The Little Bookshelf That Could

Love is in the details 

Making an apartment feel like home isn't really that difficult, if you have the time. Matt and I had this huge empty wall to fill, but we didn't know quite what to put on it. Spending $$$ on a large piece of art  was not an option; so we opted for plan b, bookshelves.

These bookshelves are perfect because they're simple and inexpensive. They were great for us because we have a lot of things that don't have homes yet. We keep moving things around waiting for it to have the perfect spot, but I believe these things have found their home!

^^This one is actually zebra wood (we are making more bookshelves with this one). ^^

Bocote wood

When we bought wood at our little lumber shop for the coat rack, we went ahead and picked up extra to make bookshelves. They're simple, affordable, and cute. How perfect is that? 

Bookshelf ingredients: 

• Drill
• Drill bit
• Stud finder (or the ability to find a stud)
• Screws 
• Wood (we chose Bocote Wood) 
• Measuring tape
• Level 
• Shelf bracket
• Spray paint (optional)

First and foremost, we wanted to spray paint our brackets black. We did this a day before, however as long as you wait until they're no longer sticky, you probably don't need to wait that long. 

Deciding where you want to put the bookshelves was our biggest dilemma. We thought we wanted them above our kitchen wall... however the studs do not exist. We spent a lot of time trying to make that spot work; but if there is no stud, it's just not going to happen. So we chose Plan B, our bedroom! 

(Can you say scruff?) 

Once we (happily) found the studs in our bedroom, we started to drill away. Well, Matt started drilling away. 

First, we drilled the brackets on to the appropriate spot. When we got the first screw in, we wanted to make sure the bracket was level. There is nothing worse than a slanted shelf! After both brackets were level, we placed the wood on top and penciled in where the appropriate holes were. 

When the little holes were penciled in, Matt took the drill bit and drilled holes. This is important to do with wood, so you don't split it with the screws. Be careful not to go through the wood though! Then, we placed the wood back on the brackets and screwed it into place!

We wanted two to fill up our large space. However, it could be a great statement piece with one extra long shelf. But, I would recommend another bracket. 

Bocote wood is so pretty! 

The finished product! 

 Matt's favorite animal is a moose. How great is this old leather bookend? 

 My friend Chelsea made this for our wedding. It's one of my favorite lyrics and the map is of the two places Matt and I have lived. What a perfect gift. 

I love my trinkets. This one is from my dad... to keep the mice away. Trinkets are my hidden treasures. Matt makes fun of me, but I believe love is in the details. 

Xx, 

Alex