I have been dying to make a plastic animal bookend. The kids love books so we are always in need of bookends around here. I first saw this idea from Cassie over at Hi Sugarplum, and have since seen it done several different ways on Pinterest. (If you have done this yourself or have seen a favorite version online feel free to link it below!)
Here’s my cute little hippo before. Looking a little sad and worn out. 
And after a little spray paint and a piece of scrap wood:
I used a high-gloss paint and unfortunately the paint bubbled up. I should have used a primer first, and definitely will next time if I make one again. I do love how it turned out though.
The funny thing is, my kids will still play with it like it’s a toy. In fact, my four-year old told me she liked it better blue, and could we spray paint the giraffe pink please?
Hmm. Not a bad idea…
Related Posts
DIY Framed Quote & Map Print May 7, 2013
T-Shirt Tepee {part 2}April 25, 2013
T-Shirt Tepee and DressApril 24, 2013
Painted Kitchen Towel TutorialFebruary 20, 2013
DIY Fringe KeychainJanuary 30, 2013
at 11:43 am
Love this idea! I’m curious, though, if the animal figure and scrap wood were heavy enough to keep the books in place. Or did you add something to weight it down a bit?
Susan recently posted..#12DaysofCookies: Gluten Free Gingerbread Men
at 10:34 pm
I’m wondering the same thing. my kids would love these
at 10:03 am
I am wondering the same thing as well. I need book ends but the ones I’ve found are $50! I wonder if putting some iron would help with the weight?
at 2:47 pm
I will use a brick =)
at 8:43 pm
Haha! Love the brick idea- I might have to try that! I used a hardwood scrap instead of a softwood and it seems to be sturdy enough to support books on it’s own. You will pay more for hardwood but all you need is a scrap. The adding iron is a great idea, but I am not sure how you would do that. Hmmm…. sounds like I need to try a few more ideas!
at 10:07 am
a brick, and a nail file to smooth out the seams where the plastic has fused together!
at 9:40 am
Fabulous idea, love it! I love the animal toy DIYs like the hooks and magnets (cut in half), but have yet to find a great source for the little plastic ones. Will keep this in mind, though!
Adventures in Dressmaking recently posted..As requested! The super easy (reversible) Christmas stocking tutorial!
at 2:10 pm
I have also seen the toys cut in half, but instead of magnets having them still be bookends. Looks the the animal is walking through the kids stories. I am about to try it myself and if it works out well I will post a link.
at 9:08 pm
Do they still make those rather cheap looking metal bookends – you know the “L” shaped ones? If they do you could glue the animal cut in half directly to the flat surface of the metal. Just a thought.
at 5:07 pm
I’ve seen them done before using two of the plastic L-shaped picture frames that stand on their own. You cut the animal in half, glue half of him to each of the L-shaped picture frames, then spray paint the entire thing. I did a dark bronze with a toy lion. It looked really good! The lion looked like he was walking through the books.
at 7:10 pm
Love that idea, I think I might try it. Thanks Melissa!
at 3:52 pm
I was wondering if this was enough to keep books in place? Also, do you have any other suggestions to make the bookends weighted without having to worry about scratching up my nice wooden bookcase with a brick?
at 7:09 pm
Hey Emily! I thought that same thing about a brick- but if you put felt furniture pads on the bottom your bookcase should stay scratch free. I have also see rocks used as bookends, and they were painted neon too! Best of luck!