DIY Scalloped Wooden Cookbook Stand (Magnolia Inspired)

I love crafting and decorating, but I still have a DIY bone in my body. I used to tackle a lot of larger woodworking projects, but life has gotten so busy lately that smaller DIY projects seem to happen much more often. This DIY scalloped wooden cookbook stand was the perfect project to scratch that woodworking itch without taking over my entire weekend.

As you've probably noticed, the scalloped decor trend is everywhere right now and I'm completely here for it. From furniture and home decor to kitchen accessories, those charming curved details seem to be popping up everywhere. A few months ago, while browsing Magnolia for inspiration, I came across the cutest scalloped cookbook stand. I instantly fell in love with its cottage-style charm and knew I wanted to create my own DIY version.

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So that's exactly what I did! Today I'm sharing how to make this DIY scalloped cookbook stand (which I just turned into a book stand), inspired by the Magnolia design, for a beautiful and functional piece of decor that's perfect for displaying your favorite books, cookbooks and recipes.

Supply List:

This cut out (linked here) makes roughly a 10x8 stand - you decide the depth (not included in cut out)

11x12x1 inch pine board

Scrap wood for back - about 1x1" or 1x2" approximately 7" long.

Jigsaw or scroll saw

Wood glue

Brad nailer or hammer/nails -optional but recommended

Sander with fine grit sandpaper

Small metal hinge

Piece of ribbon/jute/chain + small screws

Step 1:

Download the template I made for you. This does not include the middle piece for depth nor the kickstand piece mentioned in the supplies. For the middle piece for depth, you decide how deep you want it for the books or cookbooks you will be using. I did mine about 1" deep just using the left over scraps from the cut outs and making it the same width as the back. The scalloped piece is supposed to hang over just a little bit on the front.

The back piece on the template will come on two papers. Cut them both out, and then combine them together allowing the top lines to line up and then secure with a piece of tape. Cut out the scalloped bottom piece as well.

Step 2:

On your pine board, trace the pieces out. Use the sides and angles to help minimize cutting.

Step 3:

Using a jigsaw or a scrollsaw, follow the lines on the wood and cut out the pieces. Bonus here! The one scallop edge technically makes two! 

Here are the pieces all cut out. You'll see that I used some scrap wood to make a 1" middle piece that will go between the back piece and the scallop front piece. This middle piece is the same width as the back.

Step 4: 

Using fine grit sandpaper and a sander, sand all the edges paying special attention to the sides and corners. You'll want to take the edge off quite a bit to get a softer look. 

Step 5:

Using a 1x1 or 1x2, cut it 7" long. Then take a small hinge and secure it to the back middle. The bottom of this 1x2 piece should line up with the bottom of the stand when laying on it flat.

I didn't have a hinge that would fit a 1x1 piece, nor did I have a 1x2 piece of wood that I should have used for this. So, I used what I had on hand. It worked. If you are to use a hinge like this, I would opt for a 1x2, or a hinge that has two screw holes down instead of across.

Step 6:

Using a 5" piece of thick chain, ribbon, or jute, secure the end pieces to underside of the kickstand piece, and then again to back of the main stand in the middle using small screws.

Step 7:

Now glue all the pieces together using wood glue. Clamp into place to secure...or you will see later I decided to nail them in as well. You can do that in this step too.

Step 8:

I stained mine with Minwax Dark Walnut. It's a little darker that I wanted, but the other stains were just too light. You decide your color! Once you place the stain on it, make sure you go back over it with a cloth or papertowel to take up the excess.

Step 9:

Skip this step if you did this in step 7. I secured the pieces together just a little more with a bradnailer and 1" nails. If you don't have a nail gun, you can easily use a hammer and small pin nails.

Here's the finished piece! 

I decided to use this for a hymn book. I have some other books I'll change this out with for the season. It may end up in my kitchen as a cookbook stand...we will see! 

I didn't love how dark the stain was at first, but then I put it with the book and absolutely love the contrast! I love how the scallop edge jumps off the pages.

I was going to take this around my house to see the best spot for it, but then when I put it here...I knew it belonged! Didn't need to go anywhere else.

I love how small projects like this can add so much character to an area...plus, this was pretty much free for me! Just used some scrap wood and tools I already had on hand. Not a bad use of a couple of hours on a Saturday! Join me next time as I share some DIY wood scalloped candle sconces! 

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