A while back, I shared a “project” that I did, that involved turning an extra kitchen cabinet I had into a little book nook for my kids. You can find it here: Kitchen Cabinet Turned Book Nook.
Although I loved the idea, I got tired of how unfinished it looked. Then, soon after doing my Ottoman Slipcover project, my kids as usual claimed that comfy thing as their own. Soon, the ottoman was sitting under the window and the cabinet was turned right side up to resemble a very shoddy looking bookshelf.
Over the weekend, I decided to spiffy up the shelf a little bit to make it something I could stand to have in my living room.
I started with this:
then did this:
(Yes, I *made* my 3 year old do this part. It wasn’t that he was having a total meltdown over wanting to help with the mod podge at all.)
and then we had this:
The top of the shelf got some beaded board and painted to look nice and fresh. The side facing the room got chalkboard paint. I’d love to say this is because I love to provide my kids with canvases upon which to draw all over their little world, but really it’s because they color on everything – walls, floors, cabinets, doors, and making it chalkboard would at least make it so I don’t have to buy stock in Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and I don’t have to get mad when they draw on this.
So, here’s what we ended up with:
I have to admit, sitting on that comfy ottoman under the window with a shelf full of books to explore is pretty good
This project cost just over $2 for the scrapbook paper. I used chalkboard paint we already have and the beaded board was scrap left over from The Bathroom Makeover.
Just for fun, because we’re talking bookshelves full of books for kids, here are some of our favorites:
Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy
Do you have any suggestions for fun books to add to our Children’s Bookshelf?
This looks so awesome! I love the paper in the back it really changes everything! Such a great idea…I have some shelves that could use a face lift!
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Great project! Love the chalkboard paint on the side.
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If you ever see any Bill Peat books check him out – he is incredibly talented and truly a joy to read out loud!!
I haven’t run across anyone in the US who was familiar with his books – so he may be Canadian?!? But I have gotten several books from Ebay for my boys.
Cute shelf! I love the paper liner
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How cute!!! And I LOVE that you get your bambinos involved in the DIY projects!!!
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Love this idea and the paper in the back. Suggestion… how about putting paper inside the entire shelf to cover the wholes for the shelves? I love it either way
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Emily Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 5:36 pm
I wanted to do that – or fill them and paint over them but hubby wants them to stay how they are… just in case…of something
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We like the Mo Williams books: Don’t let the Pigeon drive the Bus and Don’t let the Pigeon Stay up late and Knuffle Bunny. Love those, they make me laugh out loud. Love the shelves, I need a nook in our living room.
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That project is so sweet. I would love to have a reading nook of my own, actually.
One of my favorite books as a kid was Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs…I actually still have my copy. Another book I think is great is the Fall of Freddie the Leaf. My grandmother gave it to me when I was 6, to help me understand my grandfather’s death. It’s really well-done, and I think it’d be fine to read in contexts other than death.
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Awesome! I’m a big fan of books & bookcases and this one is really cute.
The paper makes it so cheery!
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Tops and Bottoms is a LONG time favorite in our house – my 6th grader still enjoys and pretends to not be listening as we read it again with the littles.
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Love the reading nook. The Seven Silly Eaters has always been my favorite kids book to read to mine. Now, they are all growing up. *sigh* Enjoy each moment! Oh, and go find the book Pete’s A Pizza. Fantastic, interactive, and great for Daddy to read!
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mo williems is brilliant!
walter the farting dog never fails to get a huge laugh.
blueberries for sal is a favorite
the dirty cowboy – boys love it!
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