I love a good multi-purpose item. And, I love getting it at a bargain price. I also love an easy DIY project. Getting all three of those together, well, I really love that too!
A while back [late last summer], I was shopping at a local antique market along with my oldest daughter when she pointed out a beautiful set of magnolia bookends, saying to me "those look like you Mom!"
I took one look at them and knew I had to have 'em. All gold and glittery, they were perfect and perfectly priced! And, I knew I'd find a way to incorporate them into the magnolia theme I had planned for my fireplace mantel at the time.
I took one look at them and knew I had to have 'em. All gold and glittery, they were perfect and perfectly priced! And, I knew I'd find a way to incorporate them into the magnolia theme I had planned for my fireplace mantel at the time.
I bought them for just a few dollars each, then brought them home and it wasn't long before I came up with the great idea of making the bookends into sconces. I had forgotten all about the project until I came upon the photos of the bookends, so I wanted to share how we transformed them into sconces.
I sold the idea to the hubby, since I asked for his help with the transformation. He the brawn and I the brain, together we had this little DIY mastered in short order and in just minutes they were up hanging on the wall!
A set of picture/mirror hangers were chosen as the hardware for hanging the sconces. After some precise measuring, a hole was predrilled for the screw that would attach the hanger. This process was duplicated for the other bookend/sconce also.
I was very pleased with the new purpose for my bookends, and they were much more visible on display as sconces up on the wall! A great re-purpose. I just loved the results of my great idea and was happy the hubby helped in the project, and also that he went along with it. Of course it's always good when you get the nod of approval like that! ;)
Now when ever I see a set of bookends, I imagine them in a whole new way!
I sold the idea to the hubby, since I asked for his help with the transformation. He the brawn and I the brain, together we had this little DIY mastered in short order and in just minutes they were up hanging on the wall!
A set of picture/mirror hangers were chosen as the hardware for hanging the sconces. After some precise measuring, a hole was predrilled for the screw that would attach the hanger. This process was duplicated for the other bookend/sconce also.
We decided on one hanger placed in the center, because 1) these bookend/sconces weren't very heavy and I only intended to sit small candle holders on top of them as sconces.
2) the added hanger would not be in the way if I later chose to use the sconces as bookends once again, or the added hangers could easily be removed.
And, 3) there was already a single nail/hole in the wall at the spot where I wanted to hang the sconces, where I had previously hung a picture or small mirror, so we didn't want to add more nails/holes to the wall. If they were heavier in weight two hangers for each would have been more necessary.
The rubber feet that were on the bottom of the bookends, would now be on top, but were not noticeable once up on the wall so I left them on.
If I do use the sconces as bookends again, the feet would still be there. So, I didn't bother with removing them.
I was very pleased with the new purpose for my bookends, and they were much more visible on display as sconces up on the wall! A great re-purpose. I just loved the results of my great idea and was happy the hubby helped in the project, and also that he went along with it. Of course it's always good when you get the nod of approval like that! ;)
Now when ever I see a set of bookends, I imagine them in a whole new way!
Happy decorating!...
