REFASHIONABLY LATE

Learn to beautifully decorate and refurbish your space on an everyday budget without compromising the look!

  • BLOG
  • HOME TOUR
  • SHOP MY HOME
  • RESOURCES
  • LESSONS BY RUTHIE
  • ABOUT
    • BARBERSHOP
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • AFFILIATES & ADVERTISING POLICY
    • COMMENT POLICY
  • CONTACT
  • SERVICES


You are here: Home / Decor / Library Book Storage

Library Book Storage

January 26, 2016 Decor, DIY

8 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Library Book Storage - www.refashionablylate.com

Here we are for another amazing Create and Share challenge.  I’m fortunate to be a part of a really great group of ladies where we take one item and then each of us creates something of our own out of that item. It’s so much fun to see what everyone comes up with and to see all of the creativity that these women have! Here are a few of the challenges I have participated in so far!

Vase Makeover  |  Tray Makeover  |  Halloween Pillows  |  Christmas Stencils

This month’s challenge we are teaming up with Storyblocks and creating DIY projects with their amazing collection of stock photography and images.  I had about a million ideas of what I wanted to do but as I was browsing their endless lists of images I came across this little Library Book Return picture.  I loved how it was rustic looking and I had a perfect idea for a project.  My daughter LOVES books and as much as I love having a million books in our house it’s a little overwhelming on places to store them.  I did transform some IKEA spice racks into bookshelves and it has a lot of great storage but her book collection continues to grow, which then overflows the bookshelves.  I even have books on a small bookshelf in her closet! Needless to say, we needed a little more storage.

Library Book Storage - www.refashionablylate.comI started with a crate I purchased at Michael’s for $10 and I decided to stain it one of my very favorite colors, Rust-oleum – Weathered Gray.  I sanded the crate and then applied the stain with a disposable foam brush and then wiped the stain after a couple minutes with a paper towel.  It’s pretty messy so I recommend wearing gloves or you’ll be grey for a couple of days! 🙂  I would let the stain dry overnight as the crate really soaks up the stain.Library Book Storage - www.refashionablylate.com

Once the stain was dry then it was time to apply my image.   When applying a graphic with wording to an item you need to flip the writing so it will be shown correctly after applying.  I did this in photoshop.  Start with uploading your image to photoshop.Library Book Storage - www.refashionablylate.com

Then click on Image –> Image Rotation –> Flip Canvas Horizontal and it will flip the image.Library Book Storage - www.refashionablylate.com

It’s now time to transfer this onto your crate.  I started by cutting out the image so that just the return box would show on my crate.Library Book Storage - www.refashionablylate.com

I love using Liquitex (gel medium) to transfer photos.  Apply it to the top of the actual photo or onto the crate and you want to apply a liberal amount of Liquitex to the photo.  This will ensure it adheres nicely and sticks.  You will then want to let it dry for several hours; I tend to let it dry overnight.  Do not rush the drying period.Library Book Storage - www.refashionablylate.com Library Book Storage - www.refashionablylate.com

Then place it onto the crate and let it dry!  You can see the writing is showing correctly on the create since it has been flipped.Library Book Storage - www.refashionablylate.com

Next, you will use a spray bottle to get that area pretty wet.  Once you’ve saturated the area then start rubbing off the top layer of paper with your fingers.  Do this until the entire image is showing through.Library Book Storage - www.refashionablylate.com Library Book Storage - www.refashionablylate.com

I find it hard sometimes to get all of the material off so sometimes you are left with a small white film.  You may not notice it when it’s wet but you can sometimes see it when it drys.  The best thing to “shine” it up and keep the film away is to apply a small amount of furniture oil to a paper towel and rub it onto the print. Poof –> it’s gone!  You may need to do this about once a month or so.  Library Book Storage - www.refashionablylate.comLibrary Book Storage - www.refashionablylate.comLibrary Book Storage - www.refashionablylate.com

Now head on over to some of these amazing ladies projects!  I am always excited to see what everyone ends up creating when we do these challenges!

