Hi Friends! Today I’m joining my Power Tool Girl Crew to bring you a simple project I did using power tools! I love these group challenges because they motivate me to get stuff done! This month’s theme is “Summer”.
I wanted to do something with this little bookcase I picked up at the thrift store for $12 a couple of weeks ago:
It looked like someone had some sort of electronics on the bottom shelf that needed to be vented, so two big holes had been cut out on the back.
When I bought it, I originally planned to replace the back with bead board, but that didn’t seem very “Summery” to me.
Then I remembered this pile of discarded fencing:
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to cram EVERY last piece in my car at the time, but I still have a couple of these fence sections left from that haul:
Those people were having a yard sale, but were so nice to let me dig through their curbside trash. They even helped me load it! I did purchase this dresser for $5 that I redid as part of my March Madness Series though. 🙂
I decided to use them instead of the bead board to replace the backing on the shelf:
Looks Summery, right??
I cut the pickets to fit using my miter saw:
That’s one of the hardest working tools for the projects I do.
I wiped the pickets down really well, then I gave them a white-wash like I did on this tray. Then I attached them with small nails.
I love the coastal feel of the white-washed fence pickets:
They really add so much to this otherwise very plain little bookcase.
A few Summer-inspired accessories complete the look.
This little white basket was a 99¢ thrift store find that I painted white…
The blue Ball jars were all yard sale finds.
I got several of the large ones you see on the bottom for $5 each! I didn’t have enough money on me at the time, but ran home as fast I could and came back for them. 🙂
Of course hydrangeas always say Summer to me…
These are from my garden (Mini Penny Hydrangea), inside a thrift store enamel kettle.
The bookcase itself is painted in Pure White DIY Chalk paint, but I gave it two coats of Polycrylic (affiliate link) instead of wax this time, sanding lightly between coats. I thought that might hold up better to the wear and tear if this is actually purchased to use for books. (See how I apply Polycrylic here.)
See what Summer-inspired projects my friends are making today as well!
1. Frozen Treat Stand by My Love To Create
2. Red White And Blue Cornhole Game by Create And Babble
3. Drying Rack From Old Crib rail by The Kim Six Fix
4. Chair Spindle Wooden Garden Caddy by Interior Frugalista
5. Star Clothes Drying Rack by A Piece Of Rainbow
6. Farmhouse Bench Building Plans by Refresh Restyle
7. Vegetable Gathering Basket by Designs By Studio C
8. DIY Standing Towel Rack Tutorial by H2OBungalow
9. Reclaimed Wood Bookcase by Confessions of A Serial Do-it-Yourselfer (That’s me!)
10. DIY Footstool by Virginia Sweet Pea
11. DIY Hose Hanger by My Repurposed Life
See all my previous Power Tool Challenge Projects HERE.
I hope you’re feeling inspired!
I’ll be back on Tuesday to share what I made out of this piece I removed from that fence section:
Any guesses?
UPDATE…No waiting necessary! See what I did with it HERE now!
XO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Wendi @ H2OBungalow says
I’m always amazed at the creativity you put into your projects! Love the fenceboards for the back of this shelf. Such a good save and so much better off too!
Christy says
Aww thanks, Wendi! You are so kind! I wasn’t sure I could make this special since it was such a plain little bookcase, but I’m so pleased with the character the fencing added. 🙂
gail says
I love, love, love reusing old fence. It’s so perfectly GRAY!
In fact I’ve actually done this several times because I love the gray against white.
pinning!
gail
Christy says
Me too, Gail!! I need a bumper sticker that says, “I brake for old fencing!” ha ha because nothing will get my attention faster while driving! It’s the perfect addition to so many projects! XO
Louise says
From broken and boring to Practical and Pretty! btw, I love that you scooped up that fabulous fence wood, and would do the same if had the opportunity -thanks for making me feel “normal” 😉
Christy says
Thanks, Louise! It’s funny because NO ONE I know would dare stop to put those dirty fence pieces in their car…so you make me feel normal too ha ha! XO
Marie, The Interior Frugalista says
Sweet haul, Christy. I would have been packing those fence boards into my car too. As always, a gorgeous makeover and styled for Summer beautifully!
Christy says
Thanks, Marie! I wish I had gone back for more! XO
andi says
Wow…so cute now!!
-andi
Christy says
Thanks, Andi! XOXO
Cher @ Designs by Studio C says
Wow, Christy! I love the combination of the weathered boards and the white paint on the bookcase! This is a really stunning project!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Cher!! XO
Chels says
That’s really beautiful! What a great idea!
Christy says
Thank you so much, Chels! XO
Marcie Lovett says
Wow, that was some hideous fencing. You have an amazing imagination, Christy! The whitewashed wood really gives this bookcase the coastal look. And now, of course, I want a miter saw.
Christy says
Ha ha yes it was! Thanks, Marcie…those nasty fence pickets clean up well lol. 🙂
Paula@SweetPea says
A new back and paint was just what this bookshelf needed. I love the texture that the fence boards give the back and the white wash is the perfect finishing touch.
The GIF you made for your post is awesome! Just wanted you to know that I really admired that!
Christy says
Thanks, Paula! The GIF was made with an app on my iPhone called ImgPlay. It’s fun! 🙂
Jeanie says
Another beautiful project – you have such great vision! Pinned!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Jeanie! XO
Rose L. says
well done.
Christy says
Thanks, Rose! 🙂
Rose says
Christy I think I can do this, Thanks.
Christy says
You sure can! 🙂
Debbie says
Ok that is gorgeous! I will be trolling neighborhoods for down fences 😉 love it!!
Christy says
Thanks, Debbie! I haven’t met a fence pile I could pass up! XOXO
Mindi says
What a beautiful makeover Christy! I really love it and how you finished the fence panels…I think I need to do more white washing. 🙂
Christy says
Thanks, Mindi! I love the look of the white washing! 🙂
Gina Keysor says
I love , love it????!! I am inspired to whitewash my salvaged picket fencing. Perfect accessories too!
Christy says
Thanks, Gina! I love the white wash on old pickets. The dirty old pickets shine beautifully through the white paint. 🙂
Tania says
It looks great! I really like the fence board backing, that was a great idea! I just had an entire fence replaced and of course I had them leave the old boards with me! I’m excited to find projects to make using them :o)
Tania
Christy says
Thanks, Tania! You were smart to hang on to that fencing…so many good projects await! XO
ananda says
this is just beyond gorgeous!!! christy i love your dumpster diving adventures, and super pretty style!! xo
Christy says
Aw thanks, Ananda! XO
Becky says
Oh, I LOVE this one! Your new back is so perfect! I love old blue jars too and was lucky to get a bunch from my great grandma years ago. : )
Christy says
Thanks, Becky!! That’s awesome that you have your Grandma’s jars…I love them!
Cynthia Chilson Finger says
So cute, and yes, you have inspired me. Thanks for sharing!
Christy says
Thanks so much, Cynthia! XO
Grandmas House DIY says
What a great update! Pinning to my Before and Afters board!
Christy says
Thank you! 🙂
Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says
Beautiful make-over Christy. It certainly has a pretty coastal look now. Thank you for sharing this project at Shabbilicious Friday this week. I’m delighted to be featuring it at tomorrow’s party. Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Christy says
Thanks so much, Kerryanne!! XOXO
Arnie says
You’ve captured this pelcyftre. Thanks for taking the time!
Mary says
Thanks for the inspiration. I have a super cute bookcase— similar to yours and it has avertical bead board backing. I will attempt a finish like this It’s so cute!
Christy says
Thanks, Mary! I almost added bead board to the back, but this was a fun alternative! XO