I almost forgot to share this super quick and easy project with you! It’s one that I did when Max was just a newly hatched bug in a rug…..err….towel 🙂
Sweet Max came slightly earlier than expected (I was overdue but only by one week and I went TWO weeks overdue with both LJ and Weston so technically, yes, he was overdue but in Katie-world, I totally had one more week of projects planned) so this is one of those that I was chomping at the bit to get done. We were working on the Big Boy’s room and this book case was a big tub of eh.
It just lacked any personality or fun and since my boys definitely are full of those two things, I wanted to add some oomph to this piece. That’s when I remembered a project in John & Sherry’s first book and it showed how they backed the bookcase with simple cardboard and fabric (or was it wallpaper? help Sher!).
It seemed like an easy enough project (one that a very postpartum mama could handle….although, emotionally, everything is hard postpartum. things that aren’t even things are hard postpartum. breathing. thinking. feeling. hard. hard. hard.) so I gathered my courage and GASP got out of bed. WHO AM I?
DISCLAIMER….don’t try this at home. Don’t attempt anything if you just had a baby. Forget with the oxygenating of the brain. Do absolutely nothing for as long as humanly possible. And then do it some more. If possible, have someone create a sound-proof cocoon around you and stay in it until the following year. Just tell everyone you are now on observation duty only and you will only observe the activity that happens when you are sleeping. alone. in your sound-proof cocoon. And that they need to bring you a very fluffy pillow. and a person to rub your feet on command.
The first thing I did was measure the inside dimensions of the shelf backs. Our shelves are fixed so this meant I needed three separate pieces that were of similar size. I cut my backs out of foam board I got at the dollar tree.
Then I got fabric and cut that out slightly larger than my boards while my helper watched me creepily. (why is he being so still!? he is never that still! who are you and what have you done with my Weston!?)
Fold the fabric over the edges and tape it down with packing tape.
Then just slide it into place! Ta-da!
How cute is that, right?!
The added pizzazz is just what the doctor ordered! I love how it makes this bookcase so much fun! And if I ever want to change it – bada boom bada bing! It’s super easy!
Here’s how it looks all loaded back up…
So cute! And took me all of thirty minutes….so not too shabby time-wise.
Okay – so I hope you guys have a very happy weekend and if you don’t own John & Sherry’s first book….well, you should really rethink your priorities. It’s a winner 🙂
That disclaimer was exactly what I needed today! My 18 month old and 1 month old are both napping and I just want to sleep… Until I look around me and feel guilty about everything I need (and want) to do. Thanks for the reminder that I’m not alone in feeling exhausted and emotional. And thanks for the permission to take a nap!
I did that project from their first book too. LOVED it.
I love it! I can’t believe a simple change can make such a difference!
I love quickie projects that can change everything!
Here’s one of my favorites!
http://oldlakegeorge.com/2015/10/diy-rustic-candleholders-etsy-and-beautiful-glorious-weekend-weather/
Super easy project and it makes a huge impact!
I bought their first book!
And then I gave it away to my sister in law. Surely not buying the second one.
I have a collector husband and this would be great for his Hot Wheels. I think we will use maps as the background. Love it, thank you. Your home is lovely. You really have a talent for staging. How do you keep it all from being dusty? How do you find the time? Will you come to my home and so some staging for me? Thanks for all you do here. I really enjoy your blog site.
Love simple, fast projects that make such an impact! They are perfect for busy moms. 🙂 Also LOVE the globes! I want to do something similar in my 7-year old’s room but I don’t want to break the bank. Any suggestions on where to find inexpensive (read CHEAP) globes?!
Did you do anything to keep the foamboards to stay in there and upright?
How adorable! And thanks for showing how easy this is. Although probably not so easy when you’ve just had a little one! 😉
And I thought the book case was perfect before… now it has punch and pizazz! Love it.
I love those Swiffer dusters – the boys help me!
xo – kb
Look at your local thrift stores and goodwill – that is where I find mine 🙂
xo – kb
Nope – they are just a snug fit! They can also stay put if you want to put 3M strips or velcro back there!
xo – kb
Nice job on the redo – just wanted to ask if those shelves are secured to the walls, all I could see was boy climbing and disaster.
Annie