Two Super Easy DIY Bookends: Mountains & Modern Style

I rarely plan ahead enough for occasions that require gifts: Christmas, birthdays, etc. That means I’m often scrambling at the last minute to figure out what to buy for someone. Are you like this too? If so, I have some easy DIY bookends for you! They make for beautiful, personalized gifts.

Mountains & Modern Bookends

One is mountain-themed DIY bookend and could be used in a cabin, a kid’s room or so many other places. The other one is a modern style DIY bookend that would be perfect in someone’s living room, bedroom or office.

Both are very simple projects that can be completed in a day or two.

Let’s get to it! Below are the super simple steps to create these bookends and thereby, have a personalized gift for someone at the very last minute.

Thanks to Minwax for sponsoring this post. I received compensation and free product from Minwax but all opinions stated here are my own. This post contains affiliate links which means I may get a small commission off any purchases made from my links. It’s no extra cost to you.

Time to Complete

It took me two days to complete both of these. There is some dry time in there so you could get it done in a day if you’d like to!

Tools & Materials for Modern DIY Bookends

• 1″ x 6″ x 6′ Oak Board (or any wood scraps you have lying around)
• Miter Saw
• Measuring Tape
• Pencil
• 220 grit sandpaper
• Tack Cloth
• Clamps
• Wood Glue
• Minwax Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
• Minwax Wood Finish Water-Based Semi-Transparent Color Stain in Pure White
• Minwax Wood Finish Water-Based Solid Color Stain in Gentle Olive
• Minwax Design Series Grain Highlighting Finishing Wax
• Purdy 2” XL Sprig Paintbrush
• Synthetic Pad
• Rags

Click here to find a local retailer for Minwax products!

Directions for Modern DIY Bookends

STEP 1: Cut wood.

Using scrap wood or a 1″ x 6″ x 6′ oak board, cut the following pieces to size using a miter saw:

• (2) 6″ x 5 1/2″
• (2) 5″ x 4″
• (2) 4″ x 2 1/2″
• (2) 3″ x 1″

STEP 2: Sand the wood and use a tack cloth to remove any sawdust.

My wood was pretty smooth already so I just quickly sanded it using 220 grit sandpaper to make sure the edges were smooth as well.

STEP 3: Apply Minwax Water–Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner using a Purdy 2” XL Sprig Paintbrush.

This pre-stain wood conditioner helps ensure that your stain will go on really evenly. I’m choosing to use a water-based wood conditioner because I will be using a water-based stain on top of it.

After you have applied it, remove any excess with a rag within 1-5 minutes of application. After 15-30 minutes, lightly sand the surface with 220 grit sandpaper.

STEP 4: Apply Minwax Wood Finish Water-Based Semi-Transparent Color Stain and Minwax Wood Finish Water-Based Solid Color Stain.

I decided to alternate colors with my wood blocks. I chose a green color, Gentle Olive, in a solid color stain and a white color, Pure White, in a semi-transparent color stain. Both are water based, which means they dry quickly and are really easy to clean up! Plus, there are over 200 color options to choose from!

Apply the Solid Color Stain using a Purdy 2” XL Sprig Paintbrush. Immediately (within 2 minutes) remove any excess stain with a synthetic pad.

Apply the Semi-Transparent Color Stain using a Purdy 2” XL Sprig Paintbrush. Immediately (within 2 minutes) remove any excess stain with a rag.

STEP 4: Once the stain is dry, glue the pieces together using wood glue.

Clamp them together until the glue is dry.

STEP 5: Apply Minwax Design Series Grain Highlighting Finishing Wax with a rag.

I absolutely love this wax! It’s so beautiful how it highlights the grain, especially on top of solid color stain.

First you mix it. Then you apply it in a circular motion with a rag.

After 3-5 minutes, remove any excess wax with a rag going against the grain. You’ll notice that the wax will stay in the wood grain, creating a beautiful look on the wood.

Head here for more inspiration from Minwax! Or keep scrolling down to see both finished bookends!

Tools & Materials for Mountain DIY Bookends

• 2″ x 12″ x 1′ Oak Board (or any wood scraps you have lying around)
• Miter Saw
• Measuring Tape
• Pencil
• 120 grit and 220 grit sandpaper
• Tack Cloth
• Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
• Minwax Wood Finish in Special Walnut
• Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish
• Purdy 2” XL Sprig Paintbrush
• Krylon Chalky Finish Paint 
• Rags

Click here to find a local retailer for Minwax products!

Directions for Mountain DIY Bookends

STEP 1: Cut wood using a miter saw.

Cut 4 triangles from a 2″ thick piece of oak. Two triangles should be 8″ tall with the side opposite the right angle cut at a 31-degree angle. The other two triangles should be 5″ tall with the side opposite the right angle cut at a 31-degree angle.

STEP 2: Sand the wood and use a tack cloth to remove any sawdust.

My wood was a little rough in some places so I first used 100 grit sandpaper and then moved on to 220 grit sandpaper to make it really smooth.

I then used a tack cloth to remove any dust from the wood.

STEP 3: Apply Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner using a rag.

After 5-15 minutes, remove any excess using a rag.

STEP 4: Within 2 hours, apply Minwax Wood Finish in Special Walnut.

Apply it with a rag.

After 5-15 minutes, remove any excess stain with a rag. The longer you wait, the darker the wood will look.

STEP 5: Once the stain is dry, add snow to your mountains by painting the tops with Krylon Chalky Finish Paint.

I applied two coats to ensure really good coverage.

STEP 6: Apply Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish with a Purdy 2” XL Sprig Paintbrush.

I only applied one coat but you could apply two coats if you would like them to be extra protected and durable. If you choose to apply more than one coat, lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper in between coats.

The Finished Bookends!

Now you have two different styles of bookends that you could use in your own home or give to someone else as a gift. There are so many great options for DIY bookends that are both functional and beautiful!

Interested in More Easy Home DIY Projects?

For more inspiration from Minwax, click here.

Head here to learn how to make a modern console table and wall decor.

Head here for a modern style stool for a child’s room. It has a really fun pop of color in it!

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