I searched the internet for book display stand ideas or
instructables and I could not really find anything that I liked.
So... I have created this one just for you.
Book display stands look like this......
Very nice. They tend to end up cracked and unfix-able.
Would it be possible to make stand from recycled materials?
We all know the "soft box". It can long longer be used as
a storage box because it has gone all floppy.
Decoupage paste applied onto tissue into the cardboard basically
adds a layer of plastic to the board and shrinks.
Bullet resistant vests are made using a similar process
(different materials though!).
This should work thought I.
You need a template. Which can be any size you like.
This is the basic shape but perhaps you have a better design?
Change the size.
Change the angles.
Break open the box and start cutting....
It is possible to use every part of the box.
Make sure that the bottom is straight.
And also that the sides are perfectly straight.
If everything is not perfectly straight...
The books look uncomfortable.
Fold in half and test that it can hold a
book of the selected size.
Time to decoupage the stand.
This covers the cardboard with tissue paper and
toughens the cardboard. Use white glue thinned
with a little water. I know you my think this is
not strong enough but the same mix is used in
balsa plane construction and this is tough stuff
once you have coated it well and it has cured.
Glue mix coated tissue.
You can also buy
Poge at craft shops.
Start with the bottom corners
as this is the bit that takes the most pressure from the
books. After this has dried you cover the whole stand with
tissue and coat with the glue mix.
You should investigate the best way to apply the glue.
Wet tissue is.... well.... wet tissue so you have to work
carefully on that first layer. You can use a brush, a sponge, a
sponge roller, whichever gives you the best result.
Make a nice neat fold and coat well.
Make sure that the surface that will come into
contact with the book is flat and aligned.
It looks like this......
A bit wrinkly, but it shrinks as it dries.
You can add more layers or follow standard
decoupage techniques. Knock yourself out!
Allow to dry in the sun or a warm ventilated place.
Re-coat until you are happy. This will take some
experimentation to get right, but this is all
in the spirit of this project.
This finished item looks like this.....
You now have an endless supply of book stands. And
crafting programmes!
Contact me (Ian Gordon) at .......leonsdalelibrary@gmail.com
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions.
