Monday, October 5, 2009

Awesome Fabric Bookshelf

This post is linked to the DIY party @ Shanty2Chic, go check it out!Also linked up to Andy's Poppies at Play Creative Cats!

PBJ
Posts by Julie:


I saw a colorful fabric bookshelf at Big Lots that I thought would be great to have around for the grandkids, but for $30 it wasn't high on my priority list. I browsed at the DI a few times and eventually found a broken shoe rack (or maybe it was a vhs tape rack) but that gave me the dowels I needed for only $2.




I had a piece of particle board left from our kitchen sink that I cut for the sides of the shelf.



I drilled holes for the dowels, and also for two more dowels to help brace/support the lower edge of the shelf.



I painted the side pieces and dowels and then screwed in the lower dowels. (above)


I used a piece of heavy woven navy fabric I had, folded and sewed the long edges and made a casing to fit the lowest dowel. (I had lots of extra length, but later figured out how to use it ) I had to experiment draping it over each dowel to get the right length to hold the books how I wanted.



With the extra fabric hanging down the back of the shelf (after I sewed the last casing) I finished the short edge, folded it up and sewed 2 large pockets that I can store extra books in. That way I can rotate out books if I want but not have to store them elsewhere.




Next, I ran the dowels through the casings, screwed in the dowels, and painted over the screw heads.


Lastly, I hot glued some navy braid on the edges of the sides so it would look more finished, added the books, and I'm done!



I know my granddaughter will be excited to see her favorite books so easy to reach!


How cute! Way to be creative and save some money mom! My kids will love it ;) !!




14 comments:

Shannon said...

Very cute idea! I need something like that for all my kids books. Creative!

Jane said...

That's awesome!

KellyH said...

Very Cool Idea!

Anonymous said...

I love this idea and haven't seen it before! Very cute.
pk @ room remix

Leigh said...

great idea! Books displayed that way are great for kids!

Unknown said...

That's just downright smart! Love this project!

Unknown said...

You really turned nothing into something amazing!

Jill said...

That is adorable! I'm amazed at the transformation of your thrift store find.

K@The Thrifty Teacher said...

What a lovely idea! I would love this for my classroom!

Shanty 2 Chic said...

This is such a cute idea! My kiddos would love it!! Way to go and thanks for linking up!!
~Whitney

Andy Porter said...

I totally want one of these...really!! That rocks!!

girl meets carpenter said...

That looks so great! What a great idea!

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

What a neat idea...looove how it turned out...thanks for sharing.

Blessings,
Linda

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