You may recognize this "thing" that we collectively decided was a "lectern". It has now become whimsical wonderland classroom decor!
I thrifted it and wasn't sure why!
I just loved the shape of it...and that is a thrift tip I share often....if the shape of something speaks to you.....take it home with you!
This book lectern has taken a journey from thrift find... to subtle whimsy... to wonderland classroom MAGIC reading stand.
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Before the wonderland classroom decor transformation
Originally, we redressed this beauty together in online classes and I shared the process in this blog.
I used it for several months to display a few books I have with grandkids photos.
But it eventually found its way back out into my shop and began collecting dust.
What To Do With It Now??
I was tempted to give it away....but for some reason hung onto it, which is unlike me because clutter and I don't play well together!
Well, I am happy to report it has found a new home!
My daughter-in-law will be using this in her 3rd grade Alice in Wonderland themed classroom.....as the MAGIC Book Reader Stand!
This book will be the book holder that students step up to when reading aloud in class!!!!
This makes me so incredibly happy!
I love little magical details such as this and I'm just so happy I hung onto this vintage thrifted find!
Supplies Used: Wonderland Classroom Decor
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Wonderland Classroom Decor: Book Lectern
In order to take this to the whimsical side of things....I simply made a few tweaks to the existing paint finish.
Updating Whimsical Paint Finish
The previous stripes were gold. I simply painted over them with Caviar black.
I did this on the front and the back of the stand.
I added Honky Tonk Red to the roses molds instead of their previous cream and gold finish.
More Inspiration: Wonderland Whimsy
It's no secret that I love all things Wonderland! Here are more of my unique styles for your inspiration:
Whimsical Round Up - So. Much. Whimsy!!
Alice in Wonderland Chair - More wonderland fun.
Wonderland Bedroom Furniture - whimsical bedroom focal piece
Wonderland Inspired Buffet - Alice in all her glory!
And of course, don't forget to see the subtle whimsy of this book lectern...before
Wonderland Design Transfer
I wanted to add an Alice in Wonderland phrase from a design transfer....as well as a few "hanging" pocket watches from Alice's white rabbit!
PRO TIP: If you place design transfers directly over painted patterns, such as these black stripes, the pattern will show through the transfer. So in order to keep your transfer pure and bright, it helps to paint the background white.
I simply traced a plate to make a large center circle.....
...and then several smaller circles....and filled them in with white paint.
I then rubbed on the transfer phrase "every adventure begins with a first step and the several pocket watches....over the painted white circles.
Continued on the Back
I did the same thing to the back side where I wanted to add the crown transfer.
I cut the crown out.....traced around it......painted in the traced in space.....allowed it to dry...
..and then rubbed on the crown!
Voila! Nice and bright and still surrounded by the black and white stripes.
Wonderland on the Sides
I left the side panels in the previously painted gold harlequin.
The new Roses are Red transfer comes with these vintage looking playing cards and they were perfect for the magic book stand.
I did not add a white background for these since the gold harlequin pattern is subtle and very similar in color to the playing cards.
I love how they look here!
Once I was satisfied with the project....I burnished the transfers to make sure they were fully adhered.
A single coat of Top Coat Satin was applied to protect them from peeling.
The Finished Look
This book stand is ready to hold ALLLLL the books for all the magical stories that will be read from it for many years to come!
I am honored to be even the smallest part of this memorable learning time for the children.
More Inspiration: Wonderland Whimsy
It's no secret that I love all things Wonderland! Here are more of my unique styles for your inspiration:
Whimsical Round Up - So. Much. Whimsy!!
Alice in Wonderland Chair - More wonderland fun.
Wonderland Bedroom Furniture - whimsical bedroom focal piece
Wonderland Inspired Buffet - Alice in all her glory!
And of course, don't forget to see the subtle whimsy of this book lectern...before
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
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