Here is an article that will help you to keep your room in good order, by being able to place your shoes on a rack rather than to simply push them under a bed or have them knocking about on the closet floor. Furthermore your shoes will last longer when properly taken care of and those belonging in pairs will always be together.

The size you make this rack will, to a large extent, depend upon the space you can give to this model and the number of shoes you may be fortunate enough to possess. A good size will be 18" wide, 26" high and 8" deep. This rack may be placed inside the closet or attached to the closet door; if you wish, you may also stand it in most any convenient place in your room.

The sides for this model can be made out of any odds and ends of lumber you have on hand, or an old packing case. The sides should be about 1/2" thick.

Common dowel rods, which will cost but a few cents each and can be purchased from any local hardware or lumber dealer or easily made by yourself, serve to hold the shoes. They should be 1/2" in size.

Method Of Procedure

Step No. 1: Cut two pieces for the sides, with smooth surfaces.

Step No. 2: Layout where the holes are to be bored to receive the rods. Be careful to see that both the left and right sides are laid off alike.

Step No. 3: Bore the holes not quite all the way through, in the sides to receive the rods; this must be a snug fit.

Step No. 4: Thoroughly sandpaper all surfaces of the side pieces smooth, first using No. 1/2 and then No. 00 sandpaper. When sandpapering, fold the paper over a scrap block of wood to insure flat and true surfaces. The final rubbing of the sandpaper should be done when the job is assembled, by holding the sandpaper in the palm of the hand. Slightly round all sharp corners. Before applying the finish as described later, be sure to clean off all sawdust with a soft brush.

Step No. 5: Glue both ends of the rods in place; be sure that the rack stands firmly on the floor, if not, give it a slight twist so as to bring the job in line.

Step No. 6: Since a rack like this will have to withstand a great deal of hard wear, it is advisable to finish this model with a penetrating stain; then when dry, apply two or three thin coats of white shellac (use alcohol for thinning the shellac). Rub each coat down gently with No. 00 sandpaper or steel wool.