Make It Monday Tennis Racket Guard Shelves

Today's Make it Monday project came to me when look at some plant shelves that were shaped in a trapezoid. Ding, ding, ding...I could make something somewhat similar from vintage wood tennis racket guards. 

I just happened to have a couple in my stash and knew instantly how to turn them into fun, wall shelves. 

These are super similar and add so much personality to a wall space. Keep reading to see how you can make your own tennis racket guard wall shelves. 

First you need a wood tennis racket guard. These are a common item at thrift stores and often come with a wood racket. Measure the bottom edge and cute a board about 1/4 or 1/2 shorter. IF you don't have access to a saw, you can have a hardware store like Home Depot or Lowes make the cuts for you. I would recommend using a 1" x 6" pine board if you are having to buy the wood for the shelf. Otherwise, any scrap board will do--a pallet board or a piece of fencing. Sand and paint before attaching to the tennis racket guard. Using wood glue, separate or widen the guard as much as possible and glue the shelf to the bottom inside edge.

Clamp the shelf in place to dry. I used a piece of wood to keep the tennis racket guard completely open. 

You could use a nail gun or screws to further secure the shelf into the guard, but I did not and they felt very secure. I was planning on keeping the shelves the natural wood color that they were. they are white maple and beautiful. However, I decided I wanted to paint them black after gluing them so I taped off the tennis frame and painted the shelves. You can paint the shelf a bright, happy color, spray paint it a metallic, decoupage it. Make it yours by personalizing it for your home.

I used Wise Owl Furniture Salve on the tennis racket guard (you can get it HERE). 

I loved the name and high school in Dallas on the older guard. 

These are so quick and add a whimsical touch to any decor.

They make a funky, vintage addition to a grouping or would look good stacked in a row on more narrow wall space.

They hold plants, small books, photos, and other collectibles in a fresh and unique way. The wood gives any space an rustic, organic, and natural touch.

By the way, if you are a regular reader, you won't be surprised to learn that everything except the photo of my dad and the mirrors that were given to me, is from a thrift store or garage sale--the chair, blanket, rug, table, accessories--ALL of it. Second hand makes me happy, gives a space personality, and is better for the environment.