Monday, July 12, 2010

Dressing Up a Boring Shelf

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY:




Let me start by telling you....I LOVE TARGET!   And because we're Target-Loving people, we have a decent amount of furniture from the bulls-eye store.  And don't get me wrong, I LOVE it; but sometimes I get a little bored with the plain-jane look of it. 

Case in point, exhibit one.  We've had this shelf for a few years - and like most of our Target furnishings I'm sure we got it on clearance for some ridiculously low price:



BO-RING!

Well first things first -- I removed the cardboard backing












The next thing I did was take some of my Mod Podge (yes, this has become an obsession) and Mod Podged some lovely scrapbook paper on the cardboard.  I thought about this afterward, and you could just cover the whole back cardboard with a nice fabric -- it probably would have been easier, cleaner and there wouldn't be any seems....but a good idea too late for me, so we used scrapbook paper.










I liked the look of it, but I wanted to spruce up my shelf even more.  Wouldn't some glass doors look elegant??  Well I thought so too. :)



Now, I will preface this with some encouragement; don't be scared of cutting your own glass panels.  It's easier than you'd think.  I put this project off for a few weeks because I was so unsure of how to do it and so worried I would do it wrong.  Well I successfully cut my glass panels - and believe me, if I can do it without slicing up a finger or breaking glass all over the place -- so can you!!

The first (and most important part) was to measure my shelf.  I'm no math buff, but see if you can follow my logic of how to measure and calculate the size of my glass.

1.  Measure the width of your shelf from inside the edges - so you are measuring the open space inside the shelf (mine was 26")
2.  Divide the number in half (mine would be 13") - this is the width of each door
3.  Now take the number from #2 and subtract double the width of your trim. (I used 2" trim so I would take 13 - 4 = 9")  This is for the trim on either side of the glass.
4.  Add 2" to the total for #3 (mine would be 11") - this is for the ledge that the glass rests on  - this is the width of your glass.

Now to measure for the length:

1.  Measure the length you want your doors to be.  (Mine was 38")
2.  Subtract double the amount of your trim (I used the 2" trim so it would be 38 - 4" = 34")
3.  Then add 2" for the lip where the glass will rest (for me it would be 34 + 2 = 36")

So I needed to cut my two glass panels at 36 x 11.

So I went to the hardware store and bought two glass panels (they happened to come in a 36" length -- LUCKY ME!!).  The panels were around $7.00 a piece.


I then bought a glass cutting kit (around $11.00).

Read the instructions - and then follow them to cut the glass -- easy as that!  I measured my new width and marked it out on the glass panel with the special pencil in the kit.


Then I took the little cutting tool that came with it and dipped it in the glass cutting oil. 












Next I scored the glass along my line I drew.  NOTE:  I had the glass laying on a soft plush blanket to protect the glass.  I also had to press REALLY hard to score the glass.


Once it is scored, you can gently press the glass down over a ledge to break off the peice you cut.  It should break in one smooth peice.

It's easier than it sounds -- I promise!

Well now that we have our glass it's time to make the doors and cut the trim to lay the glass in.


I took a 1/4" piece of plywood and used a jigsaw to cut out a rectangle.  Think of it like cutting a picture frame out.  You want an opening that is just lightly bigger than your glass pieces with a 1" to 2" frame around the opening.

First I drew out a rectangle (I traced my glass pieces for accuracy).  I then drilled a hole in the corners of each rectangle so I could get my jigsaw started.

Then I cut out my rectangle frames.

Then I attached (by nailing and gluing) the trim on my to my frames.  You will want the trim to stick out beyond the inside of your frame (this is where your glass will lay.




Here's my trim all glued on (the plywood frame is on the back).  Next I spray-painted my door frames and shelf to match.

It is now time to put the glass into the frames.

Flip the frame so that the back is facing up.  Use clear silicone or glue and run it along the inside ledge where the glass will sit.



Lay the glass in and smile at your accomplishment. :)



That's it -- attach the doors to your shelf with two hinges on each door and admire:




I'm in love with my "new" Target bookshelf!  Shall we see another before and after??





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94 Hand-Me-Downers Shared:

Tracie@Gurtler+Home said...

