| 6 Creative Ways to Turn Bricks Into Bookends Aug 20th 2012, 16:00 Repurposing abandoned bricks into objects with a new use is something anyone can do. For anyone on a budget or for those who love to think differently about the evolution of everyday objects, this is a satisfying and easy project. With this tutorial, you'll learn how to turn boring bricks into fascinating and effective bookends that won't slide off under the pressure of your heaviest books. - Find suitable bricks. A brick is pretty much a brick but there are some things to be wary of when choosing your bookend bricks. For example, be sure to use completely dry bricks before beginning the project. This might mean leaving the bricks to dry somewhere first if you've unearthed them from a wet outdoor location. Second, avoid bricks that you can't sit evenly. Bricks that have chunks of mortar stuck to them or that have missing corners that make them wobbly might not be suitable for the bookend, although by all means test their balance first and see if you can't knock off that mortar with a few well placed hammer knocks. And of course, ensure that the bricks are clean before proceeding––a cloth dipped in hot soapy water and rubbed over dirt and stains should help to remove the worst of any grime build-up.
- It's recommended that you make the bricks in pairs each time, as clearly having one brick for each end of the bookshelf is helpful in most cases.
- Decide how you'll decorate the brick bookends. There are various suitable options here, depending on your own skill level, the crafty items available to you and the end look you're after. The decorating possibilities this article covers are: paper (decoupage), fabric, photos, paint, glitter and three dimensional. Follow the section below that suits your needs best.
Paper (decoupage) brick bookends - Select the paper. Although it may be tempting to use last year's holiday wrapping, bear in mind that you'll have to live with the design year-round. Also, cheap flimsy paper is not an option––even though you'll be decoupaging it, the flimsier the paper, the more likely it is that it'll rip and won't present a good final look. The paper selected should be suitable for your decor, interesting to look at and representative of your taste. Ideas include:
- Magazine images
- Strong, nicely designed wrapping paper images
- Images you've picked up from here and there such as brochures, ticket stubs, postcards, bookmarks, promotional materials, etc. You could even consider making a trip memory brick bookend, or some other memento bookend
- Fabric-backed contact paper; this comes in lots of interesting designs and colors
- Cut-outs––some craft stores sell specially produced decoupage cut-out sheets with designs ranging from Victorian images to animals.
- Wrap each brick in a layer of plain colored paper first. This will serve as the base layer over which you'll add the decoupage pieces of paper. Wrap as if you were wrapping a present, only be as neat as you can possibly be and avoid too much overlap at either end or you'll create unevenness.
- Cut out the decoupage images. If you haven't already done so, cut out the images or clip them to size for adding to the brick bookend.
- Add the images to the base layer. Using decoupage glue, glue the images all over the covered brick in a pattern or randomly, as wished. Follow the glue instructions for drying times.
- Spray with acrylic sealer to complete the project. Again, wait for it to dry completely. Once dried, start using your new decoupage brick bookends.
Painted brick bookends Provided the bricks you're using a smooth and clean, painting them is another great option. - Create a design on paper before painting. It could be as simple as painting the whole brick one simple color (or even simply varnishing it clear). Or, it could be as complicated as painting on specific designs and images or doing some free-flowing painting in a random way. In each case, be sure to complement the decor color scheme.
- Try glow-in-the-dark or neon paints for a funky look.
- Cover your workspace well to protect surfaces.
- Clean each brick in readiness for painting. The bricks should be as clean as possible to allow the paint to adhere well.
- Paint the bricks as desired. Allow to dry between coats and paint enough coats for it to look smooth and well covered.
- Display once dried.
Glitter brick bookends Glitter adds sparkle to everything, so some glittery brick bookends should cheer up a dull book space! - Select the glitter and any other related adornments. You could also add rhinestones, costume jewels, sequins and any other affordable bling that jazzes up the look.
- Cover your workspace well to protect surfaces.
- Paint decoupage glue over the brick surface (except for the part that will not be seen). Sprinkle the glitter over the glue. Allow this layer to dry before adding any additional layers of glitter.
- If adding extra bling, glue on separately once the glittery layers have dried. Use silicon adhesive for such items.
