Make a Tree Bookshelf

INSPIRATION 
As soon as I seen this bookshelf...
I know I wanted it!!
This one is made from metal and is $2800
Nurseryworks  recreated it using MDF for $850

Well neither were in my budget so I did my best to try and recreate my own version with some left over lumber.

Here's my tutorial:

 I used 3 2x6's for the center trunk cut to 7ft
and different sized 1x6 pieces for the 
6 shelves between 2ft and 4 ft each
the trimmed off pieces are the branches.
 Gorilla glue and a few nails and screws.
All items I had leftover from other projects 
making this bookshelf  FREE!
First I laid everything out to get an idea of what I wanted.
I used 3 2x6's down the middle for a depth of 4 1/2" 
NOTE:
A 2x6 is about 1 1/2" deep
A 1x6 is about 5 1/2" wide
I have no idea why they aren't true to size!
I trimmed all my shelves to 4 1/2" to fit 
my 3 2x6's (4 1/2 ")
If you want wider shelves use 1x8's and more 2x6's 
I marked each shelf at 4 1/2 inches
So they will be flush with my 2x6's...
One side of the shelf will be against the wall 
so only need to cut one edge...
I marked a wavy line with sharpie...
just to try and give the board more shape like a branch...
Then I used this trusty jig saw to cut the edges of my shelves.
See how one will be the shelf and the other the decorative branch:-)
 I laid everything out again and made a diagram so I could remember how to put if all back together
I numbered the wall edge side and painted.
This tree bookshelf is going in my kitchen to hold cookbooks
I painted it the same color as my back kitchen wall.
It's always nice to have a good helper!
 I (ok the hubby) did the same thing on each side of the 2x6's.
Mark your first one then use it as a guide for the others.
I should have marked these a little slender towards the top
to look more like my inspiration. 
The bottom one is notched out to fit against the baseboard
All 3 are screwed together with a 4" screw
at the top, middle and bottom.
You can use a sander to smooth all edges...but I liked the rough edges.....
it is a tree after all:=)
Fits perfectly against the wall.
Find the stud in the wall 
I used one screw at the very top to secure to the wall.
I left unpainted because I wasn't even sure if I was gonna like it and because I wasn't sure if I wanted the 
trunk unpainted, brown or green.
And now to attach everything.....
My plan was to use brackets for the shelves but the only ones I had on hand were just to big and looked awful...
So I found some Gorilla Glue.....this stuff is awesome!! 
It foams to fill in any gaps and really has an amazing grip!
I attached each shelf with glue and a couple of finishing nails.
I used the brackets just to hold the glued shelves overnight.
I used my diagram somewhat but kinda just 
went with what looked best.
I just tried to create a big circle with the branches.
The branches are just attached with finishing nails in case I wanted to make some changes.
I let the shelves dry overnight then
removed the unsightly brackets and painted it.
Ready to hold all my cookbooks...
I thought about adding pegs and hanging some recipe cards...
and I think I might add a quote down the center....
Maybe 'Bless this Meal'
I'll take any suggestions PLEASE:-)
I found the cutest little bird house at the thrift store!

 I am entering this project over at the  







Check out all the places I party!



99 comments:

Lizzie said...

Wow Michel that is just superb! If you don't win the first prize (again!) with this project, I will be so surprised - it's wonderful. And you "saved" $2800 making it from spare timber... Perhaps you should make some more and sell them!
It's a beautiful tree-shelf, though I am a bit puzzled how it will stay together with gorilla glue... which bits are glued and which are fixed with screws? Maybe you could clarify that in your project notes? (or maybe I'm just dense and it really is all held together with glue!).

Charmaine said...

You have done an excellent job with this; I'm truely impressed.

www.licklepickle.blogspot.com

Annie-Savor This Moment said...

That is awesome! Love it! It would look amazing in a kid's bedroom, too. That is a true DIY project!

I'm here via Tip Junkie.

Tammy @ Type A said...

this is a really cool project, turned out great. thanks for sharing at my party!

Vivienne @ the V Spot said...

Unbelievable! I love this! Stopping by from DIY By Design

DIYbyDesign said...

What a really cool project. It turned out amazing. Thanks so much for linking up to the party.

Unknown said...

Girl this is AMAZING!! I wish I had a prize or award I could give you, cause you deserve one!! Love it:)

Unknown said...