Wow! What a great idea. Such a cheap little cabinet that looks great! Good thinking there.

Kara Henry said...

It looks so high end now! Just stunning!

I adore patterns behind shelves. Must find a spot to do this in my home. :)

Tru said...

That is so cool! Very nice and creative.

Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

Thanks for the tute! I want to add doors to 3 white shelves similar to this for my sons room to hide all his stuff! For safety sake in his room I think I will use beadboard panels instead of glass though (the better to hide all his junk...er treasures) ;)

Lisa said...

wow! You are so darn creative this this stuff! Who even thinks of adding glass doors? You're awesome : )

Alicia@Thrifty And Chic said...

This turned out amazing!!! Who would have thought its humble roots started in a Target aisle? Great job :)

Kati @ Housewife_Swagger said...

oh wow! I love your transformation!!!! incredibly creative with the doors!

Decorchick! said...

Wow Amanda!! That's totally awesome!! Can't believe that's the same bookshelf!! It's gorgeous!

Allison {A Glimpse Inside} said...

That looks fantastic! You would never know that was a Target shelf unit! Great job!

Nana's Fun Stuff said...

Wow!! What a great idea Amanda and it looks fantastic!! Great job girl!

Judi B said...

I've got two wardrobes that I'm assuming are pretty similar to your project shown here. I have been hesitating to paint because it has that "decal sticker" wood finish to it. I've been wondering if painting it would be okay and what steps to takes. Thanks for your input.

Katie Olthoff said...

I had NO IDEA that you could cut glass like that! How cool!

Vanessa said...

LOVE IT! Great job and very brave with the glass cutting!

Maria@BubblegumandDuctTape said...

oh my goodness!! I went from oh, to awww and then to WOW!

Elizabeth said...

You are so creative! Great job! (Looking around house now to find a cheap bookcase to revamp like that) ;)

Julie said...

Awesome job. Looks fantastic. what a transformation!

GB said...

Amanda- that looks awesome- also, for those of us who are scared of glass cutting projects, I think Lowes does it for free (tho' the guy there said he could only do straight cuts- no curves and the like)- I was there yesterday to find a topper for my son's desk and finally walked away with plexiglass cut to size!!easy-peasy.

Domestic Bliss(ters) said...

I LOVE this! It's so cute, and you did an incredible job! One day I will recreate! ;)

Zazzy The Geek said...

That looks GREAT! It looks REALLY expensive with the upgrade! I love the paper you used on the back piece and I LOVE the molding you picked out too! Props to you!

Melissa said...

Wow!! I am seriously impressed and must start rethinking a few pieces of furniture in my life!!

Great job!!

MJ said...

Such a cool transformation...love the idea of the paperback. Im planning on doing a paper project soon as well. Thanks for sharing. Well done!

Jeralee said...

WOW - totally not the same thing. that was some transformation... you brave soul with the glass. Thanks for the mini tutorial!

Ginger said...

Wow! you really took that bookcase to a whole new level!
Great job!
How much do you estimate you spend on the upgrade?

Desiree said...

What a fabulous makeover! You did a great job :-) It looks wonderful...

-Desiree

Lacy said...

Amazing! What a creative idea. It looks like a completely different piece of furniture now.

FrouFrouBritches said...

I looove it! You are a brave woman. I would be scared to cut glass. I would wind up in the E/R for sure! Great job!!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness you did such a great job! I have thought of putting glass doors on my bookcases before but have always been afraid of cutting the glass. Maybe I will give it a try afterall!

Inspired by you said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm glad you liked the chair slipcover. I love the redo of the bookcase! I've tried cutting glass before but I've always messed it up. Now, I know to get that oil. Hope it works.

Jen T said...

Thanks Amanda for coming by my blog. You have blown me away with this project! It looks amazing - you are VERY creative!

Unknown said...

WoW! It looks great! Thanks for the tutorial!
And thanks for visiting us at our Anything Related party!
{Rebekah}

brandi @ tales of a domestic goddess said...

WOW!! that is AMAZING!!! we have a lot of those little shelves and now my is spinning with ideas!! thanks for the inspiration!!

Kaysi @ Keeping it Simple said...

Oh wow, that is amazing!! I love the molding and glass!

