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DIY Decorating: Part 4

Hanging On

As promised, I’ve saved left one of the most unique projects I’ve come across for last. This, too, was a result of an afternoon of Stumbling, and to be honest, I was thrilled for an excuse to try it out. It’s called a “floating bookshelf,” and if you do it right, the books really do look as though they’re floating beside your wall.

There is a video on how to do this, but it is a little more tool-intensive. Take it from me, this shelf CAN be made without a power drill or a stud finder (although I’m sure they do make the process easier). Also, I used two L-brackets (also known as corner re-enforcers) instead of just one, for more stability.

To make a floating bookshelf, you will need:

  • an old book that you don’t want anymore (I bought an old dictionary at Goodwill for $1.50)
  • two L-brackets, which can be found for a couple bucks at Walmart
  • six screws that are slightly shorter than your book is thick
  • a screwdriver (or power drill if you have one)
  • scissors or an X-acto knife
  • glue (I used a hot glue gun, but you can also use wood glue or regular Elmer’s glue)

Making this shelf is pretty simple, but if you get lost (or just want a visual), feel free to check out the original video and see what’s what. Just remember…I didn’t follow these steps exactly, so the two might not line up correctly.

1. Lay the book cover-side down on a sturdy table or the floor. Screw a screw into each of the outer corners (farthest from the spine) so the pages will be secure.

2. Grab your two L-brackets and place them on the book so it’s divided into thirds; you want there to be equal space between the brackets and the ends of the book.

3. Trace the outlines of the brackets on the last page of the book. Cut out enough of the pages so that the brackets will lie flat in the space you cut out. You also need to measure and cut out notches on the opposite cover, so the book will close properly.

4. Screw the L-brackets into their notches. Each bracket should take two screws.

5. Glue the bottom cover to the last page, so the book will stay closed when you hang it.

6. To find the stud in the wall, tap along the plaster until you hear a solid thud. If you have a stud finder, that’s even better. Try to hang the shelf on a horizontal stud if you can; otherwise, make sure one side of the bookshelf is hanging from a stud for stability. When you hang it, make sure the top cover of the book is facing the ceiling, and the tops of the L-brackets extend above the top of the book.

7. Stack your books horizontally on your shelf until they cover the top of the brackets, and voila! Your books are now floating.

Right now, this shelf is in my roommate’s room. I do plan on making another though, for the living room and maybe even one for the kitchen, for my cookbooks.

Now readers, armed with your plethora of crafts, I bid you: decorate away!

Direct link: http://backdropmag.com/uncategorized/diy-decorating-part-4/
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