We go to the library…a lot. In the summer we go even more often, usually once a week, so we always have a stack of library books that we’ve checked out. I like having a specific place to put them, so they don’t get lost, or mixed up with our own books. I made this darling Library Books Crate, and I LOVE it. It was so easy to make, and the perfect place for all the library books that come into our home.
I knew I wanted to use a crate–I made bookshelves out of them for our own children’s books, and I love them. Crates are sturdy, a great size for books, inexpensive, and SO cute!
This was such an easy project, and I adore the stripes. It turns an ordinary crate into something fabulous!
A cute tag lends just the right final touch.
I’m just so happy when I have a place for everything! Here’s how I did it:
SUPPLIES:
(affiliate links included below for your convenience)
–wooden crate ( I got mine at Michael’s with a 40% off coupon–around $7)
-free printable (see below)
–laminator or self-lamination sheets or Staples/Office Max ☺
DIRECTIONS:
1. Tape off two of the wood slats, both on the front and the back.
2. Spray paint the crate your main color choice, inside and outside, and let dry completely.
3. Remove the painters tape. Using a foam brush, apply your second color on to the wood slats. I used spray paint, so I just sprayed some on to a paper plate (don’t use foam…it will eat it), and dipped my foam brush into it. Let dry completely.
4. Use your power sander or sandpaper (I used 100 grit) to distress your paint as much as you like. Wipe off excess dust with a damp cloth.
5. Use Distress Ink (made for paper, but works great on wood too!) to distress the edges of the wood. You can also use stain or glaze if you would rather!
6. Print the printable onto white cardstock. Trim to size, then laminate. I used my laminator, but you can also buy self-lamination sheets (no heat) at an office supply store that work well. Or…just have them laminate it for you!!! Punch a hole in one end, and use jute to tie it onto the crate.
That’s it’!! Now you’ve got your own library books crate!!
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PRINTABLE HERE!!!
Melanie says
Jul 10, 2013 at 9:03 amI don’t do facebook. Could you please email me the printable for your library crate? Thanks. I love this idea! And your blue would be perfect for my family room— nothing inspires like the exact idea I need!
simply {kierste} says
Jul 10, 2013 at 10:27 amYou’ve got mail!!! xo
Lolly Jane says
Jul 10, 2013 at 8:34 pmLOL! (;
Leigh [email protected] says
Jul 10, 2013 at 9:23 amLove this idea – I am a frequent library visitor too and books are always getting scattered all over the house. So cute.
simply {kierste} says
Jul 10, 2013 at 10:26 amThank you, Leigh!!! xo
Mariel @ Or so she says... says
Jul 10, 2013 at 10:05 amI love this idea, Kierste! My kids lose library books like crazy, I’m thinking this would help. :)
simply {kierste} says
Jul 10, 2013 at 10:25 amIt’s made a world of difference for us. :)
capturing joy with kristen duke says
Jul 10, 2013 at 10:10 amI love crates, what a fun idea! I need to do this for my recycling that we just pile by the back door!
simply {kierste} says
Jul 10, 2013 at 10:25 amUsing it for recycling is great idea!!!
Jessica Humrich says
Jul 10, 2013 at 10:18 amWhat a great idea!
Christine says
Jul 10, 2013 at 11:07 amThis is the third post around the blogosphere I’ve seen using a wooden crate from Michael’s. My store has only wicker baskets. :( I’ll have to check Hobby Lobby I guess because I SO want to do this!
simply {kierste} says
Jul 10, 2013 at 11:33 amYou can also get them Joann Fabrics…I’ve seen them in their larger stores. Good luck!!