Ashlee Marie said...

Brilliant and it turned our really well too! I tried scoring and snapping that stuff, and it totally didn't work for me. I ended up getting it at Lowe's where they cut it FOR me! This is just beautifulI just started a link party and I would LOVE it if you'd consider adding your crafts to it! I'm having flower headband giveaway as part of our first party too! http://imtopsyturvy.com/index.php/2010/07/topsy-turvy-tuesdays-1/

Anonymous said...

great idea...turned out really fabulous...who would have known? I would never have thought to build the doors myself.

Sarah @ The Pumpkin Patch said...

This is AMAZING! I can't believe what a huge transformation this is! I have a tall bookshelf that is holding our books, but not adding much decor to our family room. I could definitely see this making a HUGE difference.

Thanks for linking to Transform Tuesday!!

Mandy England said...

The before and after of this is amazing!! I'm so impressed [and I love the background!]

Life in Rehab said...

You're beginning to scare me...that's just brilliant!

A Southern Rose said...

What a great idea! It turned out wonderful. I bet a lot of people are going to copy this idea.

Lenore @ Lather. Write. Repeat. said...

Very ambitious project...but it turned out amazing! Good for you!

Thanks for stopping by my blog, so nice to meet you!

XO
Lenore

the cape on the corner said...

wow that's great. what a transformation!

Unknown said...

That looks amazing. You are very talented.
Brooke

Unknown said...

I have that exxxxxact same shelf!!! I was going to throw it away in the next couple weeks but you totally inspired me. I think I just got a blog crush. Thanks!

Kate said...

Very cute! Great job!

Bette said...

THAT IS AWESOME!! I probably have about 3-4 of those bookcases in the basement!!! great job!

Kara @ Mine for the Making said...

Shut the front door! This is A-MAZING!!! I have this exact bookshelf and keep looking at it saying "You need something....You need something..." Thank you thank you for sharing!

(you can see my bookself here)

http://mineforthemaking.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-beloved-bookshelf.html

- Kim said...

Wow! Thats incredible!
I'm not sure I'd have the guts or patience to do that.
It looks great! :)

Anonymous said...

Good job!!! Of course though right!?

Unknown said...

You are one hard-working genius: a combo that can't be beat! Sign me up.

two birds,one blog said...

WOW I am so impressed that you took on glass cutting! This came out GREAT! k

Holly Lefevre said...

That is too darn clever! I love that redo. I didn't realize it was so easy to cut glass!

Anonymous said...

You just continue to amaze. I bet you use to have the most marvelous barbie houses! Well done!!!

Angie - Big Bears Wife said...

i have some of those bookcase/shelves!! im going to try this!!!

Jami said...

That is CRAZY that you made that!! And by crazy I mean amazing...I'm sitting with my mouth WIDE open...so terribly impressed! I must be your newest follower!
smiles!!!

www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

Helena said...

Whoa, that looks fantastic! I love how the paper looks behind the pictures. So pretty.

Thank you for participating in the Creative Therapy Session with Life in the Pitts!

Mindy said...

So many great ideas in one little post. Love the idea with the scrapbook paper, and I seriously did not know there was glass replacement kits out there...I am a new DIY'er...what can I say. You did an awesome job!

Michelle said...

YOu come up with the greatest ideas! Wonderful Job!

Get Nestled In said...

AMAZING transformation! Great job! :)

Sarah said...

great job! I have a similar shelf I have been thinking of "dressing up". This gives me some ideas of how to do it!

Leslie said...

I am in love with your new book shelf too! I love target! Thanks for linking up your craftiness to Hoo's got talent!

Unknown said...

you are GOOD! love this! thank you for linking up to MMM...I am going to feature you next Monday :)

Anonymous said...

You did an awesome job turning that shelf from drab to fab!!! Hehehe...I've always wanted to type that....Thanks for sharing at It's Party Time Thursday@PonyTails&FishScales!

Mad in Crafts said...

Thanks for linking up to the Mad Skills party!

Unknown said...

Wow! What a great makeover, thanks for linking up to Sister Sister Sunday! See you again soon :)

Amanda

Unknown said...

