DIY Painted Animal Bookends

Transform everyday materials into sturdy, colorful bookends to dress up your bookshelves.

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By: Chelsea Costa

Materials Needed:

  • one brick cut in half, or two blocks of wood each approximately 4" cubed
  • 2 matching toy animals, approximately 5" tall
  • strong adhesive
  • spray paint formulated to adhere to plastic
  • self-stick felt pads
  • sandpaper (if using wood base)

Cut Brick

If you're unable to find half bricks, ask your local hardware store to cut a whole one down the middle for you. If you're using wood bases, be sure the surface is smooth and go over any rough edges with sandpaper.

Affix Animal

Apply adhesive to bottom of toy animal and press firmly onto center of one brick half. Repeat with the other set. Allow adhesive to dry according to product instructions. Tip: Liquid Nails or a similar adhesive works well with varying materials like plastic, brick and wood.

Apply Paint

In a well-ventilated area, spray-paint animals and bases. If your spray paint is formulated to adhere to plastic, you shouldn't need a primer coat. Apply thin, even coats and add more as needed until both pieces are completely covered. Allow the paint to dry and cure thoroughly to avoid using a sealant; one to two days in a ventilated area should be sufficient.

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Add Felt Pads

Add self-stick felt pads to the bottom of each brick or wooden base to keep your shelf safe and prevent scratching.

You're Finished!

Display your easy DIY bookends on the shelf with a collection of your favorite reads.

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