The season’s final Valentine’s Day project is here. I went a little overboard this year—there were so many V-Day ideas I wanted to try—but this is the last one for now.
These mini DIY wall shelves were an easy, inexpensive find. I picked up small wooden Valentine’s signs at Target for about $2 each and turned them into tiny shelves using scrap wood and sawtooth hangers. The project is quick, affordable, and great for displaying small items.
Materials
- Flat wood shapes (the ones shown were purchased at Target)
- Wood scraps (about 1/2 inch thick works well)
- Saw to trim wood scraps to size, if needed
- Primer
- Paint (acrylic or house paint)
- Paintbrush
- Wood glue or strong adhesive
- Clamps (optional)
- Sawtooth hanger
Step-by-step Instructions
1. Cut the shelf pieces to size. Place the scrap wood along the base of the flat wood shape and mark where you want the shelf to sit. Trim the scrap wood with a saw and sand the cut edges smooth.
2. Prime all surfaces—the decorative wood shape and the shelf piece. Allow the primer to dry fully before painting.
3. Paint the pieces with acrylic or house paint. Two thin coats usually give the best, even coverage. Let the paint dry completely between coats.
4. Attach the shelf to the flat wood shape with wood glue or a strong adhesive. Use clamps if needed to hold the pieces firmly together while the glue cures. Follow the glue manufacturer’s recommended drying time—24 hours ensures a strong bond.
5. Fix a sawtooth hanger to the back of the piece and it’s ready to hang on the wall.
These mini shelves aren’t limited to seasonal shapes. After Valentine’s Day you can make them in triangles, hexagons, circles, or any silhouette you like—perfect for displaying small props, plants, or office items. I’m planning to create a few geometric versions for my studio to hold tiny props and accessories.
Photography Amelia Tatnall
Craft production Anissa Saxton
Styling Brittni Mehlhoff
Are you finishing any last-minute V-Day projects? I’d love to hear what you have planned.