Rachel says
Jul 10, 2013 at 1:08 pmWhat a fun idea and a great way to encourage clean up. I would love to link to this if you didn’t mind!
simply {kierste} says
Jul 10, 2013 at 1:11 pmThank you so much! I don’t mind at all! xo
ashley @ little miss momma says
Jul 10, 2013 at 1:58 pmI literally just finished paying a past-due bill to the library because I got one of the library books mixed up with our home collection and completely forgot to return it–so this idea is genius and i need to make one pronto! Thanks for this amazing idea!
xoxo, ashley
simply {kierste} says
Jul 10, 2013 at 4:31 pmI’ve so been there, Ashley! I hate paying fines, lol. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting–I appreciate it!! xo
Mique says
Jul 10, 2013 at 2:07 pmKierste this is adorable!! And the perfect idea. My family loves going to the library but we’ve lost WAY more than our fair share of books. This is the perfect solution. And so dang cute. Love it!
simply {kierste} says
Jul 10, 2013 at 4:32 pmMique, thank you!! xo
Tia says
Jul 10, 2013 at 2:34 pmWhat a great/cute idea!
simply {kierste} says
Jul 10, 2013 at 4:30 pmThank you so much, Tia! xo
Sherilsl says
Jul 10, 2013 at 6:53 pmGreat idea. Have you shared the bookcase as a post, if not will you? Please please please. Thanks ;)
simply {kierste} says
Jul 10, 2013 at 9:09 pmI haven’t yet, but I do plan to–once I get the room a little more finished. I promise! :)
Susan says
Jul 10, 2013 at 7:45 pmI can’t wait to make this. I have been looking for another basket/storage item for our library books, the one we have is just too small now. This is perfect. Thank you!
simply {kierste} says
Jul 10, 2013 at 9:09 pmI think you’ll love this then–it’s a great size, and pretty inexpensive!!
Lolly Jane says
Jul 10, 2013 at 8:34 pmBrilliant. My kids’ books are always scattered, drives me batty! That crate is simply DARLING, simply Kierste. Seriously, I love everything about it. Ding dang CUTE!!
simply {kierste} says
Jul 10, 2013 at 9:10 pmYou really know how to make a girl’s day, lol!! Thank you so much–I’m glad you love it!! xo
Michelle says
Jul 14, 2013 at 4:27 pmGreat idea!!! I always seem to not know where the books I’ve checked out are since I just threw them here and there when I am done. This will make it a lot easier to find when it’s time for me to return them cause I know where they are at!
Just also wanted to say thanks! I’ve been following your site for a while now, ever since I stumble upon it a few months back while I was looking up DIY crafts. It has been such a great help!!! I just wish I had more time to do more of these ideas! :)
simply {kierste} says
Jul 14, 2013 at 6:00 pmMichelle, thanks so much for stopping by, and for the kind words! I’m so glad you found me, and stayed around. :) xoxo
Alexis @ Persia Lou says
Jul 17, 2013 at 6:29 pmLOVE this idea. We are always losing library books.
simply {kierste} says
Jul 18, 2013 at 8:15 amThank you, Alexis!! Thanks for stopping by!!! xoxo
Stefani says
Jul 17, 2013 at 10:29 pmI am so going to do this. Books get lost under beds, under couches, mixed in with other books even though i try to keep all library books corralled in canvas bags that hang on the door knobs of the bedroom, but they get too heavy. We also need this because maybe just maybe after reading to the boys at night my husband, instead of sliding the books under the bed will put the books in the crate.
Now here is the sad part, I don’t do any kind of social media, and so many bloggers have decided that the only way to get the cute free printable is to “like” them. Kierste, I like you, I really do but I just don’t like Facebook!
simply {kierste} says
Jul 18, 2013 at 8:20 amStefani–
Thanks so much for stopping by–check your e-mail, I’ve sent the printable to you!! xoxo
Marie says
Jul 17, 2013 at 11:38 pmI’m a grandma of 18 and will make five of these for Christmas. The moms will love me. Please email me the printable when you get a chance. We’ll be following your blog~~~THANKS.
simply {kierste} says
Jul 18, 2013 at 8:19 amYes, the moms will definitely love you!!! I’ve sent the printable to your e-mail!! Thanks for stopping by!! xoxo
Susan says
Aug 24, 2013 at 8:44 amYou are an amazing Mom and woman…..your blog is so fun and informative and I love how “real” you are!
Don’t do Facebook but would like the printable to make a library crate for my neighbor that home schools 3 kiddos.
Thanks for the marvelous ideas and keep em coming. Thanks!
simply {kierste} says
Aug 24, 2013 at 4:32 pmThank you so much for your kind words, Susan!!! I e-mailed the file to you–let me know if you don’t get it!!! xoxo