I guess it’s something about the DNA. Our daughters have inherited our love our books — what a joy that they can learn, grow, change, embrace, discover, escape and blossom through books. HOWEVER, we do not have infinite space to collect books. Before this next project our small home boasted 11 bookshelves in all and each are bursting with non-fiction, history, classics, mysteries, fun fiction, mysteries, realistic fiction, fantasy and historical novels.
Both bibliophiles are library junkies who bring home up to 20 books (the very limit you can borrow) each at a time and devour them all. We donate the books that aren’t keepers, but recently Mo’s small bedroom was at the limit for books.
Being our resident style maven, not just any bookcase would do. We searched our local second-hand stores and behold this sweet find at Junkee Clothing and Antique Exchange in Reno, NV:
The first phase was the real challenge. Although the piece of furniture is made of good, solid wood, not plywood or sheet wood, the previous owner had used a faux finish that resembled plasticized wood. (Gotta question the judgement there; why not just buy a plastic shelf?) After sanding and sanding and sanding, then scrubbing with plain water for better part of two hours, the finish just oozed off. Sick! But the result was that we had a clean canvas on which to work.
Next a coat of white spray paint on the exterior. We took turns painting, with me teaching the nuances of spray painting and Mo learning so that she can do this with other projects in the future.
Next step, applying the sweet turquoisey-teal color our girl knew would accent the existing small bedroom. Again, we took turns with the paintbrush and roller so that in the end, we were both proud of our part in the product.
Then, to make it one of a kind, she selected ribbon to festoon the outline. A dark pink on light pink scroll patterned ribbon framed the shelving with style.
Now ensconced in her room, Mo has arranged each shelf by genre with some of her special memories to set off her beloved books.
For me, the best part was doing this together. She learned a lot about seeing a project through from start to finish and I got to spend a glorious day with her and now have the books off the floor.
Sep 08, 2012 @ 23:21:44
The bookshelf looks great! That’s a wonderful project. My girls love books, too. They’re at the children’s book stage, and they have quite a collection. My husband and I read mostly ebooks now, taking care of the space issue.
Sep 08, 2012 @ 23:38:04
Thanks! Hubby has his iPad, but I’m the old-fashioned book hold out! Some day I’m bound to make the change.
Sep 09, 2012 @ 01:46:46
Oh man I love this so much! I have so much crappy furniture that I want to refinish like this. Did it take long?
Sep 09, 2012 @ 05:55:11
No, No. It didn’t take long and we’re not even very crafty! Plus — very cheap — about $50 total. $40 for the bookcase and $10 for supplies. The proverbial win-win.
Sep 09, 2012 @ 04:48:28
Way to go.
Sep 09, 2012 @ 16:40:58
The shelf is fabulous! We are getting over run by books in our house as well. I have been donating a bunch to the school library whenever we can but there are some of their ‘baby’ books I will never part with and which I will give to my grandkids some day. My hubby has switched to a Kobo to help keep his bookaholic tendencies in check.
Sep 10, 2012 @ 01:30:36
Love the touch of ribbon on the shelves! How clever.
Sep 12, 2012 @ 19:35:50
One of my daughters wants a unique bookshelf for her study/guest bedroom, and I’m going to send her to your post. Hmmm. Maybe it’s something the two of us can work on together.
Sep 12, 2012 @ 20:50:41
I think doing it together is the best! Everytime she looks at it, she’ll think of you and in the reverse. Post your results!
Sep 15, 2012 @ 12:41:44
A huge home-made bookshelf stacked with books… What more could one ask for?? You surely had a great time doing this!! 🙂 🙂
Cheers,
Sumithra.
Sep 21, 2012 @ 03:42:37
Very Nice!!
Oct 03, 2012 @ 00:12:10
Catching up on your last few posts (finally added you to my Google Reader!) and I DREAM of 1) bookshelf re-do’s and 2) my daughter still loving books when she’s a big kid. You win on both counts! Lovely project.
Oct 03, 2012 @ 06:40:29
Thank you Laura C! Your little one WILL love books. It’s in the DNA. 🙂
Oct 04, 2012 @ 22:53:57
I love this!
Oct 04, 2012 @ 23:58:36
thank you so much!
Oct 11, 2012 @ 11:09:32
Reblogged this on Buttons and Yarn and commented:
I had so many unread blog-posts to read from this blog I followed a few weeks ago. I had to share this post, because a) it’s an upcycling project far than worth trying and b) if I can’t have the shelf, I want to stare it as long as I want! Ha! xx
Oct 12, 2012 @ 03:21:04
You are so nice!
Oct 11, 2012 @ 11:13:23
I still have to work on reblogging and commenting at the same time. lol
What I wanted to say is: it turned out great and had I found this earlier I wouldn’t have bought these new book shelves. They are really expensive compared to it’s purpose! O_O
Jan 25, 2013 @ 13:42:11
Jan 25, 2013 @ 17:09:59
Books are at the heart of who we are.
Mar 14, 2013 @ 04:38:36
Going back over older posts, as they are all new to me, and this one caught my eye. Looks like a fine bit of DIY and good that it was a joint project – quality time together, a nice piece of furniture and books off the floor – a day well spent. My Dad had me help him on various projects when I was in my teens, from carpentry to painting, all equipped me for when I had my own home, and I still use many of his tools.
Mar 14, 2013 @ 13:16:56
And isn’t it fun to look at a project you did together and see what you learned? The shelves are now dual purpose and she, like you, will have the ability and confidence to take on other tasks. Thank you so much for commenting!