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Kids Bookend Kit: Build your own bookend

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Do your kids want to build and paint just like you?  This project a great beginner build for young ones who want to get in there and make something to call their own. And once they’re done building they can paint it too!

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Or give the build as a unique personalized gift for that artsy friend who loves to paint:

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Attach a cute gift tag (download my tag free from here) and include some fun acrylic paint colors and brushes:

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This project is super kid friendly, I tested it at my 6 year old daughter’s birthday party and all the girls absolutely loved building their own project .  We used kid sized drills (like these kid sized drills) and they truly enjoyed painting their bookends:

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Here they are all lined up drying outside:

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Materials: (for 1 bookend)

  • 1 – 1 x 4 @ 5″ (base)
  • 1 – 1 x 4 @ 4 3/4″ (side)
  • 1 – 4″ wood letter (available here)
  • Drill and countersink bit
  • Wood glue
  • 4 – 1 1/4″ #8 wood screws
  • Circle cutter (if desired), punch & string
  • Acrylic paint & brushes

Instructions:

Note: An adult should complete Steps 1 – 3 to cut and predrill the pieces beforehand.

Step 1: Cut pine boards to size.

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Step 2: Pre-drill two holes down through the 5″ (base) piece and into the end of the  4″ side using a countersink bit.

Step 3: Center wood letter on base piece and predrill two holes down through base into letter.

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Now we’re ready for kids to build.

Step 4: Attach the side piece to base first.  Set two screws in position but not all the way down.

Step 5: Apply wood glue to short side piece where the holes are predrilled. Then place base piece on top creating an “L” (upside down) and finish attaching screws flush.

Step 6: Apply wood glue to base of wood letter and screw in place.  It’s much easier if you let the L portion hang off the edge of the table (see picture).

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Step 7: To give as a gift, print out the project tag (free download here), cut with a circle cutter, punch hole at top and attach with string.

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The natural wood look is nice but my kids love to paint. See how colorful and fun the bookends look painted, especially next to the kids books:

bookend6Grab your kids or make some bookends as gifts, kids are sure to love this fun project.

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10 replies
  1. Christine
    Christine says:

    You, my dear, are an absolute genius! This works great for a birthday party. I can think of so many themes that could incorporate this project. Pinning now!

    Reply

Trackbacks & Pingbacks

  1. […] Can never have enough bookends in this house! Nerdlet actually needs a set for his dresser, so these will work perfectly! So cute and simple, from Pretty Handy Girl. […]

  2. […] your loved ones with these cheerful and colorful letter bookends from Pretty Handy Girl. You’ll have so much fun making […]

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