A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to see this post from Michelle over at A Crafty Mix. We were in the middle of getting ready to move my daughter into a new bedroom, and I thought this would be an adorable addition to her decor. So, I’ve put together my own swing shelf!
I’ll show you how I put mine together, but be sure to head over to Michelle’s blog as well, as she did things just a bit different than I did. Either way you do it, this is a super easy DIY project that goes together quickly and really adds something a little different to your room.
(This post contains affiliate links. To see my full disclosure, go here.)
Supplies used:
- 1 x 4 poplar board (2 ft. long)
- Minwax wood stain (and old rag)
- Sisal rope and twine
- Cup hooks and drywall anchors
First, you’ll need to decide how wide you want your shelf to be. I knew that this was going to go above my daughter’s chest of drawers. So, I held it up approximately where I planned on putting it, in order to determine how wide it needed to be.
Then, my husband drilled a hole into each corner of the board about 3/4″ from the edge. We had purchased 1/4″ rope, so he drilled 1/4″ holes.
Once the drilling was done, we sanded the board down very lightly. After wiping it clean, I put one coat of stain on the board in order to achieve the color I was after. I used Minwax 70002444 Wood Finish Penetrating Stain, quart, Provincial
Next, I cut two pieces of rope. (T.W . Evans Cordage 23-210 1/4-Inch by 100-Feet Twisted Sisal Rope
Thread each end of the rope through a hole, and tie it off underneath.
Be sure to measure on the wall where you want your hooks to go so they are level with each other. Insert the drywall anchors first, then screw in your cup hooks. (We just happened to have blue drywall anchors on hand, which I wasn’t thrilled with. You really can’t see any blue from out in the room though. Phew!) Hang your swing up to see if the board is level. If the board is not hanging straight simply adjust the knots underneath accordingly.
Finally, I tied a smaller piece of twine around each rope near the hook to give it a more finished, secured look.
Voila! You’re done.
I really love the way this turned out, and it looks perfect in her new room. (Click here to see the full room reveal.)
The bunny in the picture is her beloved Bunny Foo-Foo. I am going to have to find another stuffed animal to go on the shelf though, as she has already demanded that bunny Foo-Foo stay in bed with her. Ha! The bunny was a gift from her Aunt and Uncle.
The shoes were mine as an infant. And the bracelet was a gift from another Aunt and Uncle.
I just love it! What do you think?
Michele Morin says
What a clever idea!
Helen at Pleasures of the NW says
What a great idea!! Perfect for any room – Thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW’s DIY Party!
amy_at_healthhomeandheart says
Thank you! And thanks, as always, for hosting!
Michelle Leslie says
Your swing looks so lovely Amy, it fits perfectly with the gorgeous ribbon mobile you made earlier. I’m so glad our teddy bear swing inspired you to make one for your little one. I love the fact that you’ve made your’s wider, to fit all those beautiful keepsakes and Bunny Foo-Foo if she’s allowed to sit there for a bit 😉
amy_at_healthhomeandheart says
Thank you! And thanks for the idea! It just looks perfect in her room. Unfortunately, bunny Foo-Foo did not last long. She demanded that he be returned to bed with her. Ha! So, I need to find a replacement for the shelf. 🙂
Michelle Leslie says
LOL, Bunny Foo Foo sounds like a really special bunny 😀
Julie Christiansen says
This is such a cute idea! Love it!
amy_at_healthhomeandheart says
Thank you so much! I’m loving it, too! 😉
Cristina says
Such a wonderful idea! It looks so beautiful!
amy_at_healthhomeandheart says
Thanks so much! And thank you for taking a look!
Beverly says
So cute. Thanks for sharing your wonderful posts at Over The Moon Party.
See you next week.
Hugs,
Bev
amy_at_healthhomeandheart says
Thank you so much! And thanks for hosting!
Carol ("Mimi") says
The swing shelf is adorable! I love the way you’ve styled it. I know you can change it up as time goes by, and the little shelf will always be a wonderful place to display small treasures.
amy_at_healthhomeandheart says
Thank you! I love that it’s something a little bit different, and you’re right, it will be fun to restyle as she gets older. 🙂 Thanks for taking a look!
Kate Hollingsworth says
Oh my goodness – how sweet are those little baby ballet shoes?!! The swing shelf is perfect for displaying these treasures. xx
amy_at_healthhomeandheart says
Thank you! And I agree, the shoes are perfect for the shelf. 🙂 I’m lucky that my mom saved some of that stuff!
Leslie says
What a sweet addition to your daughter’s room! And you accessorized it beautifully as well. Thanks so much for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!
amy_at_healthhomeandheart says
Thank you! It does look pretty cute in her new room. 🙂
STEPHANIE ABBOTT says
So cute! Thanks for sharing at To Grandmas House We Go. Scheduled to Pinterest too.
amy_at_healthhomeandheart says
Thank you! And thanks for the share.
Mary says
I loved Michelle’s swing and now I’m loving yours too Amy. It looks like the perfect addition to the girls room. In fact you make me wish I still had some stuffed animals to build one for. I think they must be hiding somewhere.
amy_at_healthhomeandheart says
Thanks, Mary! I love it, also! And everybody’s got stuffed animals laying around, right? You could put whatever you wanted on the shelf, though. It would be fun to hang one in another room for a totally different feel. Thanks again!