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Surfs up, books up: DIY wave bookends

23 Nov 2023

Dive into a world where literature meets the laid-back vibes of the ocean with our DIY wave bookends – the perfect summer project for you or the kids. Transform boring shelves into a beachy haven and bring a touch of coastal charm to your space. Choose any of your favourite Resene colours or join us in the beachy spirit using Resene Neutral Bay and Resene New Denim Blue.

You will need:

  • 2x pieces of pine - 25cm long, 14cm wide, 18mm thick
  • 2x pieces of pine - 20cm long, 14cm wide, 18mm thick
  • 2x pieces of pine - 15cm long, 17cm wide, 18mm thick
  • 6x 20mm wood screws
  • Testpot paintbrush
  • Drill
  • Jig saw
  • Resene testpot paints in colours of your choice. We used Resene Neutral Bay and Resene New Denim Blue

Step 1: Take your pine and measure with out with a pencil – two pieces 25cm long, 14cm wide, 18mm thick, and two pieces 20cm long, 14cm wide, 18mm thick. These pieces are for the base of the bookends.

Step 2: On another piece of pine draw your wave pieces.  They should be approximately 15cm high and 17cm wide.

Step 3: Use your jig saw to cut the base pieces of pine. Sand any edges smooth.

Step 4: To cut the wave out use your jig saw and go around the pencil design. Sand any edges smooth and wipe off the sanding dust with a damp cloth.

Step 5: Paint the four pieces of pine for the base of the bookends in your chosen Resene colour. We used Resene New Denim Blue.

Step 6: Paint your wave pieces in your chosen Resene colour. We used Resene Neutral Bay.

Step 7: Screw your base pieces together to create an L shape.

Step 8: Once the base pieces are screwed together screw on the wave pieces. Pop on a sideboard or cabinet.

Wall painted in Resene Neutral Bay.

project by Vanessa Nouwens 

images by Bryce Carleton 

Published: 23 Nov 2023