Cathy and I curbed some glass shelves a couple of years ago. They have been hanging around in my garage ever since. I saw a project in a new publication called, My Home My Style. (updated to add--the publication is no longer in circulation, but you can check out their website.
The glass was shipped in plywood pieces.
This is what I found upon opening that plywood box. Two very heavy duty tempered glass shelves.
Rip 2 x 6 on table saw
Because this shelf is modern, the boards needed to be squared off. I removed some of each side of a board (2x6?) I really can’t remember. Do you see that green paint? .51 cents at Home Depot.
Looking at the picture of the shelf in the magazine, there was a little extra space at the top and bottom of the “support” piece.
I needed a square board to place on top of the support piece. I was going to go with a 4x4 but it was too large. My table saw will not rip such a large board, so I went with plan b.
Cut and glue two 2 x 4's
I ripped a couple of 2x4’s and glued them together with Gorilla Wood Glue as though they were one board.
Clamp 2 x 4's
I clamped them using quick clamps and allowed them to set.
If you look closely you will see that I have a scrap piece of wood between my board and the clamp. This wood is soft. If I had tightened the clamp on my board, it would leave a dent.
I used some more Gorilla Wood Glue to attach the “new” square boards to the support piece.
Add support boards
This is the support piece with three “square” boards glued in place.
Soap screws for easy application
After the glue set up, I turned the piece over and screwed some screws through the support piece into the “squared” boards. TIP-soap your screws for ease. You won’t hear that dreaded SQUEEK!!!!!
Paint modern shelf black
Can you see that the “squared” boards resemble 4x4’s? Hindsight 20/20 I would have used 4x4’s and then made the support piece wide enough that the 4x4’s would have worked. I spray painted it with my el cheapo primer.
I painted it black with some oops paint.
Insert glass shelves
Now you can see how it all came together. Very modern floating shelves hanging on a privacy fence for staging.
The gap between the boards was a little difficult to pull off. The gap had to be just wide enough for the piece of glass to slide in.
I think it looks pretty neat hanging on the fence.
I put some little candle holders on the shelf to help the shelf “show up”.
These glass shelves are very thick and very heavy. I have attached two “D" rings on the back for hanging. However I think I will have to make a slight change. I have them centered from side to side, 24 inches apart. Because the “D” rings are centered, the piece sort of goes wibble wabble while being hung on the fence.
Cost? zero! Although there was quite a bit of work involved since I really didn’t know what I was doing. There were plans in the magazine, but they didn’t fit the materials I had. You know I’m a use what I have kinda girl!
Do you like it? or is it too modern to suit you? I highly recommend this magazine. I subscribed to it as soon as I saw it. There are no advertisements and I read it cover to cover. That is something I rarely EVER do.
gail
I used a large piece of free glass to make a top for this pallet sofa table.
Michelle M
Thanks for sharing your project. We just picked up some free glass shelves so I was looking for ideas. This looks great!
your dad
soooooooooooooooooooo uugggglllyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.belive me................................
Gail Wilson
seriously, you have to say something so negative, why not just click away and move on?
I hope you have a wonderful day, and that someone's smile will warm your heart and give you a good feeling.
gail
Jenn
To commenter - your dad: Your ignorance is ugly. And you misspelled believe. If you didn't care for the shelf, fine, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However, there was no need to criticize someone's creation; you should've just gone on about your day or better yet - go make something you do like, then post it for others to admire - or criticize, if they don't find it to their liking. Gail - kudos to you for using your time creating and inspiring others to take whatever they have in life and make it into something pleasing and useful. Maybe for Christmas that negative commenter will get a slice of happiness to fill up their empty, negative life. God bless you and your family this holiday season!
Gail Wilson
Jenn,
I could have deleted the negative comment, but chose to leave it because everyone is entitled to their opinion. I appreciate your sweet comment, and it makes me so happy that you enjoy the projects I work hard to create. May God bless you and your family as well, wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
gail
Pati Sievert
Nice job. Kinda hard to see it with an add over 2/3 of the screen that will not go away. (Purolator)
Stephanie
You did a wonderful job on this! I love it. Your little tips on making things is so informative. The soap tip? I am going to have to pass that one on to my husband, I bet he doesn't know about that.
Lindy
THAT is too cool!!!
Elisabeth
I think your shelves are very attractive.
Thanks for the link to the magazine. It looks like a good one so I signed up for a free copy to look it over.
Elisabeth
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
i love it! i like the unique style and nice clean lines.
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
i love it! i like the unique style and nice clean lines.
Toqua's Crafts
I do like, very much!
Kudos!
Nikki ~ Let's Craft!!
Stop by my blog: http://bestpartofbelieveis.blogspot.com/
I awarded you the stylish blogger award 🙂
~ Nikki
Sylvia
Great job! You always impress me with what you can do with what you have hanging around your house. I love your blog b/c you are real... very talented and make your home fabulous on a real budget.
tale of many cities
ooh girl! that's one fab DIY!
Two Dollars
Oh and for the wibble wobble, can you add another layer of thin wood to the back, so that the D hangers become recessed?
-Stefanie
Two Dollars
Funny I JUST picked up some glass off of freecycle yesterday! I can't do anything like this yet, but hopefully one day. I'm deciding what to do with the pieces (3) they are that smoky glass off of the old entertainment centers/ coffee tables. One of them has metal brackets on the corners. I had a plan in mind when I got them, but since they look different than I expected I'm mulling 🙂
Good job.
-Stefanie
2ndChanceCreations.etsy.com
Suzanne@Meridian Road
The shelves look great, Gail! They'll be fun to accessorize, too.
Thanks for the tip about the new magazine. I love that there are no ads!
Full Circle Creations
I like it! You do such a great job explaining how you make things. I think I'd like it with wood shelves. Great job!
Holly
Proper Prim
Great shelf Gail... good job. I think if I was hanging that I would screw it directly to the wall.
Hugs, Deb
Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama
oh great,, i went back and read the comments where you said it may have been wood,, should've read that first..lol
Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama
great job,, i really couldnt tell where you were going with it and since I dont really have a set style or know what my style is,, I love it. Wonder if this same basic idea could be used for wood shelves instead of glass??
Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal
I like it! I'm always impressed that you just work with what you have. I can see it with a more rustic look too if it was lightly stained and roughed up a bit. Maybe even using 2 supports for a longer piece of glass. Lots of variations with this. Also agree with Rose about the hanger 🙂
allenaim photography and design
You are a beast! (in the BEST way possible!)
Coleen's Corner
Yes - I like it too!
Granny
It looks great and I'm sure you would have no problem selling it. I think Rose is right with the suggestion of the keyhole hangers on the back.
Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic
I like it too! Not my style, but I like how it looks. Not sure about the d rings, do you mean you attached them at the top and bottom? Maybe it would sit better with a couple drilled out keyholes to hang it from? I can see that it must be pretty heavy!
Shawna
Oh I definitely like it!! It looks professionally made, great job!!!