I’m not a very creative person. That’s all there is to it. I wish I was creative, but I’m not. Even when I think I’m coming up with an original idea, it always turns out that someone else has already thought of it. (Like in Junior High when I “invented” shoes with sponges on the bottom for cleaning the floor and then found out Pippi Longstocking had the same invention!) So I steal other people’s good ideas.
I first heard about rain gutter bookshelves on Jim Trelease’s website. I loved the idea so did a Google search and found this tutorial.
I did come up with the fun idea of painting on them to spruce them up a bit…but not only am I not creative at all, but I am certainly not artistic. Good thing my talented grandma was in town for a visit. She painted some adorable flowers on the shelves and I think they turned out great!
A close up of the painting my grandma did on the bookshelves.
The idea behind the bookshelves is that children will be more apt to read books when they can see the covers (this is how bookstores get us to buy books-we see the cover and get interested).
I also plan on putting some in our playroom close to the ground, so my 10 month old can reach his board books and have easier access to them.
I really just followed the tutorial…my main tip is to have them cut the rain gutter for you at Lowe’s or Home Depot. They are 10 feet long and I had them cut down to 5 feet. It made it much easier to transport and then I didn’t have to cut them down myself at home! My cost for all the supplies (enough for four 5 foot bookshelves) was around $60.
This post is part of the Mom’s 30-minute Blog Challenge on Steady Mom.
i LOVE these! you ARE creative!
Don't think that you are not creative! That is all a state of mind- besides it was creative to think of painting them-even if you didn't do it yourself. Just be proud that you did it and you are pleased with the results. That's the important part right? I am all for idea stealing! All my best ideas were once someone else's.:) Besides, there is nothing new under the sun…
Thanks Clare! I appreciate your comment.
So adorable! I have got to do something like this for my kids. We have so many books that we never read!
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Looks awesome! I love the idea of the book covers showing too.
i'm with the others- you are creative. these are fantastic. and i love your grandma's sweet flower paintings on them! what a personal touch that charlotte will cherish.
Incredible! I love your creation. Your so Creative.
Jean@Gutter Heat Tape recently posted..Protect your Home from Faulty Roof and Gutter Heat Tape
Jean@Gutter Heat Tape recently posted..Protect your Home from Faulty Roof and Gutter Heat Tape