Library Book Storage - www.refashionablylate.com
1. Old House To New Home ~ DIY Little Girls Room Tray
2. Shabby Grace Blog ~ Valentine’s Day Treat Bags
3. Creatively Homespun ~ DIY LOVE sign
4. Refashionably Late ~ Library Book Storage
5. Casa Watkins ~ DIY Moroccan Dessert Plates
6. Tastefully Frugal ~ Be Mine Banner
7. The Weathered Fox ~ True Love Pillow
8. Green With Decor ~ St. Patrick’s Day Mason Jar Craft
9. Domicile 37 ~ Butterfly Entomology Clock
10. Up To Date Interiors ~ DIY Notebooks with GraphicStock
11. One Mile Home Style ~ Hand Embroidered Dandelion Wall Art
12. Uncookie Cutter ~ Rustic Americana Wall Art
13. Flourish and Knot ~ Whimsical Owl Art
14. Our House Now A Home ~ DIY Custom Kids Tote Bags with Graphic Stock
15. Pocketful of Posies ~ Valentine’s Day Paper
16. The House Down The Lane ~ DIY Heart Candle Holders and Printable
17. The Twin Cedars ~ Rustic Wood Wall Art
18. Iris Nacole ~ Graphic Stock Valentine’s Day Pillow
19. Refresh Living ~ Salvaged Barn Wood Valentines Decor
20. Farmhouse 40 ~ Bird Canvas Wall Art

I hope everyone has an amazing rest of your week and if you haven’t had enough head on over to PinkWhen, where I’m sharing a headboard makeover I did for my guest room.  I’m knee deep in painting my cabinets so my life has been hectic lately.  Stay tuned for the final results!  I will be sharing the progress of our kitchen makeover on Friday!  Happy hump day!

Many outgoing links on Refashionably Late are affiliate links.  I may earn a small commission to fund my Diet Mountain Dew drinking habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me supplied in caffeine. It’s a win for everyone, really.  I only link to products I have tried and love! See my full disclosure here.

SHARE THIS POST
Closet Turned Mudroom Pt. 1 »
« Kitchen Makeover Phase 1

RELATED

  • Book Storage
  • One Room Challenge Week 5 – Nursery
  • The Perfect Movie Night In
  • Quick and Simple Fall Centerpiece

Comments

  1. Cat @ Pocketful of Posies says

    January 27, 2016 at 9:06 am

    Cute! Cute! Cute Ruthie! We have so many kids books floating around our house and I love the way this looks! I may have to make one or two for our house! Thank you for the idea! I am pinning!

    Reply
    • Ruthie says

      January 28, 2016 at 12:53 pm

      Awesome! I’d love to see your end result! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Tiffany says

    January 27, 2016 at 9:06 am

    This is such an awesome idea, Ruthie! I’m getting so excited to play around with more GraphicStock images as I check out everyone’s posts. There are just so many fun and creative ideas! Pinning!

    Reply
    • Ruthie says

      January 28, 2016 at 12:54 pm

      Yeah there are a ton of great ideas that everyone has done with their images! I can’t wait to give a couple of them a try!

      Reply
  3. Emily, Our house now a home says

    January 27, 2016 at 9:29 am

    This is so cute, creative and functional! I love this!

    Reply
    • Ruthie says

      January 28, 2016 at 12:53 pm

      Thanks Emily!

      Reply
  4. Jenny @ Refresh Living says

    January 27, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    I LOVE this idea! We have a separate bin for our library books (because who knows how many more we’d lose without it!), but we don’t have anything nearly as adorable as this! I’ve never used Liquitex, but now I really want to.

    Reply
    • Ruthie says

      January 28, 2016 at 12:52 pm

      Yeah I love Liquitex! You can use it to transfer an image to anything! It’s great!

      Reply
  5. Kathy says

    January 27, 2016 at 6:13 pm

    This might be my favorite GraphicStock idea yet! So cute and I love the finish on the crate.

    Reply
    • Ruthie says

      January 28, 2016 at 12:51 pm

      Thank you so much Kathy! I love how it turned out and it’s cute and functional! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Sara @ Shabby Grace Blog says

    January 28, 2016 at 6:39 pm

    This is GOOD Ruthie! Love that image and your idea!

