Making Good: Redoing a Book Shelf

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."  I love this quote from Boyd K. Packer.  I have to admit, I like new things, but I also find so much joy and satisfaction in taking something old, something worn out and fixing it and making it new again.

I am excited to be participating in the Making Good Blog Train hosted by Green Issues by Agy.

The "Making Good" blog train asks: What is a repair and why do we even both to repair the things we have?  Some see rapid as a way of reconnecting with our possessions as extend their lives.  Other see it a form of creative potential and an avenue to express their craft.  The rewards for mending varies from feeling immense satisfaction to prolonging the life of the product. 

My husband and I were blessed enough to receive a lot of furniture from family when we were first married.  Some pieces were definitely nicer than others; a few pieces we still have after almost 14 years or marriage.  But after 14 years of marriage, I wanted to have something more than just the hand- me downs, I wanted pieces that we love.

Rather then go out and buy all new furniture, as honestly who has the money for that, I began re-doing some of the better pieces. (My long-time readers will recognize this as one of my pieces in my master bedroom makeover).

I began by painting the old book case.  There are many ways to paint furniture, but for this one I used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.   I love that this paint is so simple to use in that there is no need to sand or prime, you just start painting.  

I wanted to give it a little pop, something extra as I wasn't planning on it being completely full of books.  

I found some great wrapping paper, it was a very thick wrapping paper (you can also use contact paper). I measured the piece for length, it was not wide enough, so I had to use two pieces.

I actually lay the book shelf on it's back, as it felt easier to lay the piece down to put the paper on 

I cut the first piece and sprayed it with a quick drying adhesive.  I then carefully lined up the paper starting at the top upper right hand corner.  
When the shelves were all dry, I added the shelf hardware back and put the shelves back in.  I love the finished look! 

While it would have been easier to just go buy a new book case, I then not only would have wasted money and this great piece of furniture, but I wouldn't have a custom one of a kind piece.

Better lighting than above- this shows the true colors 

What things have you fixed up and changed around your home?

Thank you Agy, for letting me be part of this blog train,  Tomorrow, the repair train (which has been world wide!) heads over to Jean's Blog Simply HandMade by Jean Stitch.