This is so amazing love how it turned out!
abranconier.blogspot.com

Shannon said...

can I just say OMG - that turned out soooo good!! I LOVe the expensive inspired projects that we can make for FREE!! FABULOUS!

Rachel said...

Unreal! I am jealous of your talent in woodworking and that you can keep all your cookbooks displayed like that in your kitchen! You did an outstanding job! BRAVO!!!
I followed the link from My Backyard Eden.
~Rachel @ cookscleansplayswithpaper.blogspot.com

Jan Messali said...

Hi! I found you on Wandering Wednesday and am now following. I love this book case you made...beautiful!
Jan at Jewelry4Change
http://www.jewelry4change.blogspot.com

Terri @ A Creative Princess said...

That's awesome. I came from Wandering Wednesday. Love your blog and now your newest follower! Wander by sometime if you'd like.
www.acreativeprincess.blogspot.com

Patrice said...

Great job! I love the bookshelf.

Kallee Anne said...

WOW! Great job!
I am a new follower from wandering wednesdays. Would love to have you follow back!

Kallee Anne said...

WOW! Great job!
I am a new follower from wandering wednesdays. Would love to have you follow back!

Kallee Anne said...

WOW! Great job!
I am a new follower from wandering wednesdays. Would love to have you follow back!

Unknown said...

This is completely awesome!

kim west said...

i have loved that shelf since I saw it! love your version...pretty sure I love everything you have done!!!!! I'm going to link this up at my facebook!!!

Heather Mullin said...

I just about died when I saw how precious this is. I am totally sending my hubby this link. He loves to build and he could do this so easy! Thank you so much for sharing this! I would love to put this in my office! Or in the playroom. I LOVE IT!

Heather

Kimberly said...

this is really a great project for any room in the house!

morgany*mom said...

This is fantastic! I saw the $2800 version in a magazine recently and was drooling over it, wondering if my hubby could recreate it. Now we have your instructions! Very nice work!

Gina said...

That is so clever! You did an excellent job.

Melissa Basua said...

This is amazing!!! I love it!!!

Unknown said...

I have that EXACT picture I pulled out of a magazine to try to recreate it too! I love it and you did a fabulous job!

The McAninley Family said...

I found your blog through a girl and her glue gun and will now be following you as well! I love all your ideas for updating your home. My husband and I just bought our first home last summer and I have been trying to find some inexpensive ways to spice it up. You have really helped me get inspired.

Shannon said...

Omg I love this, I am making on very very soon!

Angie Holden said...

This is adorable and very creative!! Thanks for auditioning for OMTWI! :)

Lindy@Itsy Bitsy Paper said...

What a fantastic job you did! This turned out perfect! I love it.
http://itsybitsypaper.blogspot.com

Christina said...

Did this really cost under $20?!?! What?! This is SOOO cute! You did a great job!!

Thanks so much for linking to "20 Below Thursday"! :)

Mindie Hilton said...

This is wonderful. I just started following your blog. Saw you on the link party for $20 or less crafts. I want to invite you to enter my give away I have going on at my blog.
http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/2011/03/big-give-away.html Not to many people have entered yet so chances are good and it is a very nice give away.

Michelle @ Delicate Construction said...

This is amazing!!!!! I am visiting from Someday Crafts and I am a new follower!
Have a fantastic day!
Michelle
www.delicateconstruction.blogspot.com

Megan said...

Cool. I'm impressed. Me and power tools don't mix.

megan
craftycpa.blogspot.com

Kim @ A Brush of Whimsy said...

too cute!

The Fall Creek Chicken Coop said...

Love this!!! What a great way to get all those cook books out where you can see them so you remember to use them!!!

Chocolate Drool and Kisses said...

Looks amazing I love it! Way to go!!! Very creative, I actually like it more than the expensive ones!
Crystal

Jenn said...

Oh my! How cute is that??? So cool and creative!

Nicole @ Wohler's World said...

Oh my geez, that is amazing!! Itts even extra awesome that it was free to put together! Visiting from Somewhat Simple.

Kirsten said...

That is AMAZING!

B E C K Y said...

Ah, I had the same original pic saved on my computer! I've been wanting to tackle this as well. Yours turned out fab-tab! Thanks for the eye candy and good luck!

Kimra said...

what a cool idea! it turned out great!

Allison said...

This is absolutely incredible! I would've looked at those pricy tree bookshelves and thought "no way could I make that myself!" Awesome Job! What a wonderful idea for a nursery! Looks great in your kitchen!

