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New Life for a Borders Bookshelf

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I hope you will take a moment to view how I test drove my Dremel Trio. This is seriously a really fun power tool! Just be sure you are safe so as not to ruin the fun. Eye protection, face mask, and ear plugs. Check.

For those of you who like to skip to the end of the book and see the ending, here you go:


For the rest of you, here is how I created this cut out/back lit bookshelf that started life as a bookshelf from a closing Borders bookstore.


Tutorial for creating a cut out bookcase:
Almost any bookcase will work for this project, but the ones that have a thin wood (can be masonite) backing will work best. Set up a work area that you don’t mind getting dusty and dirty. Remove the shelves from your bookcase.

Cutting the endcap:

Materials:

  • circular saw
  • level
  • clamp
  • scrap wood
  • screws
  • drill

I cut the endcap in half lengthwise so I could use half for each end of my bookshelf, and to position it flush against the wall. To cut a straight line using a circular saw, I clamped one end of a level to the endcap. My level wasn’t long enough, so I drilled a scrap piece of wood on top of the level and into the end cap to support the other end.


I set the circular saw blade just below the depth of the endcap. By resting the endcap on two 2×4″ boards, I was able to creative a gap below the endcap for the sawblade to pass through.Then I ran the circular saw along the level for a straight cut. Straight as an arrow, and it met Pretty Handy Dog’s approval.

Cutting out the backing design and painting:

Materials:

  • Dremel Trio
  • Palm sander
  • Sandpaper (100 grit & 220 grit)
  • Scrap 2×4 lumber
  • Chalk or pencil
  • Wood putty
  • Putty knife
  • Primer
  • Paint (white and navy blue)
  • 3M Clean Edge technology painter’s tape
  • Newspapers
  • 2″ paint brush
  • Small paint roller and tray

Sketch out the design on your bookshelf (using chalk or pencil) before beginning.

Before using any new power tool, take some time to read through the manual.

To insert a bit into the Dremel Trio, you push in the blue (shaft lock) button on the front and use the enclosed wrench to loosen the collet nut on the tool.

Insert the cutting bit into the Trio. (The trio also comes with a sanding drum bit and a routing bit!)

Tighten the collet nut with the wrench.

Turn the blue handle on the side of the TRIO to raise or lower the base plate.

Adjust the base plate until the cutting bit extends slightly below the wood backing of your bookcase.

Lay the bookcase down on its back. Position 2×4 boards under the edges of the bookcase (or you will be cutting into concrete. I’m pretty sure the TRIO is not capable of that, but I could be wrong.)

Plug in your Trio and get ready to have some FUN! You may want to practice on a scrap piece of wood before working on your bookcase. The TRIO allows you to change directions quickly and easily. Creating fanciful cuts is a breeze!

Squeeze the trigger and when the bit reaches full speed you can plunge it into the workpiece. For the pin holes hold the Trio steady, insert the bit and then lift it back out of the same hole.

To cut trees and other designs, plunge the TRIO into the wood and then slowly move the tool through the wood to carve your design. Be wary of long “V” shape cuts as they will make the backing weaker.

When your design has been completed, use the power sander to sand the back of the bookcase (where the majority of the splintering will have occurred.)

Insert the sanding drum bit into the TRIO and sand any large cut out areas.

Fold a piece of sandpaper in half and feed it through the thin lines of the branches to sand any rough edges that can’t be reached with the sanding bit.

Set the bookcase upright and inspect the cuts for more splinters. You can preview what your design will look like when lit up. Lookin’ good, huh?!

Before sanding the rest of the bookshelf, repair any dents or holes with wood putty. (This is a post I wrote about repairing all types of holes if you need help.)

Use the palm sander and a fine grit (220 grit) sandpaper to rough up the rest of the bookshelf.

Apply a coat of primer to the bookcase, shelves and sides. (Still working on emptying that can of KILZ Clean Start primer! Love that stuff.

When the primer has dried, mask off the sides of the bookcase where they meet the back.

3M sent me this Scotch Blue Painter’s tape with Edge-Lock protector to try. I was skeptical, but when I pulled the tape off it did give me a clean edge. The only place I had a little bit of seepage was in the corners where I didn’t press the tape tightly into the corner. The key to using this tape is to firmly press the edges with your finger to engage the “Edge-Lock” seal. I haven’t tried it for painting walls, but you better believe I have a wall project coming up that I can try it on.

Paint the back of your bookcase. I chose a very dark navy blue. To save paint, I used a medium blue paint for my first coat to darken the back and hopefully save paint.

