Make Baseball Bookends (and Hit a Home Run)

Looking for an original idea for the sports fan in your life? Learn how to make bookends! These baseball bookends use scrap wood and Mod Podge to personalize.

Need a great project for the sports-oriented man (or woman) in your life? This week Man Podger Walter delivers the perfect wood craft idea – decoupage baseball bookends.

All you need are wood and Mod Podge (well, and a few other things). I’ve never told you, but my grandfather was a Brooklyn Dodger. Yep! His name was Herbert Olson and he was a catcher. I’m not sure for how long – but I know it was in the late 50’s/early 60’s.

He passed away not so very long ago, so I kind of think of this decoupage idea as a tribute to him. Man Podger Walter had no idea that he made something with so much meaning to me.

I think this would make a great Father’s Day craft, or something special for your favorite baseball fan. Here’s how to make these bookends for yourself.

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How to Make Bookends

These are the supplies you need:

• 5″ x 5″ wood squares – 4
• Baseballs – 2
• Mod Podge Gloss
• Acrylic paint
• Wood screws – 8
• Screwdriver
• Tape measure or ruler
• Foam brush
• Drill
• Self stick rubber pads
• Pencil

Measure 1 1/2″ in at each end from both the left and right side of one of the pieces of wood.

Drill two holes; I used a countersink bit so that the screws would sit flat down in the recess.

Next hold the drilled 5″ x 5″ piece of wood upright next to the other piece (base).

Insert an awl through the hole, penetrating the base – this will make for better contact when assembled.

Paint both wood pieces with the Licorice acrylic paint. FolkArt paint dries so fast!

While the paint is drying, cut pieces of paper to fit the pieces of wood – both the front and back, as well as the sides.

Decoupage the paper and cardstock to the wood! This is the step where all the cut pieces of paper will be decoupaged.

Tip: I suggest using Mod Podge tools for ease and accuracy.

I like to lay out everything as seen in the photo. This way I know what pieces will be decoupaged to the right area. I used a nice green textured cardstock for the outside and edges of the bookends. Let dry for at least 15 minutes.

Seal both pieces. I love using FolkArt Water Base Varnish (792 Satin Finish). This Varnish dries in 15 minutes. Apply two coats and set it aside for another 15 minutes of drying. Clean up is so easy. . . soap and water!

You’re ready to assemble! Attach two screws into the bottom base using a screwdriver. The base is done.

You can use industrial glue like E-6000 to attach the baseball in place. Personally, I eyeballed where the contact point was and drilled through the upright piece and then screwed the baseball into place.

Either way works, though “I am a perfectionist at times” and attached the baseball with a screw.

Attach four self stick rubber pads to the base. This keeps the bookend from moving.

Bookend is completed. I think I hit a home run with this project! Try different variations to fit your liking. Don’t forget to make two so you have a complete set of baseball bookends!

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Walter, thank you so much – you totally hit a home run. To all of you, please visit the rest of the Man Podger projects here. Also don’t forget to check out these other projects:

• DIY Bookends Made from Vintage Rolling Pins
• Easy DIY Wall Decor with a Baseball Theme
• This Baseball Card Table Uses Simple Supplies!
• DIY Comic Book Coasters Made with Mod Podge
• This Scrap Wood Art Tells Your Family Story