Power Grip
Looking for a strong and flexible adhesive for all your minor repairs? Selleys Power Grip is the answer. This non-drip formula is perfect for vertical applications and works on a variety of materials.
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How To Create a Toy Bookend
Learn how easy it is to create your own personalised toy book ends, perfect to add some fun and style to your kids bookshelves.
Get creative with their favourite characters - dolls, dinosaurs and more!
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
24 hours
What you need
- 1 x Selleys Power Grip
- 4 x Pieces of timber (Pine 140 x 200 x 19mm)
- 1 x Rubber or soft plastic toy (Triceratops)
- 1 x Cabot’s Interior Stain (Jarrah) 250ml
- Utility knife
- Brush
- Sanding block (fine grit)
- Soft clean cloth
- Drop cloth
Instructions
Step 1
Prepare your work station by covering the area/table with a drop cloth. Sand and smooth down all 4 pieces of timber including all edges.
Step 2
Stir the can of the wood stain. Dip a clean rag or brush into the can of stain and apply the stain to the timber pieces, following the grain. Stain all sides of each piece of timber. Allow to dry for 2 hours before applying another coat if you want a darker finish.
Step 3
To help achieve a straight cut, apply masking tape around the belly (the middle). Then using a utility knife, cut along one edge of the tape. The toy is rubber so should be easy to cut in half.
Step 4
If the toy has stuffing inside to give it weight, keep as much as you can inside each half so your bookend has weight to support books. You can add weight into the two halves if it was hollow to begin with. Ensure that the edge of the pieces are clean and clear of any materials.
Step 5
Once the timber pieces are dry, apply Selleys Power Grip along the grain edge of one of the timber pieces, then press onto the top short edge of another timber piece (as shown).
Step 6
Use masking tape to secure the pieces and allow it to set and dry. Repeat with the remaining two timber pieces. Allow the pieces to set for at least 3 minutes before continuing with the next step.
Step 7
Apply Selleys Power Grip along the edge of the toy and to its feet, then press onto the “L” piece that you just created. Lay the bookend with the toy facing up and allow it to completely dry (approx. 12 hours).
Step 8
Repeat the above step to create the other half of the bookend.
Handy tips
- Only 1 coat of stain was applied to achieve the colour of the bookend in this photo.
- If you’re using a toy that is hollow, you can add rocks, stones or even fishing sinkers inside each half to add more weight to your bookend.
- Feel free to get creative by using timber letters that can be found at your local hardware store or craft stores instead of a toy. You can spell out a name or word such as LOVE (LO on one side and VE on the other).
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