Convert a Bookcase to a Craft Workstation
Converting a bookcase into a craft station provides a dedicated workspace for craft projects, with everything organized and convenient. Arranging craft supplies into separate containers and storing them for easy access makes creative projects more efficient, so you spend more time creating things and less time locating supplies, getting them out and putting them away in various locations. With a workstation, your productivity increases and you can take more pleasure in the creative process, with everything you need to make your crafts at hand.
Instructions
1. Plan for what you need. List items you need containers for and whether you need a work surface (if you don't already have a table, counter or desk set up for crafts).
2. Measure the interior dimensions of the bookcase. Note the width, height and depth (from the back of the shelf to the front). Measure the clearance between the shelves. Place the tape measure on the shelf and extend the tape to the bottom of the shelf above it.
3. Create your workstation plan. For example, if the shelves have a clearance of 12 inches (from the surface of the shelf to the bottom of the one above it) and the interior width from inside one wall of the book case to the inside surface of the other wall is 36 inches, you can fit two bins under 11-1/2 inches tall by 17-1/2 inches wide. If you need small bins, you might prefer to put three in a row, each 11-1/2 inches wide. (Allow 1 to 2 inches clearance so the containers will be easy to get in and out of the shelves). Draw the bookcase with the number of shelves and use your measurements to plan the sizes and numbers of containers. If you need a tabletop surface to project from the bookcase, use the interior width of the bookcase for the width of the work shelf.
4. Locate or buy containers that will fit on the shelves to hold your supplies. Look at available storage bins. There are small units with multiple drawers to store little items, bins and individual storage drawers. Pick the ones that fit your supplies and that have the appearance you want.
5. Buy a ready-made shelf in the dimensions needed or have plywood cut to order at a hardware store. Get extra-strength adhesive designed for wood. Cover the plywood with vinyl or other easy-to-clean self-adhesive shelf paper. Remove the backing and apply the shelf paper to the top and sides and front edge of the shelf. Don't cover the underside of the shelf where it will make contact with the bookshelf.
6. Assemble the workstation. Place the work shelf on the bookcase shelf that will put the work area at the best height. For a seated work station, bring a chair over and check which shelf will be the most comfortable height. Apply the glue to the underside of the shelf. Put the work shelf in place. Press down firmly. Add weight (books, full boxes) and allow it to dry according to product directions.
7. Put the containers and organizers with the items you use most often in the central area of the bookcase, and items you rarely use on the top.
Tags: work shelf, 11-1 inches, Bookcase Craft, Bookcase Craft Workstation, Convert Bookcase, Convert Bookcase Craft, Craft Workstation