Christmas Stocking Shelf

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

Be sure to check out the creative thrift store projects from my friends 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 1x6 was the perfect size to make the shelf portion of the Christmas Stocking Shelf.

Whenever I make these kinds of shelves, I prefer that the shelf extends slightly beyond the base. Can you already see how cute this is going to be?

Shop My Amazon Storefront to See my Favorite Tools and Products

Don’t Skip This Step

With a fine grit sandpaper I sand the 1x6 with my orbital sander.

Allow Shelf to Overhang

I used my Kreg Multi Mark tool in order to get the same measurement on both ends.

Keep It Simple

Using the valance as a guide, I marked the 1x6, and drilled pilot holes.

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. If you would like to see how I would do this with my Kreg Jig, read my article entitled Easy Cabinet Door Projects. 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 works best in my opinion. I always start with the back, that way if something gets smudged, it’s not as noticeable.

After several light coats of the red spray paint, I was pleased with how it was looking. That decorative routed section? Yeah, at this point I wasn’t sure how I was going to deal with it.

Single Coat Hooks Work Best for Christmas Stockings

Since this is a shelf for holding Christmas stockings, I knew I needed single coat hooks. Checking my stash, I only had brushed nickel. So, I decided to paint them white.

What if the Hooks are the Wrong Color?

Again, several light coats of spray paint is 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 a great decision for painting the screw heads to match the coat hooks! Have you ever spray painted styrofoam? The paint basically destroys the styrofaom. So, I covered the styrofoam with some press-n-seal first. It worked like a charm!

The foam really 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 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 the Dollar Stores. Those adorable stockings are from the 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 oh so easy Christmas Stocking Shelf should go on your to-do list for someone special! Won’t you pin it for later?

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