Then paint one coat of the navy blue.

Follow up with a second coat to eliminate any streaking.

When the navy paint has dried, tape along the edges of the navy blue backing, where it meets the sides. Slip pieces of newspaper underneath to catch any paint splashes. (Will you get a load of my lazy supervisor! You think he’s been working hard in the heat? Uh no, that would be me doing all the work and him snoozing away the day.)

Paint the rest of the bookcase, the sides and the shelves white. I used two coats of Benjamin Moore Impervo Semi-gloss white.


Once the paint has dried completely, re-assemble the bookcase. And screw the end cap halves onto either side of the bookcase.

I installed a light rope behind the bookcase (tutorial to come at a later date) and set the lights on a timer. The rope light comes on at dusk and illuminates all the cut outs.

There is a very soft glow emitted from the back of the bookcase.

It provides the perfect amount of light for my son who HAS to have a light on at night.

My only complaint about the rope lights is that they give off a strong plastic odor. But, after a week the smell has dissipated.

I had the foresight to purchase a few of the clear display stands that slide into the end caps of the bookcase. It makes it easy to display books to pique my son’s reading interests.

Oh look! There he is now! Mission accomplished, reading interest piqued. Yes, I think he is double-jointed and a teacher pointed out that both my son’s sit like that. Must be in the genes.

A few more detailed pictures of the bookshelf. This has to be one of my favorite projects I’ve created recently. And it wasn’t very difficult to complete.


 

 

 

/405 Comments/by
405 replies
  5. Tracey
    Tracey says:

    I follow you on facebook and really enjoy your posts!
    Great seeing a gal be so creative and handy with tools! You inspire women!

    Reply
  6. Tracey
    Tracey says:

    I looked at Dremel on Facebook…love the attachments! The circle hole cutter is awesome…That would be soooo helpful when putting in new cabinets..or just making decorative cuts in projects…

    Reply
  11. Janet Johnson
    Janet Johnson says:

    This is pure genius and just about the cutest bookshelf I have ever seen! I follow you on Google Reader and love everything that you do!!

    Reply
  16. Jewellie
    Jewellie says:

    Dremel TRIO is a FUN and FABULOUS tool ‘cuz @PrettyHandyGirl says so! and she proved it with this awesome bookcase…so creative and what a good project to showcase all the cool things the Dremel trio does!!!

    Reply
  20. Kelly
    Kelly says:

    Oh my gosh, your bookcase is AMAZING!!!! You are so talented, thank you for sharing this with us!!! WOW!!
    I just signed up to follow you on Google Reader!

    Reply
  23. Kelly
    Kelly says:

    I just “liked” Dremel on Facebook, too! The project I would do first would be a bookcase just like yours, only using a Batman superhero “night” scene.
    THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

    Reply
  32. Baye
    Baye says:

    Does that really say 3 bookcases for $99? I am insanely jealous that I wasn’t there fighting you for them. What a great project!

    And, I’m a Google follower.

    Reply
  34. Weedwacker
    Weedwacker says:

    I follow Prettyhandygirl on Google Reader. Would LOVE to win a dremel. We’ve done some projects in the past that required one and we always had to borrow.

    Reply
  38. Christina
    Christina says:

    I follow you on feedburner. Amazing project fyi! I pinned it on pinterest. The masses need to see the amazing work you do!

    Reply
  42. Deborah in Atlanta
    Deborah in Atlanta says:

    Holy cow! Did you come up with this concept? Never have I ever seen anything like this. And to imagine you did it with those bookshelves displayed in the first photo. Totally awesome!

    Reply
  43. Susie E
    Susie E says:

    <em?I need my own tool independence! the Hubs hates it when I get into his dremel kit…Also love to loan my tools to my recent college grad daughter. I’m so proud of how she tackles projects in her new apartment. I frequently share your projects with her. Loved the backlit bookcase.

    Reply
  45. Patrice
    Patrice says:

    But OF COURSE I follow you through Google Reader! Yours is one of the most original and exciting DIY blogs out there! I don’t think they’ve found an end of the earth to which I wouldn’t follow your creative imagination and excellent tutorials. 🙂

    Reply
  46. Liz
    Liz says:

    1. I put up the Dremel status on Facebook
    2 and 3. I follow you and Dremel on facebook. What a great idea to use the Dremel for a kitchen backsplash project!

