Personalizing a simple DIY shelf
Most of the time,
I see things that I store in my mind for a future time.
Something that I like,
and I say to myself … ”I can make that!”.
It comes in handy when I need an idea for an upcoming wedding.
One for a co worker who loves Pinterest and making things herself.
Who doesn’t love something with your new last name on it?!
Ideas in my head get written down on whatever is handy.
In this case it was a scrap piece of paper.
List of supplies
2 ft 1×4 (top of shelf)
2 ft 1×6 (back of shelf)
2 – 2 ft 1×1 (for spacer pieces)
2 ft trim piece
2 ft molding
‘Power Grab’ (to adhere each piece before nailing)
Thin hardboard that I cut into squares for name
Primer
Paint
Stain
Stencils
Ok, this seems like quite a list, but for DIYers most of these things, you have on hand around the house anyway!
I first tried two 1x4s but knew that wouldn’t work. It would not give me enough room to make the letters big enough.
Hence, a 1×6 for the back piece.
Next I cut the 1×1′s and laid them on the top and bottom of the 1×6.
(I did not permanently adhere them yet)
Next I cut and placed the trim piece on top of the top spacer.
(This is what will hold the letters in place)
The only thing left to finish the shelf is to pick the molding.
I happened to have 2 types left over from previous projects.
The first one I tried … looked to ornate for the look I am going for.
Her wedding is a bit country and she likes the whitewashed look.
Now the fun part of putting it all together!
Have you noticed my work space is once again outside?
Ok, focus!
I used a small amount of Power Grab on each piece and then used my finishing nail gun to put it all together.
It goes together VERY quickly!!!
I sanded all the rough edges and sprayed a coat of primer on it.
Paint a coat of whatever shade of paint you want to use.
In my case, I used white so the Bride could use it in any room she chose.
I also knew I was going to stain the wood letters and the contrast would really help it stand out!
While the shelf was drying, I did math.
Mr Man and I did math.
Mr Man did the math.
I needed to make my letters 4×4 since I had 2 ft and 6 letters to make.
If I had to make a name with a long last name I would have made it on one long piece.
If it was short, I would have made it with a design or blank spaces on the ends.
