Wood carvings add sculptural elements to bookends.
Bookends serve the useful function of holding up a row of books; but they can be decorative elements as well. If you have some plain, unfinished, wooden bookends, turn them into works of art by painting or staining them, and by adding sculptural elements. Decorate your bookends in a way that complements the current decor of the room. Upon completion, your collection of books will be flanked by one-of-a-kind, ornamental accents.
Instructions
1. Sand the bookends with 220-grit sandpaper to prepare the surfaces for painting or staining. Wipe the bookends with a damp cloth pick up the sanding dust.
2. Paint the bookends with wood conditioner, if you plan on staining and the bookends are made out of a soft wood, such as fir, or out of a pale wood, such as birch. This will ensure consistent stain coverage. Paint the bookends with primer, if you plan on painting the bookends.
3. Affix wood ornaments to the bookends. From figures to symbols, the wood ornaments can be anything you want. Wood ornaments can be handmade by sawing the shapes out of a board, or by carving forms out of blocks. Another option is to buy pre-made wood ornaments. Look for wood ornaments at souvenir shops, antique stores, flea markets and artisan shops. Screw pilot holes through the bases of bookends and into the ornaments, using a drill, and secure the ornaments with wood screws. Screw through the underside of the bookends, so the screw heads are not evident. Countersink the screws slightly so the screw heads will not scratch anything. Affix the wood ornaments now, if they are unfinished. Affix the wood ornaments after staining or painting, if they are already finished.
4. Stain or paint the bookends with a desired color. To stain, apply a thick coat of stain and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes (the longer you leave it the darker it will be) then wipe off the excess stain with a cloth. Add a second coat to even the coverage. If painting, apply two coats. If you are painting, you also have the option to apply patterns or imagery. This can be done freehand or by using stamps stencils. Stain or paint the ornaments as well, if they were previously unfinished.
5. Affix the wood ornaments now, if they were previously finished.
6. Paint the bookends with three coats of polyurethane varnish, if you stained the bookends. This is not necessary if you painted the bookends. Lightly sand between each coat of varnish, using 220-grit sandpaper.
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