It’s been very quiet around our home (and the blog), as I’ve been grieving the loss of our beloved canine daughter, Maddie. Two weeks ago, she was diagnosed with cancer, and she transcended to heaven last week. For those who knew her, she radiated pure love that is still felt in all our hearts. As I slowly pick up the pieces of my broken heart, I am returning to blogging, and I appreciate all of your patience during the last few weeks of silence at Poetic Home.
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What should a girl do when she has too many books and antique shoe forms? Make bookends, of course! I shared several repurposed bookend and repurposed antique shoe form ideas previously, and this new project combines the best of both worlds.
I remember visiting a shoe repairman as a child and seeing antique shoe forms all over the shop, used as coat hangers, a business card holder, door stop, and paperweight. This imagery stayed in my head and inspired me to create shoe form bookends, which are quite simple to make.
- I found a set of two matching wooden pieces at Re-store (alas, they did not have that aged wood patina I love, but this size worked well.)
- I asked my husband (nicely) to drill a hole on the bottom of the each piece.
- I screwed a long screw through the bottom of each base and into the heel of the antique shoe form.
- I’m being very careful during the pregnancy to limit my exposure to chemicals. However, if you want to properly ensure that the shoe form will not rotate or spin, you could add a drop of wood glue into each of the holes.
- Lastly, I hot glued two pieces of felt to the bottom of the bases to prevent them from scratching any surfaces.
Arched antique shoe forms work wonderfully, as the soles hold the books in place. However, the more common flat antique shoe forms can also be used, and you simply need to screw the shoe form along the edge of the base itself. In the latter scenario, both the base and the entire shoe form itself would hold the books in place.
24 responses so far ↓
1 Rachel (Heart of Light) // Oct 12, 2009 at 11:35 pm
They look great!
And I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to lose a dog, especially when it’s cancer and goes so quickly.
2 Diana // Oct 13, 2009 at 12:26 am
When my dear old dog died, I found comfort in this quote by Irving Townsend from The Once Again Prince:
We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan.
3 the wild raspberry // Oct 13, 2009 at 2:27 am
what a cute idea….love it…
so many great things here on your blog!
chasity
4 Amanda Waltman // Oct 13, 2009 at 3:09 am
I’m so sorry to hear about Maddie’s passing. My thoughts are with you.
5 Kelli // Oct 13, 2009 at 3:18 am
I am so sorry to hear about Maddie. It’s so hard to lose a pet, my thoughts are with you.
6 allison cecil // Oct 13, 2009 at 4:07 am
Oh Grace, I’m so sorry to hear about Maddie. My thoughts are with you.
7 Polly // Oct 13, 2009 at 7:09 am
Sorry to hear about Maddie – I STILL miss my dogs and they died years ago.
I love this idea for book ends – I don’t think I’ve ever seen shoe forms for sale – but I’ll be sure to hunt them out now!
8 Julia // Oct 13, 2009 at 10:33 am
I’m so sorry for your loss. Dogs are so innocent and beautiful, it’s heartbreaking when they go. I hope your fond memories will provide you with some comfort.
9 rebecca // Oct 13, 2009 at 12:19 pm
I don’t know what to say about Maddie, I wish my words could just transform into a hug for you! The pain of losing a pet is unlike ANY other… and comfort can be hard to find.
You have such an eye, this is a wonderful idea for bookends!
10 Krissy // Oct 13, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Oh dear, I am so very sorry for your loss…
11 carol // Oct 13, 2009 at 5:05 pm
So sorry to hear about your beloved dog. I had a cat pass away from cancer as well and it was heartbreaking.
As always your ideas are inspiring… this is a great way to re-purpose shoe forms!
12 havilah // Oct 14, 2009 at 12:07 am
the bookends are great! so inventive.
i’m so sorry for your loss- coincidentally, i wrote a blog post today about the loss of pets- perhaps it might bring you a little comfort? i do understand what you’re going through- it’s tough, but time will help and heal.
13 jen // Oct 14, 2009 at 12:26 am
Grace, I’m so sorry to hear about your dog. It truly is like losing a member of the family. My heart goes out to you.
Your books and bookends are lovely.
14 Emily // Oct 15, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I’m so very sorry about your loss. Losing a pet is truly losing a member of the family and the void of their unconditional love is so difficult to bear. My thoughts are with you and your family.
15 Nancy Collins // Oct 15, 2009 at 5:58 pm
So sorry about your pet. My prayers are with you and yours. Just found your website but I will be back to visit! Love your tutorial about the shoe forms…I make them to put on a desk.
Add a pen/pencil, sticky notes, and use it as a paper weight. Also, you can make photo holders using some wire and embellishments!
Smiles and Blessings, Nancy
16 cindy // Oct 15, 2009 at 7:47 pm
i’m really sorry about your dear maddie. xo, c
17 sandy // Oct 15, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Grace,
So sorry to here about your loss. I am a ‘mom’ to two cats and know how special our pets can be!
Haven’t ‘talked’ to you in a while but I pop by every now and then to get inspired. Best, Sandy
18 Sharon // Oct 18, 2009 at 12:27 am
I’m sorry for your loss.
Love the bookends!!
19 Barry A. Smith // Oct 18, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I thank God for your care, concern and loving of animals, namely Maddie. Like yourself, one of God’s precious creations.
I feel your pain and Give God glory for His plan for and hand in all of His creation.
20 Stacy // Oct 18, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Sorry to hear about the passing of Maddie! My bichon passed away several years ago and I still think of him often. He was my pal but I know that he’s having fun playing, snoozing, and eating anything he wants in heaven. My prayers are with you and yours. Take care!
21 Suzanne // Oct 19, 2009 at 1:21 am
Dear Grace,
I am so sad to hear about your pup. It’s never easy to lose a pet, but your arms will be filled up with another love very soon and that should give you some comforting joy.
Big hug to you.
Ciao bella,
Suzanne
22 Thrifted Treasure // Oct 19, 2009 at 10:04 am
I had a huge pile of ironing to do tonight, I stumbled upon your lovely blog and never got my ironing done, it’s your fault!!!
I was sorry to read about your dog.
23 Susie // Oct 19, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Hi Grace, I just stumbled upon your blog yesterday and I fell in love with your style. You are amazing and I love these bookends. Sorry about your pooch–it’s so tough to blog when your heart is heavy. But something good is on the way so think ahead. Can’t wait to read more of your blog when I have more time. You can count me among your devoted fans. I am just popping in to say hello. Feel better! -susie
24 Janine // Oct 21, 2009 at 2:51 am
I’m very sorry to read that your dog Maddie has passed away. Hugs from your friends in Canada.
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