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.

I think he 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.

Here’s how to make these for yourself.

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Make Baseball Bookends

Learn how to make bookends with a baseball theme! This is a fun project for the sports fan in your life.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Active Time2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Dry Time2 hours hrs

Total Time4 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Yield: 2 book ends

Cost: $15

Equipment

• Screwdriver
• Ruler or tape measure
• Foam brush(es)
• Drill and drill bits
• Pencil

Materials

• 4 Wood square(s) 5" x 5"
• 2 Baseballs
• Mod Podge Gloss
• Acrylic paint
• 8 Wood screws
• Self stick rubber pads

Instructions

• Measure 1 1/2" in at each end from both the left and right sides 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.
  
• Hold the drilled 5" x 5" piece of wood upright next to the other piece (base). Insert an awl and penetrate the base.
• Paint both wood pieces with the acrylic paint and let dry.
  
• 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. Let dry for 15 – 20 minutes before applying a top coat.
  
• To assemble, attach top with two screws into the bottom base using a screwdriver. The base is complete. Repeat with the other side.
• Attach the baseballs in place. 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.
  
• Attach four self stick rubber pads to both bases before using.

Notes

Step 4: I used a nice green textured cardstock for the outside and edges of the bookends.

Step 5: After Mod Podging the paper down and sealing, I used an additional brush on varnish since this will be in a kids’ room.

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

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