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:
- scrap wood pieces as listed below
- miter saw
- measuring tape & pencil
- jigsaw
- sandpaper
- drill & drill bits
- 1 1/4″ wood screws
- nailer
- 1 1/4″ finish nails
- 3/4″ finish nails
- wood glue
Cut List (for 1 bookend):
- 1 – 1×6 @ 6 3/4″ pine board (side)
- 1 – 1×6 @ 6″ pine board (base)
- 1 – 1×6 @ 6″ cedar board (head)
- 1 – 1×4 @ 3 3/4″ pine board (face)
- 2 – 1 1/4″ circular dowel (eyes)
- 1 – cedar plank scrap (beak)
Instructions:
Step 1: Assemble the bookend. Attach side piece to base using wood glue and countersunk 1 1/4″ wood screws.
Step 2: Cut out owl head shape as per sketch.
Step 3: Attach the face piece to head using wood glue and 1 1/4″ finish nails.
Step 4: Attach eyes and beak to head using wood glue and 3/4″ finish nails.
Step 5: Center owl onto base and attach using wood glue and 1 1/4″ countersunk screws.
Be sure to sand any rough edges. I recommend painting the owl prior to attaching it to the bookend.
Cheers to another great scrap wood project. Now go raid your bin and make some owl bookends!
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I’m trying to dermal an owl on a round slab of wood
These are adorable and the perfect gift for my great niece. I bought (I did not have any scraps) the wood at Lowe’s and had them cut the 1 x 6 and 1 x 4 for me – yay for Lowe’s cutting. I got home and now am wondering how I am going to cut the scoop for the owl’s ears. I was going to use my jigsaw, but thinking the 1 x 6 is too thick? I only have a circular saw and jig saw. Any ideas or guidance?
Grace you can definitely use a jigsaw on the 1x material, it’s only 3/4″ thick so you should be fine. Follow the sketch in Step 2 for the curve. Good luck.
Super cute idea! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Becky. They were so fun to make, I just wish I had some time to make more animals – all in due time.
This is so cute, Jamie! I love how easy these are to make. For some reason, I’ve really started to love owls. I ince passed up on a cute blue ceramic owl from the thrift store and I regret it to this day. Lol. These might possibly be a good replacement for my bookshelf! Thanks for the idea!
Thank you Serena. Owls are definitely making a come back, in fact I might be late to the owl trend but they were just too fun to make. Now I’m thinking we need more animal shapes, elephant? moose? bird? it’s endless!
I love your bookends! Scrap projects are the absolute best. It always feels so good to use up things you have on hand. Thank you for sharing your plans!
Thanks Cat. There’s so many great uses for scrap wood I just can’t justify throwing it out!
These are adorable Brittany! What a great way to use left over boards!
Thank you Leanne. I hate to see scrap wood go to waste!