    I have NO tools to my name, so I am really excited for this giveaway! Please choose me 🙂

    Reply
  58. Mom in High Heels
    Mom in High Heels says:

    WOW, WOW, WOW!!!! That bookcase is amazing! I can’t believe how fantastic it looks.
    Enter me for the Dremel! I love Dremels (I’ve burned through quite a few of the small ones). I follow you on Google.

    Reply
  65. twelve30
    twelve30 says:

    I follow you thru Google Reader. This bookshelf is so cool. You have me on the look out now for a bookshelf that I (well, okay the hubs) could repurpose in the same fashion. Neat way to display/store books but I really love your design that lets the rope lights shine thru. Ok, need to go visit some thrift stores looking for a bookshelf. Thanks!
    twelve30{at}gmail{dot}com

    Reply
  72. Lorrie
    Lorrie says:

    I follow you via Google Reader. What a creative project! Loved it – I’m sure that you’re son thinks you’re awesome too!

    Reply
  75. Sarah
    Sarah says:

    BTW- what an awesome project! Smiled the whole way through reading about it. I have a little bookshelf (only about 3 feet high. I wonder if I could do this on a smaller scale…

    Reply
  81. Jami
    Jami says:

    I follow Dremel on FB but the project I would want to tackle would be your book shelf (but with a different design). I never would have thought of doing anything like that but I love love love how it turned out. So neat!!!

    Reply
  82. Lidy Caldera
    Lidy Caldera says:

    This is one of the cutest things I’ve seen! I love your creativity. 🙂

    I follow you on Google Reader and I get your e-mails everyday. 🙂 Also following you on facebook.

    Reply
  96. Barbara
    Barbara says:

    Hi there, I read your blog on Google reader and enjoy it very much. You’ve inspired me to find some kind of woodworking class (preferably for Dummies) here in the STL area – then I won’t have to wait for hubby! Thanks!

    Reply
  102. sandi
    sandi says:

    what a great bookshelf! i just finished a cubbie bookshelf project for the children’s playroom ~ i had to have a friend help with the cuts (due to lack of tools) but i assembled them and they look great. i painted mine white with a turquoise backing. these tools really would have helped with that job!

    Reply
  115. pam
    pam says:

    I follow you on google reader
    the bookshelf is gorgeous. I can never find anything around here to redo. I don’t know if people just trash their stuff or what. Great find!

    Reply
  117. Elizabeth
    Elizabeth says:

    I follow you in Google reader. I am so impressed, I can’t believe you made this out of a Borders bookcase! Wonderful job, my girls would love something like this. Sort of kicking myself we didn’t buy one of the shelves but I think they were sold by the time I checked.

    Reply
  127. jude
    jude says:

    Entry 3:

    Followed you on Twitter. 🙂

    And the bookshelf conversion totally rocks–the lights, the end caps, the painting. Wow.

    Reply
  135. Cindy S.
    Cindy S. says:

    This project is unbelievable—where do you get the ideas?
    I follow you on Google. Would sure love to win the Trio.

    Reply
  136. Tamsyn
    Tamsyn says:

    Hiya, I live in Australia so I’m not entering. Just wanted to say WOW!! I think you did an amazing job on the bookshelf, it looks unreal 🙂

    Reply
  142. Judi
    Judi says:

    I posted the giveaway on my status. I love tools and would love to have this one. I love the bookshelf you made.

    Reply
  143. VintageBeachgirl
    VintageBeachgirl says:

    I have been thinking about a Dremel Trio of my very own since I first saw them advertised. It looks to be more fun than any tool I’ve seen lately, safe fun though……ear & eye protection, check….face mask, check…..good to go since I’ve read the manual!!!
    I follow your posts via Feedburner and I love this one! Wish I had a young one to build this project for, it is too adorable! Good job Pretty Handy Girl!!
    Take care, VBg

    Reply
  144. Barbara Noland
    Barbara Noland says:

    oh, I have been dreaming about owning this Dremel. so many projects….so NOT the right tools! I would LOVE to win this. thanks

    Reply
  148. Carey ~ Gypsy Thread
    Carey ~ Gypsy Thread says:

    This is so cool. Pre-lights it’s a great project, but with the colored lights showing through at dusk… it’s freaking fantastic. I think I’m going to have to make something like this for my nephew.

    Oh, yes, I follow via GFC. 🙂

    Reply
  157. Shirley
    Shirley says:

    I follow you on Feedburner. What a fantastic job you did, you are so creative, I just love your blog and enjoy rereading them all the time.

