Bookends can be both functional and decorative.
Bookends can be strictly utilitarian, as with the flat metal ones used in libraries and offices, or serve as accent pieces. Stone bookends are both interesting and functional and make personalized gifts, or they can be mementos from a rock-finding expedition. If you stumble upon an interesting stone, bring it home and turn it into a decorative accent piece, then put it t next to your favorite books.
Instructions
1. Select rocks with an interesting color, shape or texture. If using two stones, select similar ones to make a set. Consider the d cor of the room where the rocks will be used. Crystal-studded rocks that you might find in a gift shop or gem store work well in a formal library or living room. A modern setting with clean, sleek lines is a good backdrop for smooth cannonball-shaped gray or black rocks you might find while hiking through the countryside.
2. Wash and dry the stone, then paint it with acrylic paint in colors to match the decor of a room, or paint the emblem of your favorite college or athletic team. Paint a scene on the stone: a child and pet, an ocean view, or perhaps the farm where you found the stone.
3. Convert the stone into another object suggested by its shape, such as an animal or fruit. Paint the stone to accentuate the eyes, color or other features of the object. Add beads, feathers, leaves or other embellishments.
4. Create a dual-purpose item by gluing on a small functional object such as a photo frame, battery-operated clock or calendar. Glue a magnet to the stone and write changing messages with magnetic letters.
5. Affix felt pads to the bottom of the bookends to prevent them from scratching the bookshelves.
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