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One of my teenage sons loves fishing. Because we live in Florida on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, he’s become a natural saltwater fisherman. When my husband is home on a weekend, there’s hardly one that goes by that he and my son aren’t on the Pensacola Beach pier. That being said, there’s not been many times that they’ve gone fishing in the gulf that they don’t see sharks. Hammerheads, bull sharks, black tip. I don’t know, all those scary types.
But our beaches are breathtaking, and the marine life doesn’t keep many from enjoying it. I’m definitely a little more cautious and aware these days now that I’m a mom.
I’ve seen these bookends online at Pottery Barn teen, but they’re no longer available. I’m not sure what the original retail price was, but when I saw them I knew two things. One- that my son would love these in his room. Two- that I could make my own. So, I did.
The movie this month for the Monthly Movie Challenge is JAWS!
Curious about the movie challenge? On the last Monday of each month, a group of bloggers participate in a #MovieMondayChallenge, hosted by C’mon Get Crafty! We decide on a topic, genre, or specific movie to use for inspiration and everyone gets free reign to create something wonderful!
Here’s a few fun fact about JAWS 2- In 1977-78 it was filmed right here on the Emerald Coast, just a few miles to the east of me in Navarre, Florida. In fact the film crew stayed in the “Holidome” which is where my husband and I went on our honeymoon (many, many years later, lol). The Holidome was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, but the memories live forever! You can check out a fun article with details HERE if you want.
Anyway, the shark bookend are the perfect project to be inspired by JAWS!
How to Make Your Own Shark Bookends
Supplies:
I knew the project would require a power tool to cut the wood, so I asked my dad to help. I think he enjoyed it a little more than I did. Basically, he took the ideas I had and help make them happen.
To begin, we cut the shark in half, making as straight of a line as we could.
Next, we found some scrap lumber, measured it, and cut it to the size we wanted. Taller pieces for the the backs, smaller for the base.
Then, we wood glued them together in an ‘L’ shape.
How to make the hollow shark stick to the bookend was something we had to ponder for a bit.
Finally, my dad decided to trace the inside of the shark onto a piece of wood, and cut out the oval he drew with the jigsaw. Then, we glued it to the bookend where we wanted the shark to go. This way, I could add the gorilla glue all over the circle, and fit the shark on top of it. It worked perfectly. Just keep in mind if you use gorilla glue that it expands. I had to check it often and wipe off any bits that squeezed out from under the shark.
After waiting for the glue to dry, the last step was to spray paint the entire set of bookends.
Because the shark is plastic, it’s important to remember to use spray paint for plastics.
Let the paint dry completely before using to hold your books. I actually recommend several hours or overnight.
My teenager loves these, they fit perfectly into his room decor. Not that, as a teenage boy, he really cares much about his room decor according to the massive piles of laundry and who knows what other mysteries that are all over his floor. But at least his books look good and stylish!
You can find all my Movie Challenge projects projects HERE.
IF YOU LOVE THIS JAWS INSPIRED PROJECT, MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT ALL THE OTHER CREATIVE IDEAS AND BLOGGERS PARTICIPATING IN THE CHALLENGE THIS MONTH!
If you’d like to join our Facebook group, you can request an invite here.
Love love love this! Super creative and a great piece for any shark fanatic!
Good post, It looks amazing and beautiful! The diy is stunning.
These are so great. I love that they look almost exactly like the PBTeen ones and would have cost a fraction of the amount I am sure. Nice job! I am glad you teen loves them they are wonderful!