Making a Little Scrapbook Shelf – Easy DIY
I love scrapbook paper. It can be used in so many different ways to transform something boring into something extraordinary. Scrapbook paper is relatively cheap and there are so many different options to choose from. I bought this pack of 24 sheets for under R 100. Don’t you just love the soft neutral colors and beautiful patterns? It just oozes shabby chic. Soft, lady-like with pops of pastel pink and time-worn hints of days gone by.
When I bought the paper I had no idea what I wanted to do with it so into the craft cupboard it went. Over time, that paper kinda got stuck behind all my other crap crafty bits. Does that happen to you too? Anyways, I’d been meaning to make a small shelf for my daughter’s bedroom. After scrounging around in the craft cupboard for something to add a little pizzazz I rediscovered it again. Bingo, it was perfect to make this scrapbook shelf using pallets.
RightyO, before I show you how to make your own scrapbook shelf using pallets, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!
Here’s what I used to make the scrapbook shelf
- Scrapbook paper (I used 4 12″ x 12″ pieces from Bronte Charm)
- Pallets cut into 5 x 74 cm (about 29″) lengths for the backing and 1 x 38 cm (15″) and 1 x 12.5 cm (5″) for the shelves
- Wood glue, contact glue, and Mod Podge
- White Chalk Paint
- Hardboard, knobs and a serviette
- Old frame, acrylic paint, and chicken wire
- Stain
Some of the pallet bits had so much character, which I really wanted to keep. So they got a light sanding and then I dry brushed on some white chalk paint to let the natural grain, knots, and wormholes show through.
I Mod Podged the scrapbook paper on the other pallet bits.
The most difficult thing was trying to line up the patterns so they look seamless. Grrrrrrr. After spending a very frustrating hour confusing myself, I gave up and just stuck the paper down and used some sandpaper to hide the un-seamless joins and edges. I sealed the paper and painted pallets with Mod Podge mixed with some of our rusty nail muti to create an old-world look.
Making the shelf
I found the easiest way to join the scrapbooked pallets together was to use some hardboard. I considered using skewers to join them, but it’s quite a large piece and I didn’t want to take the chance. Just cut the hardboard to size and glue and screw it onto the back. Talea painted an old frame in her favorite color and we stapled chicken wire onto the back to make a pinboard.
We also found some serviettes that matched the scrapbook paper beautifully. Aren’t they lovely?
A bit of contact glue and mod podge to protect and seal and the boring old wooden door knobs are transformed.
The doorknobs were screwed onto the shelf so Talea can hang some of her favorite things.
Love these little serviette knobs. This doorknob was just as easy to transform from boring wood to cracked porcelain with a little bit of crackle glaze and glossy mod podge.
Two small shelves are screwed in from the back and for extra support, I added basic triangular brackets cut from pallets.
And that’s it. Hang and enjoy.
I think the salvaged and whitewashed pallet wood combined with the soft beautiful colors of the scrapbook paper make such a timeless statement.
What do you think? Does it work for you?
If you like the idea of making a scrapbook shelf using old pallets, don’t forget to pin it for later.
Oh and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered. Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket. It helps us make more amazing crafts to share with you 😉
And if you prefer to buy rather than DIY, then maybe these beauties will appeal.
And as always, wishing you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit.
Michelle, this is super cute…love it!!
Thank you so much Sam
I absolutely love this! So easy, yet soooo different!
Hey Amanda, thank you for coming to say hi 🙂 Ek waardeur dit baie
Michelle, when I first saw your shelf on Instagram I felt in love with it. It is so so pretty!! Thanks for sharing the how to, I have seen scrapbook paper but I feel a bit intimidated because I don’t know what to do with it. Now I know and the papers you chose are simply perfect.
I’m sure Talea is proud of the shelf and uses it a lot!
Hey Pili, that’s such a huge compliment, your stuff is awesome!! Wow, thank you, I’m really glad you like it.
I am so in love with this! Using scrapbook paper and door nobs, wow, I’m in love.
Thanks so much Kellie 😀
I love the vintage look of this shelf, Michelle! I swoon over distressed wood. The color are so pretty and match just about any decor…especially mine!
Yay, I’m with you on distressed wood. It tells so many stories. Really glad you like the shelf Erin
Now I really want one, too! 🙂
Thank you Ilka 😀
This is so cute! I LOVE it, and want one too! I love how you added the scrapbook paper, and how you did the knobs. You did a really nice job on it. I may just have to give it a try and make one for my guest room.
Thank you so much Linda, I think it would look lovely in your guest room.
Tell Keri that if you decide to give one away I will get the first one! I’ll fight her out for it! 😉
Lol, thanks Mary 😉 They’re so easy to make, so I’ll just make one for each of you. Maybe Keri can add one of her beautiful stencils for us?
Michelle, I love this shelf!! I so want one!!! I love the whitewash look with the scrapbook paper, such a fantastic combination to give it a charming look!! The knobs are a lovely detail! Another amazing project!!
Thank you so much Keri, I must say I really like how the knobs turned out. Using contact spray made it so much easier, I didn’t have to worry about them tearing at all 😉