Upgrade of an ordinary shelf unit with old book pages / ORC week 2

Since we were away for a dance competition last weekend and couldn’t DIY anything, I started small for my first week of the One Room Challenge. But I think it has a big impact for a small project!

Easy upgrade of an ordinary shelf unit | Old book pages | mod podge | DIY | Home Decor | Craft Room | Organization | One Room Challenge

Last week (and a half!) I got myself into One Room Challenge, hosted by Calling it Home.

The Challenge is simple: each round, twenty design bloggers take the challenge and transform a space. Every Wednesday, the designers document their process while sharing their sources and professional advice over the six weekly posts.

In addition to following along, everyone with a blog (like me!), is welcome to join the fun as a Guest Participant by linking their own room transformations up during the six weeks.

So here I am for a craft room makeover! Trying to catch up my lost weekend (are you always trying to catch up too?)

Since the steps needs drying between them, It was a great project to do during week nights.

First Step: Empty the shelves and paint

Have to be honest with you. Sometimes I get sooo exited on a project that I skip to the fun part. That’s what happened here. I glued all the book pages and after I painted the shelf unit! As a mother would say to her children: do as I say, not as I do!! Paint the shelves before you glue the book pages! 😋

Glue the book pages

A long time ago, a friend gave me Notre-Dame-de-Paris from Victor Hugo for my birthday.

Since it has a special meaning for me, I though it would be great to have the pages in plain view.

Using Mod Podge, glue the book pages. Try not to think too much while doing this. Try to “Let It Go” (that’s it, I’ll have that song in my head for the rest of the day!!)

You’ll probably get bubbles everywhere. Don’t worry about it! On the contrary, encourage them. It will bring nice texture in the next step!

Sanding

Using a sanding sponge, sand gently the paper. That’s where the bubbles will help to bring the texture and make the pages look like they’re worn out.

Do you see the texture 😊

Applying a white wash

Mix equal part of white paint and wather. You don’t need a lot.
Apply with a paint brush (the paint will drip. Try to spread the paint everywhere)
Wait around 1 minute
Wipe gently with a clean cloth. Do it randomly. Leave some spots with more white and others with almost nothing