Allison said...

I just read your Love Story and it is so inspiring and full of hope! I love witnessing God's sovereignty through different people's stories...so neat! He really does love us!

Unknown said...

This is freaking amazing! You definitely need your own TV show on TLC!

http://thriftyandshameless.blogspot.com

Jacqueline said...

So creative and you did a excellent job at making it look the metal one.

Yvette said...

I need someone to come over here and close my jaw, that bookshelf is absolutely stunning. I've see similar ones somewhere else that do not have nearly the same price tag as what it cost you. Hope you win the contest!
-napualaniscloset.blogspot.com

L Simonson said...

Wonderful tutorial! Super cute idea :) Thanks SO much for linking up to Thrilling Thursday @ Paisley Passions. I hope you stop by again soon :)

~Lori @ Paisley Passions

Allison {A Glimpse Inside} said...

LOVE IT! You are one talented lady! That is fantastic idea! Thanks for linking up!

PS- Love your new blog design! :)

Melanie Bacom said...

This is really cute!

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

Yep! Where there's a will there's a way. And outrageous retail prices are great motivators for us DIYers. lol

Your shelf is just too cute! Thanks for linking it to the party. It would be great to have you link to "Funny Faux Pas Follies," as well. Get the details by clicking the party button in my sidebar.


Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

At The Picket Fence said...

Ummm...my mouth is seriously hanging wide open! This is so awesome and I just can't get over it! You are so talented and I'm just so happy that we have gotten to see so many of your fabulous creations. Thank you so much for sharing this at Inspiration Friday this week!
Vanessa
P.S. My sister and I had a whole conversation about how much we love everything you do! :-)

Megan Gunyan said...

You are AWESOME! Awesome I tell you! That project is just amazing! I would've looked at that project and thought, "impossible!" You looked at it and thought, "I can do that!" Really, it turned out wonderful. GREAT job!

AllieMakes! said...

WOW! You are stinking amazing! That is AWESOME!
Thanks for linking up to Making It With Allie! I can't wait to see what you have for next week!
AllieMakes.Blogspot.com

Meagan At Fairly Fabulous said...

Oh my goodness- A-MAZING! Love, love, love this project. Thanks for the lovely tutorial, too!

Anonymous said...

This would be so wonderful in a child's room. Great job!!!!

Saby said...

OMG this is so awesome! Love love love it!!

Unknown said...

That rocks! That is, by far, the coolest bookshelf I have ever seen. I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com.

Brandy J. said...

I'm new to your blog and totally blown away by your creativity. This is so cute (as is your little helper). Thanks for the fabulous inspiration and tips for saving some serious cash!

Unknown said...

Love this tree!! It is so fun. I would love to do this at our school library. Thanks for sharing!

Kaysi @ Keeping it Simple said...

I love love LOVE this! Will you please come and decorate my house for me? :)

Sommer said...

HOLY SMOKES! This is one of the most INCREDIBLE projects I've seen in a while. You are just amazing. This is over the moon. Thanks so much for posting this at my VIP party at Designer Garden today!

XX
Sommer

Lizzy said...

That is SO CUTE! I can totally picture something like that in a nursery too. Or kids bedroom. Very neat way to display favorite books!

Sarah said...

This is such a great idea! I love that it was free too!

I am a new follower from Chic on a Shoestring, I would love if you could stop by www.mooseandtater.com

ArtfullyJune said...

Wow, what a great knockoff and fun idea.

bikim said...

gorgeous!
super effect!
happy weekend!
Rosa

Stitches said...

This is just great! We have been looking for a creative book shelf for our kids.

Sally said...

What a great idea! Show that jigsaw who's boss. :)

tiffany said...

oh my goodness this is the coolest thing ever! thanks so much for sharing your tutorial!!

=)Tiffany
Breakfast at Tiffany's

Jenni said...

seriously?! you rock! i think it actually looks better than your inspiration picture! not even kidding! you did an amazing job!!

MojoMama said...

This is really awesome!! When we own a house someday, I'd love to be able to do something like this!! I love the colors, and the whole feel of it!!

http://dojocrafting.blogspot.com

Jane@Little House of Projects said...

This is so cool! It can be very versatile, too. You can easily use it for themed decorations like birds and birdhouses or with photos for a family tree. Great job!

Christina said...

I featured this project today on my blog...thanks for linking it up! Come grab a "featured" button...you deserve it! :)

Stephanie said...

