Dictionary page book shelves

I recently decided to add some storage to my craft room. I had two things that needed to work - the correct size and storage capacity and I wanted it to be cheap. I thought about getting something used. But I wasn't finding the right size. So I chose some bookshelves made of mdf that you can get pretty much anywhere.

Like most of these shelving units, the is no real back to them. There is a piece of cardboard with a printed on wood grain. Personally, I find that tacky. So, as I'm putting together the shelving unit I was trying to think of something to cover that with. I originally thought about wallpaper or maybe wrapping paper. But then I looked around my craft room and came up with a fun idea. I was going to make a collage of sorts with old dictionary pages.

Keep in mind that this project can easily be done on furniture that you find at a thrift store or even pieces you already have in your house. You can add a back panel using cardboard. Make sure whatever material you use will be sturdy enough for your use. You can also attach pieces to furniture that you already have using the same process. When you Mod Podge the entire piece you will have a functional item.


To make this project:

• Old book pages, maps, newspaper, or other paper ephemera
• clear tape, tacky glue or hot glue gun
• Mod Podge
• Paint brush or foam brush 

I spread out the piece of cardboard. I chose to use the back side, not the one with the wood grain printed on just in case I ever wanted to use that side of it.

I started by placing one dictionary page randomly onto the board and taped down one corner. (You can also use a hot glue gun or tacky glue if you prefer.) Mod Podge is also a good choice for sticking the papers down.

I continued on by overlapping more and more pages making sure that the tape I was using did not show.

Instead of wasting, I decided to remove the extra parts of paper that were hanging off the board. I then found places (like the one pictured) that needed just a small piece. Doing that I did not use more than I needed to, saving my supplies for my next project.

I slid the small piece under the other pages so that you couldn't tell it was just a scrap.


When I was finished attaching the pages to my back panel, it looked like this:

To reinforce, I took tacky glue and glued down any pages that were still loose.

Next I cut off the excess paper that was hanging off the edges.

As I didn't want the pages to tear off I decided to finish it with Mod Podge. There are various kinds you can use (matte, gloss, glitter, etc). I had a bottle of gloss nearby, so that's what I went with.





I used the box my shelves came in as a drop cloth and a foam sponge brush to apply the Mod Podge.

Mod Podge is pretty darn easy to use. It's as easy as painting it on over the items. You can do it evenly to make a smooth surface, or stroke it on randomly to create a textured look as I did. You can also put on a second coat for extra protection. Many projects you use Mod Podge on will need a second coat. You can use your judgement.

It's important to let the Mod Podge dry fully. I suggest giving it 24 hours before you attach or use the piece.

Next, you follow the instructions from the furniture to attach the back panels and you have yourself one unique shelving unit.


As I am allowing mine to dry currently, I will update you with a photo later. I'm super excited to see how it turns out!



Until next time, happy crafting!