bookshelves facelift Archives - Pretty Handy Girl

arts and craft, book, Books as decor, bookshelves facelift, Build It, Crafts, gifts, Stashbusting

DIY Owl Bookends

Pretty Handy readers Happy New Year! Jaime here today from That’s My Letter to share how to make scrap wood DIY Owl Bookends. It’s January and everyone is in cleaning, purging, and organizational mode. While you’re cleaning out the scrap wood bin, save a few scraps to make these cute owl bookends. They are adorable and will help straighten up your bookshelf, too.

I used scrap wood pieces straight from my cut off bin to quickly put together these bookends. These wood pieces happen to be different colors (some stained, some cedar, some painted) but you could easily use new lumber and paint the owls in fun colors.

This is a great gift idea for adults and kids alike! I sent this pair off to my sister who happened to have an owl get down her chimney (someone left the flue open!) and was flying around in her house.

Below are the step-by-step instructions including materials and a cut list. Always follow all safety precautions when using power tools.

Materials: Read more

January 20, 2016/12 Comments/by Jaime Costiglio

accessories, Bookcase backer board, bookshelves facelift, decor, Decorating, desk, storage, Upcycling

Magazine File Box Facelift

It’s a new year and I want to give a few rooms in our house a fresh new look. Our office was one of the first spaces I completed when I started this blog (has it really been 5 1/2 years!)

I’m tired of staring at the same room day after day. I know many of you feel the same way. You have that itch, or a burning desire to hop in the car and drive to your nearest Home Goods, World Market or The Container Store to buy cute colorful decor or storage bins. I almost caved into that desire because I was tired of looking at the two tone boxes I bought 6 years ago. But, that would mean discarding the old ones. You know how I feel about throwing things away! If I can upcycle it, I’m going to!

Within 10 minutes you could give a Magazine File Box a Facelift (or a storage box)! I saved a lot of money reusing the old. Factor in the gas money I saved by not driving to the store. And the time I saved by not leaving the house. I think I deserve a big fat high five! Put ‘er there fellow savers!

Here’s How to Give Your Magazine File Box a Facelift: Read more

January 15, 2016/16 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

book, Books as decor, bookshelves facelift, Crafts, Gift Ideas, gifts, Home Decor, inspiration, kids art

3 DIY Books for Holiday Gifts

I’m thrilled to share with you a selection of 3 DIY books this holiday season. If you are looking for ideas for someone on your gift list who: has children who love to create; loves rustic metal decor; or wants some simple ideas to love the home they are living in…I have the book for you!

Let’s start with C.R.A.F.T – Creating REALLY Awesome Free Things (affiliate link). This book by Jamie Dorobek was not a book I had originally planned on reviewing. But, when I opened the envelope and set the book on the counter it was instantly whisked away from me. My boys took the book and read it from front to back!

Within 30 minutes, my oldest (a middle schooler) had already cut up a cereal box and was working on his own puzzle.

The next day, my 3rd grader had a playdate at our house. He and his friend asked for the materials to make their own Emoji masks. Read more

November 30, 2015/6 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Bookcase backer board, bookshelves facelift, Build It, cabinet, Guests

How to Build Custom Built-In Bookcases

Building-Custom-Bookshelves

Matt & Jacque are here today to show you an amazing feat. They will show you how to build custom built in bookcases. You may remember this DIY Performing duo as former contributors. I know you’ve missed them and I’m sure you’re excited to see Matt & Jacque back again!

Matt & Jacque are the powerful DIYers at The DIY Village. They tackle all types of home improvement projects while raising their daughter Josslyn. These are some busy renovators.

I believe that’s the whine of two drills that I hear! Let’s give it up for Matt & Jacque.

I’m a firm believer that one can never have enough storage within their home! Especially, when you’re talking about a craft room! When we purchased our current house, my husband and I agreed would convert one of the bedrooms into a room where I could let my craft “freak” flag fly. Looking back on that decision, I still wonder what he was thinking, but nonetheless, fast forward three years. I have accumulated quite the inventory of supplies and came to the conclusion that the only storage solution would be the addition of matching built-in bookcases.

First off, let’s take a quick look at the basic structure that will make up the bookcase. (I won’t be including any dimensions, as you’ll need to work within the spatial constraints of your own home) The basic frame of the bookcase can be built using 1×12’s, along with a small platform that is made from 1×3. I have a large double window in this room so the best place to install the bookcases is on either side of the window, flanking the window.

One of the easiest ways to assemble your bookcase frames is by using pocketholes.

Using a pocket hole jig will make easy work of your assembly. With all of your lumber cut to length, you’ll need to drill pocketholes at the top and bottom of each side. Read more

October 12, 2015/6 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

bedroom, book, Bookcase backer board, Books as decor, bookshelves facelift, Build It, storage

DIY Wall Bookrack

bookrack title 1

Who needs kids book storage that is easily accessible and holds a ton of books? I’m Jaime from That’s My Letter and today I’m sharing a DIY wall bookrack with free plans to build your own.

This bookrack building project will have all your books corralled in no time. The shelves are tapered and have plenty of depth for multiple books or thicker books.

Personally I love this display style storage because it allows kids to see the book covers, easily making reading more enticing!

I added a center cut out for style points, but this is totally optional. It doesn’t affect the operation of the bookrack.

At only 4 1/2″ deep the bookrack is unobtrusive but still provides plenty of useful storage.

Materials:

1 – 1x5x10 pine board
1 – 1x4x10 pine board
1 – 1x3x6 pine board
1 – 1x2x6 pine board
1/4″ plywood (1/2 sheet)
chop saw
measuring tape
pencil
sandpaper
wood putty
drill
pocket hole jig
1 1/4″ pocket hole screws
1 1/4″ & 3/4″ finish nails
finish nailer or hammer
wood glue
french cleat

Instructions:

Click here to download the step-by-step instructions to construct this bookrack. Read through plans first before beginning.

Cut list:

2 – 1×4 @ 31 ½” (sides)

3 – 1×5 @ 36” (shelf fronts)

1 – 1×4 @ 34 1/2” (bottom shelf base)

1 – 1×3 @ 34 ½” (middle shelf base)

2 – 1×2 @ 34 ½” (top shelf base & top cross support)

1 – ¼” plywood @ 36” x 31 ½” (back)

Step 1: Sides. Follow measurements in guide above to cut out sides. Use a jigsaw and clamps to hold your wood steady. Cut 2 sides.

Tip: To ensure sides are equal, clamp together then sand smooth.

Step 2: Shelf fronts. Attach (3) shelf fronts to sides at notched locations using glue and 1 ¼” finish nails. Read more

May 20, 2015/6 Comments/by Jaime Costiglio