Project Working

Summer Beach Themed Bookshelf

Yesterday we gave the bookshelf a summer makeover! We went with a beach theme ... naturally since we are currently living at the beach :) We made a welcome to Pismo Beach sign, added sand, beach rocks, drift wood and some summer themed prints!

A few months ago I found a piece of bark that had fallen off of a tree nearby, loved the texture and decided that we could use it for something. Over the weekend we found its purpose ...



We used two rows of bark putting them closely together and adhered (using craft glue) them to 3/8" plywood (leftover from the headboard)


We filled in the larger cracks with little pieces of bark, and let the whole piece dry for an hour or so


Created a design ... and printed on several 8.5 x 11 pieces of paper so that it was the same size as our plywood.



The sheets of 8.5x11 paper were taped together - then the text was cut out of contact paper (Id recommend flattening the contact paper first by cutting off a piece and laying heavy books etc on top)


We squared up the edges and cut with a jigsaw ... to keep the line straight we attached a straight piece of wood to run the saw along


The temporary board was screwed into place outside of the area to be used - once the cut was made the board was removed - a great solution for someone without a table saw!

Once the contact paper was adhered - we spray painted with Rustoleum Heirloom White 




Removed the contact paper and painted the edges with Benjamin Moore Citron 


Let it dry and then attached it to the wall over the bookshelf with 3M Command picture hanging strips

and there you have it, a custom beach sign!


We collected driftwood from a beach when coming back from a trip up north ...


added some local sand ...


I love the texture!


One of my favorite photos of Annabelle sticking her tongue out "sandy toes and salty kisses"


Love how a quick coat of citron paint finishes the edges!


"Summer Sun Makes Me Smile"


The best part about this sign is that I only had to buy a can of spray paint ... pretty good for $3!

Im loving the summer addition to our house!