Make a Tree Bookshelf

INSPIRATION 

Tree Bookshelf by Shawn Soh

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!