The Chic & Low-Cost Dollar Tree DIY For Displaying Knick-Knacks Around The House

If you're the sort of person who can't pass up the opportunity to buy cute little trinkets when you're out and about or you have a special affinity for collectibles, chances are that you want to put these prized possessions on display in your home. However, too many tchotchkes scattered about can easily lead to the space feeling cluttered. What you need is a shelf that will allow you to display your favorite accessories with style and lend a cohesive feel to your collection. No need to spend money on an expensive shelf, though, as it's quite easy to build one yourself. Even better, you can do it with items from Dollar Tree. To complete this project, you'll attach two wooden trays that act as shelves to two cutting boards that function as the sides. 

Start by grabbing two Dollar Tree Crafter's Square Wooden Trays (these can be rectangular or square) and two Cooking Concepts Bamboo Cutting Boards, which will each cost $1.25. You'll also need a ruler, pencil, super glue, a hot glue gun, and paint. Optionally, you might need stencils or fabric, decorative paper, wallpaper, contact paper, or even printed napkins and ModPodge. To save money while personalizing the shelf with wallpaper, just purchase two swatches of your desired pattern instead of a whole roll. You could also use any extra materials you have from previous projects. Once you've gathered your materials, you're ready to make this trinket shelf. 

To begin the project, paint the individual pieces. Then, measure and mark where on the cutting boards you want to attach the trays (aka "the shelves") — half an inch from the top and bottom leaves plenty of height for taller accessories like plants. Next, coat one side of a wooden tray (on a short side if you choose rectangular trays) with super glue and hot glue and press it firmly onto the marks you made on one of the cutting boards. Repeat with the second tray. The hot glue will keep things in place while the super glue dries. Now, coat the other sides of the trays with both glues, and press them to the marks on the second board. And your piece is completed!

While your shelf is perfectly usable as-is, there are many ways you can elevate the look of it. You could use paint and a stencil to create a fun color block effect or a beautiful ombre look. Or, if you want to decoupage the piece, simply apply a layer of ModPodge onto the desired portion of the shelf, press the fabric or paper to it, and apply another layer of ModPodge on top. Cut off any excess around the edges, and you're done. Another idea? Paint the inside of the shelf and apply wallpaper or contact paper on the outside portion. Once you're done customizing it, all that's left to do is decorate your shelf with some of your favorite little accessories. You can also either place the shelf on a surface or hang it on the wall.