Wooden Thrift Shop Bookends Upcycled with Paint & Stencils

October 14, 2017
I purchased these wooden bookends very cheaply at a thrift shop recently.  


First I sprayed the bookends with Zinsser Bulls Eye Clear Shellac .  The shellac helps prevent any stain bleed through on light colored chalk paint.  

I usually spray two coats because it dries very fast.

Next I painted the bookends with two coats of Dutch Boy Chalky Finish Paint mixed as Antiquated Lace.  

(I thought I had some photos of this step, but my photo card wasn't in the camera!)  UGH!

I laid my buffalo check stencil from *Old Sign Stencils on a diagonal and centered it on my bookend.  I used Ceramcoat Acrylic Paint in Trail Tan for my checks.  

I stencil by pouncing, and I like the Dreamweaver Brush Set for smaller stenciling jobs.  

I like the pouncing method as larger areas are crisp around the edges but opaque in spots in the center.

Here is a close up of my stenciling and faux distressing with the FolkArt Layering Wood Block.  (Details for using the layering block can be found here.

I sealed my chalk paint and stenciling with Varathane Interior Crystal Clear Polyurethane, Water-Based Satin Finish



I love to add drawer label tags to my projects.  I used these antique gold metal tags from Hobby Lobby.  It's a set of three.  

They are really for paper crafts but I nail them on with short larger head nails.

Upcycled Wooden Thrift Shop Bookends www.organizedclutter.net
I printed my tags on cardstock using Coolock Black font in Picmonkey.  I used an 88 font size, traced around the label holder, and cut it out.

Upcycled Wooden Thrift Shop Bookends www.organizedclutter.net
I am trying to lighten up my walnut, double pedestal desk with hutch, without painting it. 

 I am hoping these bookends, along with my upcycled globe bookends and upcycled wooden desk tray will do the trick.  

I have one more project in the desk makeover to come soon before a reveal.


Upcycled Wooden Thrift Shop Bookends www.organizedclutter.net
Still lovin' the buffalo check stencil indoors and out!

*Old Sign Stencils provided me with complimentary samples.
All opinions about these fabulous products are my own.
Thanks for reading my blog, Carlene

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Comments

  1. It looks great and the addition of the drawer label tags really set it off nicely! Looking forward to seeing the full reveal!

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  2. That is so cute! I love the added detail of the little tags!

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  3. LOVE your little note on the sides, Carlene! This is such a clever and beautiful idea!

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  4. Those are so cute, Carlene! I love how the stencil looks and the labels really make them special!

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  5. I like the idea of adding that tag. It’s looking beautiful. Thanks for sharing this post.

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  6. Those are darling! Love them! So you're keeping these? I don't even know if you have a booth, but I assumed you do.

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