Cardboard Upcycle: Use Plaster To DIY A Funky Floral Shelf

Okay, we are officially at the point that I need to publish a plaster DIY compilation post and be done with it. But that isn’t happening today – so here’s plaster craft #10000.

You may have noticed that your girl is pretty obsessed with making mini shelves recently; this is, after all, attempt number . . . 3. Is there a reason? Not in particular – I just think they’re so cute. Plus, more storage? For pretty things I love? Baby, you better sign me all the way up.

In fact, while we’re on the topic of fun plaster crafts, make sure you haven’t missed any of the ones I’ve shared so far:

Some other plaster crafts you have to try:

But back to today! I am beyond excited to share this craft with you all because . . . well, there are honestly a lot of valid reasons. That I’m ignoring in favour of: it’s so cute.

For those who actually care about things besides aesthetic appeal:

• This is an upcycle. Old cardboard boxes lying around from your latest IKEA haul? Not anymore!
• Endless potential for customization. Whatever your home’s colour palette or decor style, you can easily make something to match.
• Super easy and beginner friendly. No power tools or fancy knowledge needed!

When I first made these, I was a little unsure about how I felt. Concept? Loved. Execution? Less so. However, I did a little styling of them in my bathroom and now I am deeply obsessed.

How I Styled These Floral Shelves

@miasdiyprojects

lil bathroom spruce🌻 #roommakeover #bathroommakeover #homedecor #diyproject #diyhomedecor #fyp

♬ Countless – Official Sound Studio

At one point, I was going to do a full bathroom makeover and film a cute video. Honestly, though, I’m about 90% sure I’m going back to Aus . . . so investing cash into that isn’t a great idea*. Have the mini-makeover TikTok instead!

Fun, however? That’s another story.

‘Kay, so you’re convinced. Let’s get into the making!

What You Need:

• Cardboard
• Hot glue gun
• Mod podge
• Acrylic paint
• Joint compound

How To Make:

As always, here’s a TikTok tutorial to follow along with:

@miasdiyprojects

love the concept, hate the project? #diy #diyproject #diyprojects

♬ Damaged – Miiesha

1. Cut a rectangle of cardboard to use as the back and a thinner, thicker piece of card to use as a shelf.
2. Hot glue the shelf into place.
3. Coat the shelf in a few thin layers of joint compound until fully covered. Leave to dry.
4. Sand the shelf down until you’re left with a smooth canvas.
5. Use acrylic paints to paint a design onto the backing part of the shelf.
6. If you want to hang the shelf with twine, puncture two small holes in the top middle. (I used the handle of a paintbrush for this.)
7. Cover with glossy Mod Podge and leave to dry.

And that’s it! This is a surprisingly easy craft when you consider how stunning the payoff is, right?

I really want to become a tattoo artist (eek, I think that’s the first time I’ve shared that publicly!) and have been coming up with little flash sheets. Painting some onto a shelf like this could be so cute. The sizing could easily be scaled up too for a statement entryway piece…

Anyways, I shall leave it here for today! I hope you guys enjoyed this craft as much as I did – would you try this out yourself? What kind of designs would you pick? Let me know your thoughts down below!