14. Plaster-Dipped Decorative Bookends
Transform inexpensive paperback books or salvaged wooden blocks into heavy, modern architectural bookends using plaster and matte paint.
Materials Needed
- Two old hardcover books you no longer read or heavy wooden blocks
- Joint compound or casting plaster
- A wide paintbrush or putty knife
- Matte black, terracotta, or off-white acrylic paint
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Glue Books Closed: If using old books, glue the pages shut securely along the outer edges using wood glue so the book acts as a solid, uniform block.
- Coat in Plaster: Apply a thick, uneven layer of joint compound over the entire exterior of the book or block, creating organic ridges and texture.
- Cure: Let the plaster dry completely for 24 hours until rock hard.
- Paint: Paint over the textured plaster surface with two coats of matte paint in your chosen aesthetic tone.
Styling Tips & Variations
- Styling: Use them to prop up your favorite interior design coffee table books on an open bookshelf.
- Variation: Leave the plaster unpainted with a raw white concrete finish for a stark industrial-minimalist look.