    Reply
  164. Balerie Brown
    Balerie Brown says:

    I like Dremel on facebook 🙂 I would like to work on a piece for my big blank wall in my living room 🙂

    Reply
  165. Cheryl
    Cheryl says:

    What a great project! As a current Borders employee, I am glad to see the bookcases put to such good use! The fact that they still house books – and for a child – makes my heart sing! Thanks for sharing all your projects – you are amazing!

    Reply
  189. Anna
    Anna says:

    Now I wish that I had gone into my Borders when it was closing! It looks great!

    (Btw, I am attempting some contact paper on the back of a bookcase this week- per your contact paper tutorial!)

    Oh, and I follow you! 🙂

    Reply
  190. JennaLis
    JennaLis says:

    I use BlogLovin as my reader to ensure I never miss a post! Love the format of BlogLovin, as it allows me to still enjoy the beautiful layouts of all my favourite blogs!

    Reply
  192. JennaLis
    JennaLis says:

    Follow Dremel on Facebook now 🙂
    I didn’t know you could use the Trio to cut tiles! We have lots of custom tile work in our home, done by our landlord. I would love to do more tile work and create my own pieces to go with it!

    Reply
  195. Ann
    Ann says:

    Hi! I am a google reader follower. I’ve always wanted to try a dremel – the dremel trio looks like SO much fun. Love the bookshelf, too!

    Reply
  217. Sarah B.ee
    Sarah B.ee says:

    Let me clarify. My friend Heather posted the contest as her status. That’s how I found you. LOVE this site! Posted the contest as my status and “Liked” your page on FB.

    Reply
  224. Jenny @ Squawk
    Jenny @ Squawk says:

    3. Tweeted the giveaway. We have a sucky low class dremel. I played with this one in the store a while back, so much nicer than the bottom barrel one we got years ago. Buttery cuts, smooth and fun.

    Reply
  230. Cindy S.
    Cindy S. says:

    Liked Dremel on facebook. Oh, so many projects to contemplate! I have some plaques to do ASAP as gifts, and I think that’s what I would tackle first.

    Reply
  236. AJ
    AJ says:

    I’m a follower! Just amazed at your talent… the bookcase is fantastic! Thanks for sharing the steps on how you created this masterpiece – it helps some of us more than you know! Appreciate the chance to win. AJ
    queenofmynest(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  239. SE
    SE says:

    I love this bookshelf! My older kids (5 & 3) loved looking at this tutorial with me. Would love to have a Dremel one day. If I won, I would use it to finish up a cabinet I’m repurposing for a helpful friend who needs a craft area for her kids. She watches our dogs when we travel, watched our big kids when our baby was born, but won’t accept our money.

    Reply
  241. Amy J
    Amy J says:

    I get your posts through feedburner! That is an awesome bookcase! If I win the trio there is no way my husband is touching it!!

    Reply
  261. Jody
    Jody says:

    What project would I tackle with a dremel? Making a wood slat headboard for my guest bedroom and make leaf shaped cutouts in the wood slats, similar to what you did here with the bookshelf.

    Reply
  266. RH
    RH says:

    And following Dremel now, too, hoping I can modify some shelving in my house and build some decorative cat towers for my four-legged bosses. ♥

    Reply
  272. Sharon H
    Sharon H says:

    Just liked Dremel on FB. I’ve got the little tool and it’s great, not as powerful as the Trio though. It does my four dogs’ nails like a breeze! It also sharpens lawn mower blades and does all kinds of other things.

    Reply
  273. Jan in Kentucky
    Jan in Kentucky says:

    I have shared this on facebook and follow you everyday on google. I love your blog and this dremel gives me unlimited ideas. I have a feeling that bookcases like yours will be popping up all over the country!

    Reply
  274. Ann W
    Ann W says:

    Yes, I need one of these. I have had a dremel in the past, but couldn’t negotiate the jargon. The booklet needs to be written by a woman. The “collet” talk stopped me cold. Thanks, Ann

    Reply
  280. Donna Hollingsworth
    Donna Hollingsworth says:

    I am following Dremel on Facebook. I would love to win the Trio and try my luck at making a bookcase that rocks!

    Reply
  288. Dede Warren
    Dede Warren says:

    Opps… I forgot to tell you I follow you through Google Reader. So… I follow you through Google Reader 🙂

    Reply
  295. Melanie
    Melanie says:

    I follow dremel on FB. What project *wouldn’t* I tackle? I’ve got a few thrifted furniture pieces that definitely need some sanding, and I want to build some shelves for my bedroom.

    Reply
  296. Lisa Ingram
    Lisa Ingram says:

    I follow you on FB. And i love your projects. I feel so inspired. Even shared your blog URL with friends I was so impressed with your creativity.

