Chevron bookshelf

 

For all DIY crafters out there looking to experiment with fabric this bookshelf is an easy fun way to add color and textiles to your room. This shelf wasn't in bad shape but needed some sprucing up. Spackle and sanding were the first things on my list for this project. Then I gave it two coats of paint followed by a poly finish. The back was measured, cut and and primed white to brighten the fabric. I measured the fabric and stapled it to the plywood. Before attaching the back I added two coats of water based polycrylic to make it firm and durable. After nailing the back onto the shelf I added a piece of trim to frame it and make it look complete.

Its a Shutter Shelf

I am so excited to present to you...  a shelf made from old shutters! A little recycling can go a long way! This creation was a custom order for a shelf that was able to hold several binders. After searching through my entire stock of inventory I decided I was going to have to create a unique piece that was designed around my client. After receiving the requirements I started sketching out ideas since I was building from scratch. I'm also really thrilled to say that I have advanced from beginner to intermediate at using the table saw! YAY (Patting myself on the back)! I know to some experts out there this doesn't seem to be such a big accomplishment. BUT This is the only tool that really scared me! Between the extreme noise and the blade being in control I was hesitant to use this, especially since I am at my shop solo. The reasoning behind the shelf spacing is this... Since this shelf will be used to hold binders I wanted to make sure that after the binders were piled on you were still able to see the backdrop. That is the best part of the shelf after all! So I measured and added a few extra inches, now when it's full... you can still see the beautiful colors.

Cottage Chic meets Romantic Modern

 

 

 

Hmmmm, where to start on this piece. This piece really was done on a whim. A friend was looking for a piece for her newborn baby’s room and this was the piece I pulled out of my junk pile! It has perfect little baskets that go with it for storing items such as diapers and wipes. Each basket fits perfectly into each solid colored cubby. I am sharing this because I think the scrapbook backing was such a great addition to this piece and is a great idea to add to any piece for character. (Inside Drawers, on top of tables, back of shelves!)

Anyway, to get started I needed to sand away what I am sure were years of dust and grime. I gave it a good wipe down and then primed it. While it dried I took out my tools and started to measure where I wanted the separate cubbies to go (making sure each basket fit into its place). I used 1x2 scrap wood left sitting around my workshop. Carefully measuring the heights of each shelf ... remember measure twice, cut once... using my jigsaw I made the quick cut. Then I added a little wood glue to the end of each piece and put it in place. You may need a rubber pallet to tap the wood into place. These pieces had to dry before going any further since I did not want to shift them.

  

 

After everything was completely dry I started painting the outside (black) and then inside (violet). All the cutting was hand painted, no tape was used. I feel as if taping takes more time for certain projects than just slowly cutting each edge. For the decorative cubbies I used scrapbook paper. This part was the most time consuming for this project. Again, carefully measuring the cubby and then cutting the paper to fit. I used mod podge on the back of the paper and an old credit card to slowly adhere the paper to the shelf, gently smoothing air bubbles. I added a little mod podge to the front of the paper as well and then again ran the credit card over the paper. It really smoothed it out and made the paper really bend into each crevice and bump on the bookshelf. Mod Podge dries clear so there’s no worries about discoloration.

 

 



After letting everything completely dry I then took a water based Polycrylic protective finish and brushed it over the entire bookshelf. I recommend this step not only on this piece but ANY piece that you expect a great deal of use to.