Mini Corbel Shelf | Beginner Easy DIY

Mini Corbel Shelf | Beginner Easy DIY

Hey, I get it; not everyone is comfortable around power tools. I was fortunate to grow up with handymen and pretty much learned by osmosis. You are who you hang out with… that’s what I hear. I guess it’s true.

But I want you to know there are easy DIY wood projects like this mini corbel shelf that you can do without using power tools. Well, I mean you don’t have to cut the wood. Did you know that most hardware stores, when you purchase, will cut it for you? Here in Texas, Lowes and Home Depot will do it for free. It doesn’t hurt to ask, and most are more than happy to help a woman. *wink *wink  Yeah, I don’t mind playing that card.

PRODUCT LIST:

What you’ll need to complete this project for your home.

• Mini Corbels
• 1×6 Pine Board (pre-cut to the length of your choice)
• Keyhole Fasteners
• Sandpaper or Sanding Blocks

For The Paint Finish

• VooDoo Gel Stain (White Magic and Tobacco Road) water-based stain for wood
• Buttercream Chalk Mineral Paint
• Mud Spatula
• Black Wax
• Wax Brush

Finishing The Mini Wood Corbel Shelf

To get the look of a vintage corbel, start with applying a white water-based stain to the wood with a soft cotton cloth. You can also brush the stain on with a chip brush and wipe back any extra. You want to stain the wood, not saturate it. Then while the white stain is still wet, apply the brown (Tobacco Road) stain to create a light creamy brown finish. I like the way the water-based stain allows the wood grain to show through. The same technique was used the paint the board as well.

Adding Texture And Chippy Goodness

To create a chippy textured look, I used a spatula to drag Buttercream Chalk Mineral Paint (a beautiful vintage color) across the wood. Also, dabbing the paint to create texture. Allow this to dry thoroughly. After it’s dried, go back with Black Wax with a wax brush and lightly add some more aged goodness. It’s a beautiful vintage look!

Hanging The Mini Corbel Shelf

It took me a while to find hangers for the corbels, but these were the easiest that I found for a beginner. Some of the hardware required drilling holes and all that nonsense. I wanted quick and easy, so here it is. Keyhole fasteners! Most hardware stores carry these, and I only used one per corbel since they were so small.

Easy installation. No, you don’t have to use power tools… a simple hand screwdriver will do the trick too.

* I didn’t attach the shelf board to the mini corbels (I just laid it across them once I hung them on the wall) because… I like to decorate often, and these corbels can be used in many ways as home decor. I remove the board, and now I have two beautiful corbels items to decorate with. Want more ideas on how to use these amazing replicas? Visit my friend Tammy with Rustic Orchard Homes and see how she uses them.

Fantastic! What a fun project and so easy. See, I told you you could do it. Now there’s no reason not to step out of that comfort zone and try a little DIY woodworking project. You might surprise yourself and discover you have a hidden talent.

Thanks for joining me today, and as always, I would love it if you would share this with your friends and give me some feedback on this mini corbel shelf. Please drop me a comment below. 🙂

Until the next project… xo, Do