Like many others, you too no doubt, have accumulated a number of valuable articles that you would like to put on display in some otherwise unused place in your living room or bedroom. Why not make these corner shelves? The job is a simple one and requires so little lumber that it is also inexpensive to make. By finishing the shelves in a brilliant color of lacquer or paint, you can brighten a corner of your room. Make these shelves about 18" in height and about 8" at the widest part.

Method Of Procedure

Step No. 1: Make a full size layout on a piece of heavy paper, of the curved outline of the sides; cut this out with scissors and use as a pattern. Transfer this pattern to the wood, which should be about 1/2" in thickness.

Step No. 2: Carefully cut out the curved outline for the sides and make smooth with sandpaper. Remember to make one side 1/2" narrower, so as to take up for the joint; this will then bring both sides alike when the job is assembled.

Step No. 3: Cut out two shelves of the size and shape you desire.

Step No. 4: Thoroughly sandpaper all parts with No. 1/2 and then No. 00 sandpaper. To insure flat surfaces, free from waves and irregularities, fold the sandpaper over a scrap block of wood when sandpapering. The final sandpapering should be done after the job is assembled, by holding the sandpaper in the palm of the hand and slightly rounding all sharp corners. Clean off all sawdust with a soft brush before applying any finish.

Step No. 5: Glue and nail the two side pieces together. Now glue and nail the two shelves in place. Use 11/4" brads (nails with small heads).

Step No. 6: Apply the finish in the following manner. Put on a thin coat of white shellac (thin with alcohol) covering the entire job; when thoroughly dry, rub down with No. 00 sandpaper. Follow this with either paint or lacquer in your favorite color. If paint is used, the first coat should be made of 1/2 linseed oil and 1/2 turpentine, then putty all nail holes and apply a coat of flat paint; follow this with an egg shell enamel. If lacquer is your choice, follow the directions on the can. A pleasing effect is obtained by painting the edges a darker color.