enchanted shelves

I used cardboard box lids as my base for 5 of the 6 bookshelves. The last one was a broken wooden toy piece that I found in a thrift store. I created shelves from cardboard, craft sticks, and/or twigs and attached them with hot glue. Some shelves received collaged paper or texture before being spray painted (a few are handpainted with acrylic instead). 

After the bookcases were complete, it was time to accessorize. I foraged as many natural elements from here in the Lowcountry as I could. The Spanish moss, the palm fibers, acorns, hickory nuts, twigs and sticks are all foraged. (Thank you Wendy for the hickory nuts!) The tiny acorn tea cups are some of my favorite creations. 

I filled teeny glass jars with magical bits and bobs. I used hot glue sticks and wire to create candle sticks. Whenever possible, I used items from my stash of beads, vintage buttons, thread, scraps, etc. My friend Ella cut some wood book blanks for me that I wrapped in leather and fabric scraps. I used buttons to frame tiny mirrors or portraits. I bundled twigs, rolls of fabric, and paper scrolls. I fashioned tiny wreaths from wrapped wire and ribbon and yarn. 

Along the way, I got lost in the dreamy world of the tiny people whom I imagine stock these shelves with their potions and projects.