How to easily transform an ugly thrift store bookshelf with wrapping paper!
Welcome to the April Pinterest Challenge! The purpose of this Pinterest Challenge is to motivate us to not just pin, but to make it happen!
This month’s challenge is Eco-Friendly.
I got a booth at a local antique mall, and purchased this bookcase from my local thrift store in a rush to have something to place items on, but it was only $8! The bookcase itself was sturdy and smooth, but at the back of each of the shelves, it was yellowed – this is where our story begins!
My inspiration comes from The Boondocks Blog who actually uses wrapping paper (and paint) to upcycle a bookcase.
You can find more Eco-Friendly inspiration in my Seasonal: Eco-Friendly board, and more flips on my Hobby: Flea Market Flip board.
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FaveCrafts, Cheap Thrifty Living, DIYideaCenter
Let’s Transform an Ugly Bookshelf with Wrapping Paper!
One more look at the bookcase! I did think about painting it, but because I’ve never painted furniture before, the idea intimidates me, and I started dragging my feet. Being that I needed this right away, I couldn’t drag my feet, so I turned to the wrapping paper.
The paper was actually perfect because it was about the same size – it is a premium paper I purchased one year for Christmas. The paper is on the roll with the stripes horizontally so I just had to cut it to the length that I needed.
I did fold the edges so the actual edge would not be visible on the bookcase – just something my mom always taught me to do when wrapping gifts.
I went with a very easy method for adhering – tape. That’s right! I just rolled a few pieces of tape up, and placed them along the outside of the back panel.
Here is a close up.
And here is my finished bookcase. Easy peasy!
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Linked Up To…
Unlimited Link Party 24 – Grammy’s Grid
Happiness is Homemade #372 – Decor Craft Design
Craft Schooling Sunday – Creative Jewish Mom
Farmhouse Friday Link Party #203 – County Road 407
All About Home #90 – Common Ground
Home Matters Linky Party #330 – Modern on Monticello
Handmade Monday #226 – Sum of their Stories
The Really Crafty Link Party #265 – Keeping it Real
Craftastic Monday Link Party – Sew Can Do
Creative Crafts Linky Party #40 – Creatively Beth
Creatively Crafty Link Party #274 – Life Beyond the Kitchen
Artsy-Fartsy Party #343 – Artsy-Fartsy Mama
You’re the Star Blog Hop – Decor Craft Design
Unlimited Link Party 25 – Grammy’s Grid
Hearth & Soul Link Party – April, the 21st Century Housewife
Fabulous Party 370 – Lou Lou Girls
Party in Your PJs #357 – The Apple Street Cottage
{Wow Me} Wednesday #503 – Ginger Snap Crafts
Your Whims Wednesday #510 – My Girlish Whims
The Wednesday Link Party 397 – Oombawka Design
Thursday Favorite Things #488 – An Artful Mom
Encouraging Hearts & Home Blog Hop – Scratch Made Food
Traffic Jam Weekend Linky Party #280 – My Bijou Life
Create Bake Grow & Gather Party #467 – Shabby Art Boutique
Funtastic Friday Link Party #331 – Simply Beautiful by Angela
A Morning Cup of Joe Linky Party – The Cottage Market
Snickerdoodle Create Bake Make Link Party 384 – EyeLoveKnots
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Let’s see what other things Pinterest Inspired! Head over and visit the other hosts to see what they crafted, cooked, built or tried!
Farm Girl Reformed | Sew Crafty Crochet | Mom Home Guide
Treasures Made from Yarn | Little Vintage Cottage
Southern Sunflowers | Stone Cottage Adventures | EyeLoveKnots
On Rockwood Lane | The Apple Street Cottage | Our Good Life
Pandora’s Box | Our Sutton Place
Tania says
Looks nice! I used wrapping paper this Christmas season to line the backs of a bookshelf in my living room the same way you did… with tape so I could remove it after Christmas, it added so much to my decor, I loved it!
Tania
Alexandra says
That’s such a great idea! I never thought to do that inside, other than cover the table the tree sat on. I am working on upcycling an entertainment center for our living room, so I just might have to try the wrapping paper against the backs. Thanks for the idea!
Ann says
I just love an easy makeover and that wrapping paper gives your bookcase a whole new look!
Alexandra says
It sure does! And it was quick and easy, which was great. Thanks, Ann!
Allyson says
The pretty wrapping paper really transforms the look of your bookshelf…looks great!
Alexandra says
Thank you! The wood print really worked out perfect
Laura Bambrick says
It turned out so well! And I love that you could easily personalize this idea based on your decor! Great job!
Alexandra says
Absolutely could! And even seasonally since wrapping paper is so affordable and with the tape easy to install and remove
Terri A Steffes says
That’s a sweet way to use up some paper. Could use leftover wallpaper too. I am interested in trying out some of that peel and stick wallpaper. Maybe??
Alexandra says
I am so interested to try that wallpaper out. I have been watching several videos of how easy it is to install in your home. The only thing I’m worried about is that my walls are a little textured.
Allie Mackin says
Oh love this! It came out great, thanks for posting this!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Alexandra says
Thank YOU! I am really happy with it, and now I’m trying to figure out what else I can use the same concept on.
Marci says
Oh, my goodness! What a difference the wrapping maker makes! I’ve been curious about having a booth at a flea market, but have not mustered up the courage yet. Any advice on how you got started? -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Alexandra says
Sorry it took so long, but I just sent you an email 🙂
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom says
What a cute idea! I have seen where people add paper to the back of their bookshelves, like a solid red for Christmas, etc. It is a great way to change the overall look and feel of the shelf and room!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Alexandra says
That’s a great idea! I love decorating for different times of the year so it makes for an easy change.
Lauren says
Lovely! Your project turned out beautifully!
Alexandra says
Thanks so much!