Floating Book Shelf

...or invisible shelf?

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/floating-book-shelf • Posted by Candice C.

I don't much like reading books, but I do love how they look. I stumbled across a how-to online... not sure how I found it or what I was looking for, but I thought I'd give it a try and use the inspiration from a commment left at the bottom from someone about secret compartments :D

You will need

Book One ya don't mind NEVER reading again

L Bracket(s)

3 Screw(s) Short enough that they don't go through your book

2 Nail(s) the smallest you can find

Project Budget

Reasonably Priced

Time

2 h 00

Difficulty

So-so

Description

Instructions

Follow this other guys' how to. He's got it layed out pretty good, why re-invent the wheel? However... I didn't cut a notch in my book cover. It looks fine to me as is, and I didn't do step 4 how he did. If you are doing the cutouts in the book, don't complete all the steps just yet. Stop at step 4 and take your bracket out of your book. It'll make it easier to install on the wall later. Also, I decided to use tiny little nails (seriously... tiny - I think they were probably no longer than ½") instead of more screws in the corners because it was easier pounding a nail in through the pages while keeping everything straight. Just run your thumb up the pages to even them back out if they're mashed down too far.
Now use this other guys' idea for secret compartments. This is where I'll show you how I did it.
Open your book and leave 10 or so pages untouched in the front. I know I said take the bracket off earlier... but do as I say, not as I do!
Measure out where your bracket is and leave ¼" or so on either side. Decide how big you want your secret compartments to be and start cutting. I used the words on the page to help guide my lines, but keep in mind where your nails are in the corners of the back of the book.
Admire any supportive onlookers no matter how bored they appear - they're actually enthralled in what you're creating!
Cut down through the pages until you've reached a depth you like. I left 10-15 pages between the back pages that were cut out for the bracket and my compartments. This is THE most time consuming part. I think it took me about an hour and a half - maybe more. I suppose you could start off this project reading the book and cut the pages out as you go... but I didn't really care to read this book!
Install the bracket on the wall... (aren't you glad you took it off earlier??)
...screw the book in place...
...hotglue the bottom flap shut...
...and hide all of your goodies :P