Christmas Stocking Shelf

Why have a Christmas stocking hanger when you can have a Christmas Stocking Shelf?! I’m sharing a red DIY shelf for this month’s thrift store decor project, perfect for hanging your family’s Christmas stockings. I’ve been listening to you, making this shelf an easy project without using a Kreg Jig.

Be sure to check out my friends’ creative thrift store projects at the end of this post.

How to Make a Christmas Stocking Shelf

I have a lot of scalloped valance wood pieces in my stash. Maybe I chose this one because it was already red? I have no idea what this piece came off of.

Carefully inspect your scalloped piece of wood for any screws or nails. I don’t want you cutting through these with a saw.

After removing the nails, I cut the valance on the miter saw.

I always try to keep a great selection of 1x’s in my stash. This 1×6 was the perfect size to make the shelf portion of the Christmas Stocking Shelf.

I prefer that the shelf extend slightly beyond the base whenever I make these shelves. Can you already see how cute this is going to be?

Visit the My Repurposed Life Amazon Store to shop my favorite items.

Don’t Skip This Step

With fine grit sandpaper, I sand the 1×6 with my orbital sander.

Allow Shelf to Overhang

I used my Kreg Multi Mark tool to get the exact measurement on both ends.

Keep It Simple

I marked the 1×6 and drilled pilot holes using the valance as a guide.

Because attaching the board to the edge of the valance will be challenging, I pre-started all of my screws into the holes.

Insert a screw on each end of the Christmas Stocking Shelf, then proceed to secure all of the screws. To see how I would do this with my Kreg Jig, read my Easy Cabinet Door Projects article. Using the pocket hole screws, the joint is hidden on the back of the shelf instead of being visible on the top of the shelf as this one is.

It’s easier to drive the screws if the shelf is resting on the table. I chose to countersink the heads of the screws slightly so they’re less noticeable.

For a simple project like this, drywall screws are sufficient. I like these self-drill drywall screws, as they have a fine thread.

More Necessary Sanding

The sharp edges of the boards get the round-over treatment with the orbital sander. I prefer the softer, rounded edge on my shelves.

Spray Paint Christmas Stocking Shelf

Once everything was sanded nice and smooth, it was time to paint. Several light coats of spray paint work best, in my opinion. I always start with the back; it’s not as noticeable if something gets smudged.

I was pleased with its appearance after several light coats of the red spray paint. That decorative routed section? Yeah, I wasn’t sure how I would deal with it at this point.

Single Coat Hooks Work Best for Christmas Stockings

Since this shelf holds Christmas stockings, I knew I needed single-coat hooks. However, after checking my stash, I found only brushed nickel, so I decided to paint them white.

What if the Hooks are the Wrong Color?

Again, several light coats of spray paint are the way to go. However, with the hooks, it was a little more challenging. I should have chosen a flat piece of cardboard instead of a box.

How to Spray Paint Screw Heads

But I did make an excellent decision for painting the screw heads to match the coat hooks! Have you ever spray-painted styrofoam? The paint destroys the styrofoam. So, I covered the styrofoam with some press-n-seal first. It worked like a charm!

The foam worked well for spray painting the screw heads.

How to Install Coat Hooks

Installing coat hooks is easy if you follow these steps:

• Mark the holes with a Sharpie
• Drill Pilot Holes
• Secure with a hand-held screwdriver

Tracing the routed area with a chalk couture chalk marker was so easy! It’s available in The Junky Chalker Shop.

 

Fun Decorating the Christmas Stocking Shelf

The shelf was so easy to decorate using items from Dollar Stores. Those adorable stockings are from Dollar General (of course, you have to embellish them if you want them customized with names). The Merry & Bright is a Dollar Tree Chalkboard with a Chalk Couture Transfer.

This easy Christmas Stocking Shelf should go on your to-do list for someone special! Won’t you pin it for later?

Related Content: This gal got a new look; see the Blue Hook Rack.

Now, let’s see what my creative friends are sharing!

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia DIY Hand Warmers

Domestically Speaking Christmas Vintage Wonderland Cloche

Petticoat Junktion DIY Snowmen Ornaments Petticoat Junktion

 Sadie Seasongoods DIY Amber Glass Bottles with a Twist

My Repurposed Life Christmas Stocking Shelf   (you are here)

Our Southern Home Christmas Sleigh Centerpiece

 House of Hawthornes Christmas Card Organizer