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 1x6 was the perfect size to make the shelf portion of the Christmas Stocking Shelf.
Whenever I make these shelves, I prefer that the shelf extend slightly beyond the base. Can you already see how cute this is going to be?
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Don't Skip This Step
With fine grit sandpaper, I sand the 1x6 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 1x6 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 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 work best, in my opinion. I always start with the back; that way, 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 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 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
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Christy @ Our Southern Home
What a great idea! I love the red spray paint. Such a fabulous DIY if you don't have a mantel.
Sadie Seasongoods
SO perfect as a stocking shelf like that! Makes me even more excited for the holiday season!!
Gail Wilson
Sarah,
I'm excited too. I'm already listening to Christmas music, and of course have watched way too many Christmas movies on Hallmark and Lifetime! lol
gail
petticoatjunktion
Yes, I've painted styrofoam. The press n seal is genius. I love you shelf/stocking hanger!
Gail Wilson
Thanks Kathy!
The press-n-seal was just an aha moment as I was working in the kitchen instead of the garage due to cold temps! It really, really worked well.
gail
Maryann
Perfect for stockings and I love how you used the chalk marker!
Gail Wilson
Maryann,
Thanks! I had a sharpie paint pen, but I didn't feel it would do well on the glossy spray paint.
gail
Kristin salazar
What a great tutorial, it was just waiting to be turned into a stocking shelf for christmas!
Gail Wilson
Thanks Kristin! I had several pieces to choose from, but I think this one jumped out at me because it was already red. 🙂
gail
Sara
Gail,
Love the stocking shelf ! Very opportune for me as I just scored not one but two board with pegs for hanging whatever or where ever needed. One semi painted white -not covered well and the other is just unfinished....$1 each. These can go in several places ,kitchen, entry way, bathroom, or used exactly for hanging Christmas stockings. So many homes or apartments don't have fire places or are small spaces ,these are a perfect solution ! I love the red for Christmas but thought of doing white but decking it out with the red and greens .
Had to chuckle over the Christmas sleigh as well. This past summer found a wicker sleigh in sun bleached green.....not quite as pretty as the one with iron runners and I debated green again or white . I redid the green but it may get a second make over next go around. Again a versatile piece in several rooms. Thanks, what a fun collection !!
Sara
Gail Wilson
Sara,
Lucky you! Those are awesome scores! Great idea to paint white and accent in red. Happy you love our thrift store makeovers, it's definitely my favorite day of the month.
gail