Not only was this was a hand-painted piece by someone back in 1980, but it was also falling apart. The sides are popping off and the center divider is completely detached. Nothing a little DIY can't fix, right?
LIBRARY
Before I get started, let me catch you up to speed on what's going on in our city. Just a couple of years ago our local library underwent a renovation. You can imagine we all were excited to see our dated library get a much needed makeover. We waited for months to be able to get back in and explore again. On their grand opening we went in with eager excitement to see all the changes that had been made. Everything looked fantastic, but...a bit sparse. They had taken a space to install a playground of sorts - slides, climbers, etc. and updated the decor. We looked at each other like...where did all the books go? A sort of sadness set in. Not only that, but because we homeschool, we rely heavily on the resources for our studies and supplemental research. Plus, it makes learning fun. However, after a few months, we found that many of the books were gone and now were only accessible through inter-library loan. That's all good and fine if you can find the book, and if you plan many weeks ahead to get it in time. For instance, one of my daughters needed to do a report on poison ivy and we couldn't find one solitary book on the subject in our library. We tried to use the inter-library loan, but it would take weeks to get it. Time after time we have run into this problem.BUMMER
At this point, we are so utterly disappointed in how libraries are diminishing as more people turn to electronic devices. There is a place for eBooks and such, but NOTHING compares to a book. Feeling the pages, smelling the funky book scent, and even having that tangible item to cling to as you turn the page in suspense. Okay...off my soapbox. So with that in mind, I'm encouraging you to not only grab a book for yourself and patronize your local library, but to get your kids involved. Here's what I decided to create with this upcycled magazine rack. My home is loaded with bookshelves, but maybe we don't all have room for such bliss. But... a little book caddy fits in most anywhere and is portable.DIY TIME
First, it was time to whip this thrifted find into shape. I break out my sander and wave goodbye to the hunter. hee hee.
Next, I needed to get it assembled together properly. I used some wood glue and my nailer to make it all nice and tight.
Once all assembly is complete, it was time to bring on the paint! {{yeehaw}}. My handy dandy spray shelter pops up in a blink and saves me from over-spray getting in trouble-ness.
I give several coats of Heirloom White and let it cure in between and after. Notice I'm using a vintage lazy susan covered in newspaper so I can turn my project while spraying. A life-saver I tell ya!
THE REVEAL
After the paint had cured, I decide to paint the inside a contrasting color, and add some artwork and typography. Here it is all ew along with some of my reading buddies.
One of my favorite things is reading aloud books to my six kids of all ages. Not just picture books, but any book. We gather around and to see the way they light up at my story-telling is a gift that can't be beat.
It even melts my heart when I often find them reading to each other. In those moments I pause and just listen. mmm...time flies way too fast not to savor it.
So, there you have it. My upcycled magazine rack now corrals a nice stash of books you can place in your living room, bedroom, and even take on the road.
GIVEAWAY TIME
To get the ball rolling, My family and I would like to send this to someone you know who could immensely benefit from not only having this book caddy, but also a couple brand new books from our printable list of a few favorites (and I mean a FEW. Confessed bibliophiles here. tee hee! See below). Maybe you know someone who doesn't have the funds to have books or has limited access to them, or maybe lives in a situation where they could benefit from this gift. Enter the giveaway using your own information, but have in mind the person you want this sent to. Open to applicants that are U.S. residents 18 years of age and older. You can also use as many entries as you want and some daily, so have fun with it!Also, we've compiled a few of our favorites into a printable that you can take to the library with you. Sometimes it's hard to find good ones and these are a hit with us all.
GET PRINTABLE READING LIST HERE
Other ways you can support your local library and the love of books:- attend and help at any fund raisers your library may have, like book sales
- donate books to their sales or public inventory.
- make use of their resources, like reading programs and bookmobiles
- consider creating a library set up in your neighborhood. There are many who do this and love it. We are planning to!
- volunteer at schools to help with their reading programs. It is simple as letting a child read to you.
Either way, let's get active! In addition, pin and share my upcycled magazine rack to inspire others to get out there and DIY and...read. Thanks!
Up next is Trash to Treasure Tuesday where this curbside find will get a new lease on life. Do you know what it is? SEE THE AFTER HERE.
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Also, more projects like this upcycled magazine rack:
