How to Decorate Your Bookshelf

What You Need:

• Old bookcase or set of shelves (plastic or wooden)
• Spray paint
• Acrylic craft paint in a metallic color
• Paint brush
• Scrap paper
• Newspaper

What You Do:

1. To limit your child's exposure to harmful paint fumes, this first step is for you. Following the instructions on the spray can, apply a coat of paint to the bookcase or shelves.
2. While the paint dries, have your child plan out the designs that she will paint on the shelf, using the scratch paper to record her ideas. Possible designs include swirls, stars, or favorite animals such as the snakes, rats, and lizards on the shelves pictured. What special interests does your child have?
3. Once the base paint is dry and your child is finished planning out her designs, help your child paint her chosen designs onto the shelves. Remember, the designs don't have to be perfect—this is a time to encourage self expression.
4. Let the finished shelves dry completely, approximately 24 hours.

Once your shelves are dry, find a good spot for them and use them to store favorite books or games, or as a display shelf for favorite possessions.