Bookcase Update
"When stuck at home due to Covid-19 it's easy to become tired with your surroundings. What's a gal to do when she wants to freshen up her bedroom and has no money and let alone no place to shop? Check the basement (or attic) for cast-offs and then transform an old bookcase into a nightstand by giving it a facelift with chalk paint and stencils. Best yet, tuck a message inside for your "future you" to remind you that "You are loved!" "
Primary TechniquePainting
Materials List
- Wood bookcase
- Chalk paint-Plaid Crafts Folk Art-Cascade and Sheepskin
- acrylic paint-Plaid Crafts Ultra Marine Blue, Engine Red, Lime Green
- Paint Brush
- Stencils-Hallmark Adhesive Stencils, Happy, Texture
- make-up sponges
- paper plate.
- sandpaper, wood filler, (if needed)
Instructions
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Give the bookcase a good cleaning with dish soap and hot water.
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If necessary, fill in gouges with wood filler and lightly sand.
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Paint inside of book case using "Sheepskin" Chalk paint. Allow to dry
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Paint outside of the book case "Cascade" (hint if you don't have the exact color of chalk paint you desire, mix in some acrylic to adjust, I had a large jar of "Cascade" blue and it wasn't dark enough for my liking so I tinted it with "ultra marine blue" acrylic paint till I got the desired shade. Allow paint to dry.
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Apply second coat of chalk paint if necessary and allow to dry.
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Apply adhesive stencils to top of bookcase, be sure to rub the stencil all over to make sure it adheres well.
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Using make-up sponge, apply paint to your stencil. Tip-dab sponge into acrylic paint, and then "dab off" the excess on a paper plate, too much paint on the sponge will cause bleeding under your stencil.
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Remove stencil while paint is still wet, and reposition to continue the design.
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Apply "you are loved" stencil design to inside of the book case in similar fashion.
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Allow to dry, and enjoy your new nightstand.
NotesIt's amazing what little changes can do to life your spirits. By simply adding a coat of paint and stenciled design to bookcase, what was a cast off piece of furniture, turned into an adorable focal point next to my bed that makes me smile when I see it.