DIY Pottery Barn Floating Shelves, As Seen on Ana White

Holman Shelf from Pottery Barn

I like to think of myself as creative, artsy and have good design esthetic. I am not en engineer, though. So when I stumbled upon Ana White's website and blog, I was hooked. Ana is a momma from Alaska with a purpose in mind: to make great furniture like the items found in our favorite stores but for a small fraction of the price. I love making knock-offs from Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware items, so Ana and her design plans are heaven-sent. Who doesn't love a chick who knows her way around power tools? Seriously, when you have an hour or two available, go to her site and explore. And then come back and tell us what you made!

Although I totally made these shelves by myself, all the credit has to go to Ana for inspiring me in the first place. On her site she offers detailed plans (what to buy, how much to buy, and how to make it) for everyone so they too can make her Ten Dollar Ledges. Oh, did I mention her plans are FREE?

Now, this is why my small bit of expertise comes into play. I loved the 8' long floating shelves, but didn't need shelves for that large of a space. Also, since my husband works (a lot!), I knew he wouldn't be available to help hold the ledges while I attached them to the wall. In my pictures, shown are the two (2) 4' shelves instead of one 8' shelf, 2" wide shelves I made. So, I took one Ten Dollar Ledge and made two Five Dollar Ledges. Not bad, eh?

Great for Artwork and Trophies.

Shown with Ballet Photo, Play Bill and Special Knitted Doll.

Four Feet Long is the Perfect Length.

These space-saving wood shelves provide a handsome place for storage and display, and can be hung in any room of the house. Ana put her shelves in her dining room, I put mine in my children's room. What would have cost me $75/ each Floating Shelf at Pottery Barn ($150 total), I was able to make for $5 /each.

Another Knock-Off has been mastered! Thanks for looking, :) Kristen

Seasonal Wood Blocks- AUTUMN

Seasonal Wood Blocks- AUTUMN

After visiting autumn craft fairs and drooling over Autumn, Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations, I came to the conclusion that my home was sadly under-dressed. Personally, I prefer to have items that I can change in and out with the seasons (or when I get bored!) so this Seasonal Wood Block- AUTUMN set is perfect for this time of year.

Craft Ingredients:

* (6) Six 2" x 4" wood blocks CUT to size of your choice and SANDED
* (6) Six fall-colored decorative PAPERS cut to fit blocks
* (3) Three 1.5' RIBBONS for embellishment
* (1) AUTUMN vinyl sticker decal PHRASE in BEIGE (or any other light color)
* Paint. I suggest Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch, SATIN finish, in CINNAMON (see picture)
* Decoupage Glue & Sealer. I suggest Martha Stewart Crafts Decoupage Glue & Sealer (see picture)

Wood, Decorative Paper, Ribbon, Decoupage Glue & Sealer, Paint

Directions:

Paint your sanded blocks of wood with the paint color of your choice. Wait about two hours to be sure that your paint is dry if you're not using a fast-drying paint.

Painted Wood & Decorative Paper Cut to Size

During this wait time you can choose and cut the decorative papers you will use as your block back-drop. I like to cut my papers smaller than the actual size of the block, thus allowing a border of paint color to show around the paper. If you're like my sister, who did this project with me, she did not prefer to see a paint border. Thus, she cut her papers to the exact size of the blocks. This is a personal choice, so make it your own!  

Once the paint is dry, brush the decoupage glue and sealer over one side of the block and adhere your choice of paper. Brush on a second coat of decoupage glue to seal the paper in place. Let dry over night.

Block with Paper & Vinyl Letter 'A'

When the block and paper are dry (& smooth!) to the touch, you can now apply your vinyl sticker letters. Typically, the letters are purchased as words. Cut each letter out of the word and apply to each block individually. Smooth the letter onto the block and paper, and then peel off the mask tape.

Now you may begin embellishing your blocks! This is my favorite part :) Tie your ribbons around your blocks any way you see fit, and then trim to size.

Viola! You just brought a little bit of the outdoors in by declaring how much you enjoy this Autumn/ Fall season!

PS- A great place to buy the Seasonal Wood Blocks- AUTUMN ingredients (if you don't have the time to shop but still want to make it) is: Write@Home



**DON'T FORGET** to share your photos and experience if you give this project a try!