Estelle's New Bookshelves~ Tutorial

I love blog world, you can find so many great tutorials.  I have been looking for a bookshelf for Elle's bedroom on Craigslist and other websites, but haven't found what I wanted.  Then I found a blog called The Sweet Survival where Trisha made these adorable bookshelves for her son's room.  

So, I sent the hubby to our local home center to pick up the materials!  Here's how we created Elle's new book shelves.

Materials:

1 QT of paint 

1~1x6x6 Whitewood 

1~1x4x6 Whitewood

1~1x8x6 Whitewood

14~ 1 1/4 in. Wood Screws

Paint Brushes in various sizes

2~ 2 1/2 in. Drywall Screws

Small tube of Paint

Cricut Expression

Sure Cuts A Lot

Scotch Painters Tape

Sand Paper

Wood Putty

Directions:

 You'll need to cut your 1x8, 1x6, and 1x4 wood to 24 inches.  The face of your shelf will be the 1x6, the 1x8 will be the back of the shelf, and the 1x4 will be the bottom.  

Next, pre-drill holes to prevent your wood from splitting.  Then drill the wood screws in to secure all pieces of the wood.  Once the three pieces are attached, you'll need to cut your side pieces with the remaining 1x4.  Then attach it the same way you did it with the other pieces. 

 Use wood putty to cover your screws and allow it to dry.  Then sand down the putty.

Next, paint the shelves.  It may take a few coats.

 Then, you'll add your stencil.  I didn't have any vinyl on hand, but I think that it would have been easier to use.  If you are painting with the stencil, you need a lot of patience and a steady hand.  You don't want the paint to ooze under the stencil.  If that happens, use a small paint brush and the paint from the shelf to touch it up.

I designed this stencil using my Cricut and Sure Cuts A Lot, and used the font Smiley Monster

 And while you or your significant other puts the shelf up, your little one can speed up the process by standing over your shoulder with a hockey stick.

To attach to the wall, use a stud finder and attach the shelf using the 2 1/2 in. drywall screws.  If it isn't drilled into a stud, you'll need to secure it with L-brackets or something like that.

Then, let your little one enjoy their new book shelves!


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