BEFORE & AFTER: The Makeover of a Roadside Book Shelf
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When you’re cruising along at 45 mph and see this on the side of the road for–gasp!–$35, YOU MUST bust a “u-ee” and scoop it up–quick!!
….Because, seriously…..that….can easily turn into this…..with just a little bit of Annie Sloan “Pure White” paint, pretty scrapbooking paper…and some Mod Podge adhesive.
(Please excuse the grainy-ness of the pics. I was so excited to post it here that I didn’t wait for my Canon G12 battery to charge; I just used my iPhone!)
I’ve been wanting a reading room soooooo bad–a place where we can all curl up with a good book (OMG, if you haven’t read the Game of Thrones 5-book series, you need to get it. It’s amazing!! I’m on Book #2). And I knew I wanted some shelves that weren’t going to bankrupt me.
Oh, yeah–and the guy was actually selling TWO shelves!
Not bad for $70, eh?? Solid, hardwood shelves. AND he delivered them for free 
Here’s what you need:Materials
- A book shelf in good condition.
- Paper (scrapbooking, newsprint, pictures, even fabric!) Have extra on-hand for mistakes.
- Mod Podge glue (found at the craft store). See Mod Podge Rocks for info and tutorials.
- Paint brush or sponge.
- A paper cutter or scissors.
- A brayer (a roller for smoothing out material after Mod Podged).
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| Mod Podge in glossy finish, with brayer for smoothing |
What To Do:
- Lay out your paper or material you’ll be using to Mod Podge. Cut all the pieces you’ll need. TIP: If you’re using light/thin colored material, you can slighly overlap its sides. For thicker material, you’ll want to cut it exactly to reduce bulk.
- Paint all parts of the book shelf, leaving the areas that will be Mod Podged free of paint.
- Mod Podge the shelf–NOT the paper (otherwise, if you’re using paper, it will get soggy before applying).
- Apply paper/material and use the brayer to roll out bubbles. Don’t expect perfection if it’s your first time!
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| Hide smaller strips in inconspicuous places where the seams won’t be as noticeable, such as where the shelf will cover it. |
- Apply a final coat of Mod Podge to the top layer of the paper/material. Don’t worry that it’s milky; it will dry clear! This will lock out moisture and wetness and preserve the material.
- Ta-da! A cool addition to your decor, for super cheap.
My Reading Room
So this book shelf is going into the reading room that I am working on, which is traditionally known as the “formal living room.” It’s still a loooonnng way from being done, and still feels so damn BARE! I’ve painted thus far. GORGEOUS, huh?
It’s Sherwin Williams “Window Pane” and is to die for! Feels so fresh…………..
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| Sherwin Williams “Window Pane” |
This is the color it used to be–nasty, uninspiring beige.
And, you know….I love turquoise so much, that I think I’m going to paint my whole freakin’ house in turquoise! Oh–that’s right, I almost have: master bedroom, half bath, crafting room, aaaaaannnnd, now the reading room.
My hubby is a very forgiving sorta guy…..Thanks, baby.
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Tags: BEFORE and AFTER, book shelf, mod podge, scrapbook paper
Serena,
Very crafty. I love it. I happen to be helping to run a Yard Sale for my kids’ school so I’m seeing a lot of the diamonds in the rough right now! And some pure coal as well. Keep up the great work!
Omg, the little one on your back, too cute! I love your blog, you have wonderful ideas!