It is hard to argue about the usefulness of bookends, but it would be just as hard to describe most bookends as “pretty” or “original” or “artistic.” For this GERM family, we have too many books not to have a lot of bookends, but we wanted them to have as much character as the books they hold.
This is one simple solution for boring bookends, and it makes use of pictures, framed photos, or other crafts that might be sitting in a closet with nowhere to be displayed. The job is easy; it is not very time intensive, and we think the results speak volumes. For our example, we used two beautiful cross stitch pieces that my grandmother had given to my mom. We couldn’t find just the right place for them in the house, but we wanted to be sure that they had a special and distinctive spot for display.
To start you will need:
1) a flat, simple bookend, either metal or wood will work.
1) a flat, simple bookend, either metal or wood will work.
2) a framed picture of art — needlepoint, a photograph, anything that you won’t mind looking at often.
3) a strong glue (we used Liquid Nails, which is available in many hardware stores).
4) a flat surface and some heavy books to hold things in place.
We used paper from a grocery bag to cover the back of the frame and give it a uniform look. This was cut to size and glued into place.
Place the picture face down on the counter.
Apply glue to the bookend and center on the picture frame. Be sure that the bottom of the bookend is at the exact same level as the bottom of the picture frame so that it can stand flat and steady when upright.
Apply glue to the bookend and center on the picture frame. Be sure that the bottom of the bookend is at the exact same level as the bottom of the picture frame so that it can stand flat and steady when upright.
Place a heavy book, or two, flat on the bookend to keep the paper backing and the bookend tight to the picture frame.
Let this sit still for about 12 hours to make sure the glue has set before moving.
Let this sit still for about 12 hours to make sure the glue has set before moving.
In the end, you have a simple bookend made lovely with a picture or piece of art of your own choosing, and maybe even your own creation. And it will be right there, holding your books, for all to see. Send us pictures of your DIY bookends!