So cool. Great job!

Jen said...

That is super cool idea!! Thanks for sharing.
I am a new follower.
Hope you come by to visit.
Cheers!
Jen

Jill said...

Oh WOW!! this is such an amazing project and looks fabulous! You really are very talented!! I'm a new follower so I can stop by more often for more inspiration.

I would love if you came over and linked this project to my weekly Round Tuit party at:
http://jembellish.blogspot.com/
Have a great week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success

riz said...

a killer knock-off! great hands there...i'm in awe! keep doin DIY.

i am a follower here:)

Honey at 2805 said...

A totally unique and creative tree!

Jen said...

Okay, I just love this! So creative and way to make it affordable! I am going to have to try and make one of these for my house! Thanks for the tips and for sharing this at Fantastic Friday. I hope that you will join us again this week,

AmyH said...

Amazing! I'll be featuring you as a Friday Fav- come grab a button & party with us on Friday:)

Beverly {Flamingo Toes} said...

I love this Michell!! What a fun way to display books - it's just so cute!
Thanks so much for linking up to Think Pink Sundays!! (and for the link back!!! ) :)

Leslie said...

This is amazing! I featured it on Hoo's got talent! Thanks for linking up to the party!

Maggie Lamarre said...

omg Michelle this is amazing it look so daunting to me.
would luv for you to add it to our linking party this week.
http://www.passionatelyartistic.com/2011/03/orange-blossoms-with-linking-party.html
Thanks
Maggie

Be Colorful Coastal said...

You did a terrific job on this. I love that you showed your inspiration piece too. I would have so much fun just arranging my books on this. Such a unique project and that is something I am always drawn to.
Thanks for sharing this on Motivated Monday at BeColorful.
Pam

Holly Lefevre said...

Oh my - you are one amazing lady! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this idea!

are you going to creative estates?

Holly

Unknown said...

Let me be the 200 person to tell you this is awesome. Amazing . True creative!! I love it.

Unknown said...

Hi, Michell I am a new follower on your blog. I love this Tree Bookshelf, how inventive out of free wood you had. Love it. Very interesting conversation piece it must be also when you have guests over. Great job.
www.creativetizzy.blogspot.com
Come visit me!

Unknown said...

i've been admiring this tree in photos...thank you for the tutuorial. now for a place to put it....!

Anonymous said...

Whoa, that is so impressive and resourceful. $2800??! Yowza. Way to go with your creativity. Looks awesome!

Ann Marie @ Twice Lovely said...

You did a fantastic job!!! I can't believe you figured out how to recreate $2,800 for FREE! Great idea!

Ashley@ DesignBuildLove.co said...

Too Cute!!! www.DesignBuildLove.co

Pamela said...

This is my favorite project ever! My blog is "A Sheltering Tree" so tree speaks to me and books are my biggest love.

Drooling on my keyboard,
Pamela

Maria Matter said...

totally amazing Michell!!! you did a great job hun!

Unknown said...

This is amazing! Even if it was just the tree, it would be pretty cool, but then the fact that it's 3-D and has tons of visual interest and lets you store books (so you get to decorate with things you have that take up space) is just AMAZING! : )

Unknown said...

This is really neat!

Heather said...

Great job on the bookshelf! I saw that same one recently and told my husband that we have to do something like that in the future. Love it!

Christine said...

This is an amazing idea you have! I'm so inspired. I've gone through lots of ideas, and you are a creative genius. Thank you so so so so much for sharing.

P.s. I'm wondering though...how can that glue hold up books?

Amanda said...

Hi Michell! What an awesome knock off! I've featured this post on Copy Cat Crafts today, you can view it here
http://www.copycatcrafts.com/how-to-make-an-amazing-tree-bookshelf/

We'd love it if you'd like to display a featured button! You can grab your button on the right hand side of your post. Thanks!

Linda @ it all started with paint said...

That is one amazing project! I'm so impressed ...

Oh, and stopping by from Not Just A Housewife ...

... and is it just me, but why aren't other contest participants visiting each other? Really? You have 100 comments ... it's definitely a click worthy project. Just saying...

talha said...

I like your creative idea,have you some creative ideas on plastic cards?

Fundraising Discount Cards
Gift Card Printing
Hank Hendricks

Decorpedia said...

it's very interesting ideas to make a modern bookshelf , i will try to make it , thank you :)

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