Love this!!! Great job!!! You are definitely an inspiration!! We're about to move and I'm getting so many ideas for our new home...can't wait to try this one :)

Roeshel said...

Great job! I love that you shared the process! I'll be including a link in my highlights! Thanks for sharing your creativity in the DIY Project Parade! :)

Roeshel

michelle@somedaycrafts said...

Wow! Amazing!

AUDRA said...

Great job!

Thanks for socializing with me Monday til Sunday!

I can't wait to see more from you! :)

René said...

That is such a great idea! Thanks for the inspiration.

-Rene

Ann Wilson said...

Unbelievable! You should go to Home Depot or Lowe's and be hired to give classes. Can't believe you just figured this out. I think a book is in the offing. You are the best thing on the internet. Ann

Ginger said...

Awesome job! I'm too scared to attempt something like this though... Thanks for linking up to Mad Skills Monday!

Sarah @ ImSimplySarah said...

I've been really wanting some glass cased shelves for my dining room. I may have to attempt this.

Infarrantly Creative said...

Wow that is quite the transformation. I would have never guessed you started with a bookshelf. That looks so classy and regal. Great job.

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

Amazing transformation! I would have never guessed it started out as a modular shelf. Amazing job! Looks fabulous! Thanks so much for joining the Sunday Showcase. Hope you have a wonderful week! ~ Stephanie Lynn

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

Hi Amanda, Just wanted to let you know I featured your shelf today. Stop by and grab a featured button if you like. Thanks again for joining the Sunday Showcase Party - I greatly apprecite it! ~ Stephanie Lynn

Christin@Pregnant with power tools said...

Oh Wow That's amazing! I may have to try this on some of my cheap-o shelves! It makes all the difference!!!

Rhiannon said...

that is awsome!

Debbiedoos said...

Look at you girl...that is awesome! WOW, that is what I call thinking outside the box...it looks fantastic!

Nikki said...

Well it CERTAINLY doesn't look like a cheap clearance find now does it?!??! Love it! Thanks for linking it to gettin' crafty on hump day :)

Shelly @Crafty Creative Studio said...

WOW -is an understatement! This looks great, you must smile and give a gentle sigh every time you pass by it. :)

Room to Inspire said...

Wow, another great project! Thanks for linking this up too!

Chelsea

Stevie @ Sincerely Stevie said...

I'm loving this. :) I think the scrapbook paper worked just fine.

Ami at A Sierra Home said...

This. Is. Great. I have MANY of these bookshelves. I, too, am a big Target fan. You are such an inspiration!

Karie said...

Wow! That is a beautiful transformation. You did a beautiful job. Thanks for sharing.

Nancy said...

What a great idea. Would have never thought of that. I have two old bookcases that could use a little updating! I absolutely LOVE the trim you picked out. I'm actually using similar for a Trumeau mirror I'm planning on making soon.
xoxo
Nancy

Erin said...

What?? Seriously? I can't believe you turned that into THAT. Amazing!!

Fawnda@Fireflies and Jellybeans said...

this turned out AMAZING!! Great job!

Thanks for linking up to the Iron Crafter!!

Elder Esplin said...

WOW! So awesome! You worked hard and it all paid off. Love it!

Jennie @ Cinnaberry Suite

BHphotography said...

i LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!!! Can't wait to transform my crappy bookcase! Thank you so much!

Jane said...

Holy Cow! I am so impressed with the end result, but also the mad skillz you had to learn to make it. Glass cutting- you go girl!

Unknown said...

that's pretty brilliant! What a terrific transformation!

Pink said...

wow.. amazing job !!

Nicole said...

I love-love-LOVE this idea! I do have a question though... what was your original plain Jane shelf made of? Was it actually wood? I have two similar shelves, but they are made of some sort of particle board. I think they would be strong enough for doors; they are pretty sturdy, but I wanted to see what you used. Thanks!

Unknown said...

That's a great idea. I have some boring shelves that could use some help.

http://froufrugal.blogspot.com

Grumpy Pants said...

I absolutely love this! I am about to move (2 weeks) and this is exactly what I am doing to my husbands old Target bookshelves. I love this so much I am linking your post on my post: http://grumpypantskelly.blogspot.com/2010/10/crafty-project.html

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