    Reply
    • Ruthie says

      January 30, 2016 at 12:42 am

      Thanks Sara! I love having the extra storage for books!

      Reply
  7. Jessica says

    January 28, 2016 at 8:50 pm

    Ruthie, this is so cute! I love how realistic it looks and the grey color fits in perfectly with the theme.

    Reply
    • Ruthie says

      January 30, 2016 at 12:42 am

      Yeah I love that gray stain! I sometimes overuse a color I love but I don’t care! 🙂 I love it right?!

      Reply
  8. Meg @ Green With Decor says

    January 28, 2016 at 9:45 pm

    This is such a cute idea! I love how it turned out!

    Reply
    • Ruthie says

      January 30, 2016 at 12:41 am

      Thank you so much Meg! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Meghan @ The Twin Cedars says

    January 31, 2016 at 7:16 am

    Awesome project! Saw it featured on Hometalk too – congrats! I’m assuming you used photo paper?

    Reply
    • Ruthie says

      February 2, 2016 at 7:44 pm

      Thanks Meghan! I actually just printed the picture off on my computer! It’s recommended to use a laser jet printer! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Sarah says

    February 2, 2016 at 12:50 pm

    What a cute idea! I wish someone would make one of these for every classroom!! I smell a teacher gift… 🙂

    Reply
    • Ruthie says

      February 2, 2016 at 7:44 pm

      This would be a great teacher gift!! It gives so much storage and so easy to make!

      Reply
  11. April R - Uncookie Cutter says

    February 3, 2016 at 6:18 am

    This is just too cute Ruthie! What a unique and fun idea!

    Reply
    • Ruthie says

      February 4, 2016 at 9:18 am

      Thanks April! It has really helped tame the book mess in her bedroom!

      Reply
  12. Stephanie @ Casa Watkins says

    February 5, 2016 at 3:34 pm

    SOO Cute Ruthie!!! I adore your project and this is a great idea for playrooms, bedrooms, and even family rooms. I’d probably need it by the door to remember to return them. 🙂 Thanks for participating in the Create and Share this month!

    Reply
    • Ruthie says

      February 7, 2016 at 8:25 pm

      Thanks Stephanie! I love how it gives us extra book storage in my daughter’s room! Someone also commented about how it would be a great teacher’s gift as well!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Preppy and Unique DIY Valentine’s Day Gift Wrap – Create and Share Challenge – Pocketful of Posies says:
    April 22, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    […] 4. Refashionably Late ~ Library Book Storage […]

    Reply
  2. Green With Decor – A St. Patrick’s Day craft with Mason jars says:
    May 26, 2016 at 7:36 pm

    […] ~ Valentine’s Day Treat Bags 3. Creatively Homespun ~ DIY LOVE sign 4. Refashionably Late ~ Library Book Storage 5. Casa Watkins ~ DIY Moroccan Dessert Plates 6. Tastefully Frugal ~ Be Mine Banner 7. The […]

    Reply
  3. Stencil Pillow DIY: Create and Share Challenge - The Weathered Fox says:
    January 20, 2018 at 12:07 pm

    […] ~ Valentine’s Day Treat Bags 3. Creatively Homespun ~ DIY LOVE sign 4. Refashionably Late ~ Library Book Storage 5. Casa Watkins ~ DIY Moroccan Dessert Plates 6. Tastefully Frugal ~ Be Mine Banner 7. The […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

mother holding baby in the air and going for a kiss

My name is Ruthie, I was born and raised in the Midwest.  I met the man of my dreams in Nashville, TN and decided to follow him back home to California.  First came love, then came marriage, then came the baby in the baby carriage.  My husband got a new job when my daughter was 2 months old and we packed up and moved halfway across the country to Minnesota, back to my homeland. We now have two beautiful little girls.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

CATEGORIES

Featured On

featured on house beautiful the huffington post apartment therapy shutterfly ana white wayfair homeright

[instagram-feed]

© 2018 REFASHIONABLY LATE

THEME BY ECLAIR DESIGNS