    Have a blessed day!

    Reply
  301. renee diorio
    renee diorio says:

    I follow you (I’m obsessed actually) and tell everyone about you. This dremel would help me repurpose most of my house!

    Reply
  307. Jenn
    Jenn says:

    Holy Guacamole would I love to win that! I can’t afford to buy my own tools right now. I followed you on Twitter!

    Reply
  324. beth
    beth says:

    I now follow you thru google reader.So glad i found you through TLC . That is the cutest bookcase I have ever seen. Perfect for my grandsons nursery!
    Thanks for the tutorial! I love using power tools too!

    Reply
  333. Michelle L.
    Michelle L. says:

    I follow Dremel on FB. I have a ton of projects, but the 1st will either be a bookcase or faux crown moulding or… 😀

    Reply
  334. ingrid
    ingrid says:

    I follow Dremel on facebook. I would use the Dremel to help me re-invent and re-style an old podium for my classroom.

    Reply
  340. Vik
    Vik says:

    I have now become a devoted follower to your blog, on Facebook and I shared this on giveaway on Facebook. Wow! I would love to win because I want to give an old bookshelf an update!

    Reply
  342. mary bourner
    mary bourner says:

    Would like to make the patio bench and have the opportunity to use the Dremel. Men have used them for years

    Reply
  343. mary bourner
    mary bourner says:

    Just found you on facebook, looked at your various projects and would like to win the Dremel tool and put it to use on several projects.

    Reply
  352. sue
    sue says:

    I follow you on google and winning the Dremmel would be so awesome. I love your can do attitude and the story of how you learned from your dad. My dad, as much as I love him, is not a handy guy. So, I have a learning curve, but am willing.

    Reply
  363. Bethany
    Bethany says:

    I’m following Dremel on Facebook, and the video on using their tool to install a kitchen backsplash makes me want to go out and buy one now! Couldn’t be more timely!

    Reply
  367. Mrs. LIAYF
    Mrs. LIAYF says:

    I don’t have a FB page (and I can’t hijack my dh’s blog), so I tweeted.

    I would LOVE to build something like this for my son (who also has to have a nightlight, but stays awake if he has too much light).

    Reply
  370. Sami Drake
    Sami Drake says:

    How incredibly awesome. I found this site off apartment therapy. It’s just me my daughter and grandson so have been searching for things I can do for him ourselves.. Thank you awesome tutorials I have spent half the evening on here!!!!!

    Reply
  371. Esther Sadowsky
    Esther Sadowsky says:

    As a designer of children’ furniture I am beating myself up for not buying up some Borders bookcases. But next time a bookstore goes out of business (hopefully not, but) I will be there with a dolly. Thank you for this tutorial & inspirational redesign.

    Reply
  373. Amy E.
    Amy E. says:

    have you thought of using your new dremel to cut a notch out of the back at the bottom? if you size it for the baseboard, then you can snug the bookshelf flush with the wall. it’ll be more stable and you’ll have less light leakage from the sides.

    Reply
    • Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl)
      Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl) says:

      Amy E.,

      Actually I did think about that. But, I decided not to after my son saw the glowing light that came outside the edges. He likes the added light. Plus, the bookshelf has a backwards slant in design, so it is very stable. 😉

      Maybe if he changes his mind at a later date we will do that.

      Thanks for your comment.
      Brittany

      Reply
  378. Olivia C
    Olivia C says:

    Love this project! I just found your site from The Lettered Cottage and am looking forward to browsing around. I just had to let you know that my 5 year old son sits that way too. Our pediatrician called it “W” sitting. Strange. I have three kids and he is the only one who does it. 🙂

    Reply
  381. Lucy
    Lucy says:

    I’m doing some catching up (obviously) and this has to be one of my favorite projects. The world can never have enough bookcases! 😉 What a great find at Borders and more wonderful instructions. Sheesh; I can see another tool in my future.

    Reply
  382. Freda
    Freda says:

    You are TERRIFIC!! What a creative and novel project, plus your “how to” was simple and easy to follow!! Thanks for sharing . . . I know what I want for my birthday :))

    Reply
  383. A. Dowsett, RN, MS
    A. Dowsett, RN, MS says:

    The book shelf is lovely, but I am concerned about the sitting of your son in. That is called “W” sitting and should really be discouraged as it it is not good for the hips, knees or ankles. People are not “double jointed” but rather have very flexible ligaments that hold the joints together. I suggest you consult your pediatrician.

    Reply

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