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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.

DIY baseball bookends

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.


Wood squares, baseball, screwdriver, paint, Mod Podge, drill and a tape measure

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 holes to drill with a ruler

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.

Wood pieces painted with black paint and drying on a rack

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.

Paper pieces trimmed and laid out to be Mod Podged onto wood

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.

Wood bookend pieces laid out with a bottle of varnish and a paintbrush

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!

Drilling a hole into the bottom of the bookend to attach a baseball

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.

How to make bookends using wood and baseballs

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!

Yield: 2 book ends

Make Baseball Bookends

How to make bookends using wood and baseballs

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

Prep Time 15 minutes
Active Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Difficulty Intermediate

Materials

  • 5" x 5" wood squares - 4
  • Baseballs - 2
  • Mod Podge Gloss
  • Acrylic paint
  • Wood screws - 8
  • Self stick rubber pads

Tools

  • Screwdriver
  • Tape measure or ruler
  • Foam brush
  • Drill with bits
  • Pencil

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Hold the drilled 5" x 5" piece of wood upright next to the other piece (base). Insert an awl and penetrate the base.
  3. Paint both wood pieces with the acrylic paint and let dry.
  4. 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.
  5. Decoupage the paper and cardstock to the wood. Let dry for 15 - 20 minutes before applying a top coat.
  6. Assemble the base, then attach the baseball in place with E-6000. Let dry completely.
  7. Attach four self stick rubber pads to the base before using.

Did You Make This Project?

Please leave a rating or share a photo on Pinterest!


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:

Alicia

Tuesday 5th of February 2013

Love these!! My fiance's Uncle was a Dodger as well....(Ralph Branca)

Jordan

Thursday 8th of November 2012

I love these! Do you have the template for the vintage photos by any chance?

Anonymous

Tuesday 24th of July 2012

FYI, I'm guessing this is your grandpahttps://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=olson-001her

Kate

Wednesday 26th of September 2012

Love it! Great gift for him. I'll be testing this out as it gets closer to Christmas

Amy Anderson

Tuesday 24th of July 2012

That's him! It doesn't have his major league stuff - but it says that's just minors. He's passed away now (last year). :(

Tamara

Wednesday 3rd of August 2011

Brilliant Idea!! I have wondered what to do with those baseballs I have been saving. My kids get the "players ball" each year and being that I have 2 boys that makes a set. I think this is a great gift idea for the grandparents/family.

Rachel (Lines across my face)

Tuesday 2nd of August 2011

Ah these are awesome! I have to make some for my husband and my dad for their next birthdays or Christmas. Love it! I would love it if you would stop by and link this up to the crafty link party going on right now at Lines Across My Face.:) Rachel

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