Could it be that time again? It’s city spring clean-up in my neighborhood, so you can imagine there’s plenty of #trashure to be found. Take a look at this vintage bookshelf that I spy.
Y’all…I literally drove for five minutes to find a project, and this was right there. Look at my sidekick, Loula, enjoying the adventure!
The first sight I caught as I came up on around the corner was…{{dramatic music plays}}
…HEARTS. Lots of ’em. If you’ve been with me for long, you know that I either remove those 80’s cutouts or embrace them. You can see what I mean in these past posts. What is more, the middle shelf is broken down the length, so that will need replaces as well.
FIXIN’
As you can see, I have my work cut out for me (pun intended). First, I break out my jigsaw because I need to cut the broken shelf out.
Then, I aim to cut out those hearts. Yes, you could totally leave them there, right? However, my goal is to show you how to change something completely with little effort and oodles of know-how. Next, I cut a template from scrap wood and measure and trace over each heart.
After that, I cut each one out, and I also cut to adjust the side scallops and the front scallop. Additionally, I replace the front skirt with a new piece of scrap wood from a bed frame support and a new shelf from oak my brother gave me. Don’t you just love having a stash?
Last, but not least, I bring out an antique white color of seconds paint I recently acquired to give it two coats, letting cure in-between.
STORAGE AND STYLE
Finally, here is my vintage bookshelf with cosmetic surgery to remove the hearts and damage that once caused it’s Curb le Chic fate.
In short, it’s showcasing a new look and is ready to go for many more years. As a matter of fact, this kind of piece is perfect for any room in your home. What would you tuck in it?
In addition, if you look closely, you can see my reclaimed wood houses, my upcycled sheet crochet basket, so you have no excuses for not trying DIY. {{wink, wink}}
SHARE
In the first place, my goal is always to encourage you to create your own home story. Whether it’s by taking what you already have and making it new, or simply reinventing a find. Ultimately, I wholeheartedly enjoy sharing with you.
While you’re at it, leave some comment below on this DIY fun, but also pin and share to inspire others to look at their damaged items in a new light.
Additionally, to get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to see what I make of this boring highchair – HEAD HERE.
What is more, check out these other trash to treasure transformations like this vintage bookshelf:
Beautiful.
Thank you, Denise.
Just amazing….It was so UGLY and then it wasn’t! Did you use your jigsaw on all of it?
I did! That’s what made a fairly quick project. I did have to remove parts to saw them, but only one or two. Thanks!
What clever way to get rid of the hearts. Turned out beautifully 😍
Thank you! I just love how these things find me. haha.
What a great find Larissa… and Loula! hehe Looks so much more modern now! XOXO
It looks like those cut outs were always like that., and it is so much better this way. Clean and sleek. Would fit in a lot of places. Blessings!!
It was fun to see that they were hand-done as well and each a little different. Thanks so much!
Wow!!! From 80’s country to 21st century chic!!! Awesome!!! 😎😍
{{woot, woot!!}} I couldn’t believe I found it, got it done yesterday, and posted today. oy! 😀
What a great save for this piece, both from the curb, and from those hearts!! And I adore those mini houses! XOXO
I laughed my head off when I saw it and then went…”of course”. haha! Loula was not impressed. Thanks, Christy!
SO much better! Now it’s a useful piece. Good work!
Yay! That’s so fun to hear. Thanks, Lizzy!
Unbelievable!! Amazing transformation! This is so cute now, great work!
Thank you for that smile. Someone named Claire just told me I cut out its soul and is heartbroken at what I did. bwahahahaha!!
I love how you made it more modern!! So much better!!! xo
I knew it was meant to be when I pulled around and saw it. The first thing in my mind…”of course there’s hearts.” haha
Firstly, your hair is stinking adorable! Secondly, so is Loula. ❤️
I have to admit I have passed up those heart pieces so many times but you have showed me how to make it look more up to date. Thanks for sharing, Larissa.
xo, Do
tee hee! Thanks so much, Do. I am loving my new-found hair, my new pup, and sharing my DIY adventures with you.
Much better!! At one point I liked the hearts but my taste has definitely changed!
I did too as an 80’s kid and my mom had it in my childhood home. They’re fun sometimes, but also sometimes they need changed up. I’m just trying to save the piece “blessed” with hearts. 😀
It looks so much better with the updates and without those hearts!!
whew! Thanks so much, Jen. I have nothing against hearts, but many get rid of pieces because of them and I want folks to know you can make them your own.
This is a beautiful update. It’s sleek and I love it.
You are so very sweet to say so, Terri. Thank you for the smile! 😀