How to Make DIY Log Bookends with Cardboard - Free Template!

Store-bought bookends are stupidly expensive for what they are (weights to hold your books upright). In this article, I'll walk you step-by-step through making your own set of whimsical cottage-core bookends out of cardboard. 

This isn't your middle-school paper  mache project!  While even a middle-schooler could do it, we're going to make something really well-crafted and beautiful.  Check out this video or this article for my workflow tips for a less-messy, grown-up approach to paper mache.

Let's jump right in and make some art for your bookshelf! You'll need to start with the template. You can download the pdf file below.  You'll need to print out two copies if you want two bookends.

Detailed instructions on how to assemble the template are below.

log_bookends_template_janesawyermakes.pdf
File Size:	290 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Step 1: Glue the Template to Cardboard

Use an old gift card to spread a layer of white glue onto an old cereal box.  Set the print-out into the glue. Use a clean edge of the gift-card to smooth the template into the glue starting at the top left corner and working down to the bottom right. You'll need to do this twice if you want two bookends.

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Step 2: Cut-out the Pieces and Fold Where Needed

Use a sharp pair of scissors or a good craft knife to accurately cut out the template pieces. The dashed line between the back and curved front pieces represents a fold. I crease this against ruler as shown.

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Step 3: Connect the Pieces

Attach the back to the bottom with a cut-to-size piece of masking tape as indicated on the template pieces. 
Use masking tape to attach side A and side B to the bottom as indicated on the template piece. If you've done it right, it should look like a big mushroom.

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Step 4: Fold up the Bottom & Sides

Fold up the bottom and fold in the sides so that the remaining straight edge of the  side pieces can be taped onto the back. Secure both sides well with tape.

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Step 5: Tape Down the Curved Front

Bend a curve into the the piece of card labelled curved front. Working inch-by-inch and side-to-side, secure the curved-front down the sides with short strips of masking tape.  If you have any extra cardboard on the front edge, cut it off with scissors. Finally, use short strips of masking tape to close up the front edge.

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Step 6: Appy Paper Mache

Cover the assembly with a layer of paper mache. Check out this video or this article to see exactly how I recommend applying paper mache. Both places summarize my tips for the the best paper mache glue recipe,  the best paper mache paper to use, and the best application methods for a strong, smooth finish and a less messy workspace. 

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Step 7: Add Weight

Use a sharp craft knife to cut a small hatch in the bookend so you can add some weight. I'm using a bag of decorative sand from the discount store, but anything heavy will work. Gravel, clean kitty litter, marbles, and unused screws or nails would make appropriate weight. Use what you have!

Close up the hatch and secure it with hot glue or a strip of paper mache.

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Step 8: Make Bark

Make bark for your DIY bookend with a cardboard egg carton. Rip-up rough strips of egg carton and hot-glue them in random layers running across the curved front of the bookends. This faux bark technique is so easy, but I love how realistic it looks!

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Step 9: Add Growth Rings with DIY Texture Paste

Mix some watered-down glue with baking soda to make a DIY texture paste. Paint this onto the side faces of each bookend in a curved pattern that mimics the growth rings of a tree.

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Step 10: Paint and Decorate

Paint and decorate your bookend however you'd like. I made some polymer clay amanita mushrooms for mine. You can find a tutorial for those in this article or this video.

If you want to see how I decorated mine, I highly recommend watching the video below, which walks you through the project in step-by-step detail!