- For larger jewels and flash, place a dab of silicon adhesive on the back and hold for a few minutes against the brick. Consider using fake pearls, pretend money, or feathers to call attention to these sparkling bookends. You could even top each brick with a small tiara.
- Spray with acrylic sealer when you are finished so the glitter doesn't end up all over your books. Once dried, the bookends are ready for display.
Photo memory brick bookends This approach is a great way to preserve favorite photos for display. This also could be a fantastic gift for a parent, spouse, child or friend. Just don't give it to them if they're flying home though! - Select the desired photos. The photos could be themed, such as a family holiday or a child growing up through the ages, or simply random photos you like. You will want two large pictures––one on each side of the brick (or four if you're creating two bricks) and then two or three smaller pictures for each side of the brick. Determine if you want to cover the top of the brick––if so, find another picture. Use a ruler to take measurements so you know how big to print your pictures.
- Print the pictures. If your pictures are cataloged on your computer, print out enough pictures to cover both sides of each brick (two larger pictures), the two sides and top (several smaller pictures). Use camera-ready photo paper for the highest quality. Alternatively, have a photo store print the images for you.
- Purchase or make two photo frames that are the same size as the brick. You will have a framed photo on each side of the brick and then you'll decoupage the rest of the pictures onto the brick itself. Consider using frames that do not have stands and flat back surfaces so they can be easily affixed to the brick.
- Place the pictures inside the frames and affix to the larger sides of the brick. Use either liquid nails or silicone adhesive to make each frame stick. Hold in place for several minutes while it adheres and bonds to the brick.
- Decoupage the brick sides and top with other photos. You may just like the look of the two pictures frames and stop there. However, if you want to add more family memories, brush one layer of decoupage on a cleaned brick surface and then affix your photos. Wait about 20 minutes for the solution to dry and then add another layer. Perform this step three or four times and then spray with acrylic sealer to complete the project.
Fabric brick bookends - Select the fabric. As with the paper choice, be sure to use fabric that is suitable year-round and matches the decor. Of course, if you're happy to change the brick bookends regularly, you could also theme them to a season, such as using Christmas colors for the holiday season, then recovering the bookends post-Christmas. Stronger fabric is advisable, to prevent the likelihood of any rips or wrinkling. Fabric suggestions include:
- Fabric direct from your fabric stash, scraps or other pieces
- Scarves, old clothing that has been loved but is no longer wearable––a cozy look can be achieved by cutting up and old fluffy sweater
- Sarongs or other clothing wraps
- Old sheets––put those childhood Spiderman sheets to good use and wrap the bricks in a section that features Spidey.
- Wrap each brick as though you are wrapping a gift. Instead of using tape to keep your work together, use a dab or two of liquid nails or silicone cement. You could also use a hot glue gun if you're gluing fabric to fabric. In each case, don't overlap the folded parts too much, to ensure that the brick still sits evenly.
- You may want to sew the edges of a cut portion of fabric so they don't fray or tear as time passes.
- Decorate if wished. Although optional, you can add additional items to the fabric covered brick, such as tying ribbon bands around each end or gluing on interesting decorations such as buttons, rhinestones, lace, etc.
- Spray with a fabric sealant. Although this step is optional, it will help to keep the fabric clean and make it easier to dust.
- Place the fabric brick bookends on the shelf to hold your books.
3D brick bookends - Create a 3-D look by affixing blocks and shapes to the brick using liquid cement. Make a house, a face, your dog, a car––nearly any design can be made using liquid nails (or silicone adhesive) and found objects.
- Check out a hobby store for small dollhouse pieces. Re-create a tiny library on the outside of each brick by purchasing a dollhouse bookshelf, chair and even a few doll book. Glue the bookshelf to the back of the brick and then affix the chair and other books to the side. You could even sit a small doll in the chair reading a book for extra interest.
- Design a modern looking face or architectural structure using basic children's blocks. Create interest by using a variety of color and shapes on each brick backing.
Finished -
- Bricks come in a variety of sizes and shapes––look for something that fits your bookshelf and project ideas.
Edit Warnings - Take care when handling bricks. They are heavy and hurt if dropped on your foot or any other body part.
Edit Things You'll Need - Bricks
- Suitable adhesive
- Attachments and decorations as outline above
- Newspaper or sheets to cover work surfaces
- Ruler and marker for measurements
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