Distressed Crown and Bookshelf Propping Idea

I am always looking for new ways to freshen up my bookcases. As an English major, I have created quite a collection of books on every subject imaginable. From Jane Austen to Jane Eyre, I love and cherish my books, but I needed a way to artfully display them and give them the care and attention they deserved. This idea uses a bundle of books as a bookend to keep my books straight on the shelf, but also gives me some space to display my favorite mementos on the shelves.

Distressed Crown and Bookshelf Propping Idea Directions:

Paint the chipboard crown with a base coat of Sterling paint.

With a palette knife, spread Antique Silver texture paste over one side of the crown. Clean up any texture paste in crevices with a toothpick. Let dry.

Scribble some black gelatos on a scratch paper, then pick up the pigments with a water brush and brush over entire surface of the crown, allowing it to pool in the crevices and add definition to the cracks. Assemble crown with the included fastener. Rub decorative ribbon with gelatos and rinse some off with water to create a distressed look. Glue ribbon around the base of the crown.

Bookshelf Propping Idea:

Tie a bundle of vintage or antique books with decorative lace and coordinating ribbon. Stack bundle on the bookshelf to use as a bookend, and top with your painted crown.