Intermediate

Fall Faux Book Stack DIY

Three stacked books with lettering on them project

Supplies

MAKERX Air Brush
MAKERX Angle Grinder
MAKERX Glue Gun
1 2x6x8 Pine Board
Measuring tape
Pencil
White Acrylic Paint
Paintbrush
Wood Glue
Cricut Vinyl Stencils or Large Font Typewriter Stamps and Black Ink
Black Airbrush Paint
Painters Tape
Jute Twine and/or Tassels
Decorative Ribbon (optional)
Wood Beads (16-20mm)
Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Tool Tip

When using the MAKERX Air Brush, it’s always good to test your spray on a paper towel before applying it to your piece. This allows you to make any adjustments before you start.

Steps

1. For this project we started by measuring out our pine board into 8” sections and marking them clearly. We got a full 12 “books” out of the one board so we were able to make 4 book stacks of 3 books each.

writing with pencil and using 90 degree measuring ruler on wood board

2. Then, we fired up our Worx Tools Compound Miter Saw and cut each section, double checking our measurements with each cut.

measuring pencil drawing on edge next to saw

3. Once all of the pieces have been cut, power up the angle grinder with the sanding disc attachment and sand down the edges of each “book” to create a rounded and smooth look.

using grinder tool to grind down the corners of wood block thats on worx table

holding the angle grinder and using the tool to grind down the corners of wood block thats on worx table

finished product of wood blocks that have been sanded down

4. Next, wipe off any excess sawdust from the wood and grab your acrylic paint and paintbrush. Paint the “books” all around the edges and on the top of one for each stack. Continue until all are painted and dried and then apply a second coat.

painting the sides of the wood block with silver acrylic paint

5. Now take the angle grinder again and sand around the edges to create a weathered, rustic look. Stack them up as you go to see how they are looking and to know where they need more sanding.

using the angle grinder to grind the edges down to give it a rustic look

6. After they have all been distressed to your liking, wipe them down once more and decide which “books” stack well together.

7. Grabbing the wood glue, start with the bottom and glue each “book” together, creating stacks of three. You can secure them at the end by adding a weight. This helps ensure a tight bond.

applying glue to the bottom of the wood piece

10lb dumbell weight sitting on top of two blocks next to glue

8. If you are cutting vinyl stencils, now would be the time to design your sayings, cut and weed them. (If you are using stamps, practice your layout on paper before working on the stack to make sure your spacing is good before you start. Once you are happy with the layout, stamp away! Then, skip ahead to step 13.)

9. Arrange the stencils on your book stack and tape around the edges using the painters tape to avoid any overspray from the airbrush.

placing cut out stencils onto three stacked wood pieces

laid out cut out stencils onto three stacked wood pieces

10. Grab your airbrush and add paint to the reservoir. Be sure to test your spray on a paper towel before you begin!

pouring paint into airbrush next to stenciled wood blocks

11. Using the airbrush, fill in the stencil carefully. Do multiple light passes instead of fully saturating to avoid any bleed through. If you do get some, that’s OK! Just touch it up with the white paint and a small detail brush.

air brushing the stencil onto the 3 wood pieces

12. Allow the paint to dry a touch but not completely before removing your stencil.

peeling off the third stencil after done air brushing

13. Now it’s time to decorate! Grab your ribbon and jute twine and wrap your stacks however you’d like. We used our MAKERX hot glue gun to secure the ribbon on the bottom of one and tied jute twine with wood beads and tassels to the others. Get creative here!