 5. Eye motor detail.
■ FIGURE 2. Double-sided printed circuit board.
■ FIGURE 3. Eyeball placement dimensions.