How to make a cottage entry shelf with hooks

Remember when I told you I made a shelf to go under this vintage window makeover? If you missed this post, I did it as a guest blogger here.  Today I am going to show you how to make the shelf that goes under it.

Here's the shelf......

The shelf is VERY easy to make.  First figure out what dimensions you want it to be....I just measured the width of my window and made it a couple of inches wider on each side.  I also found boards that were pretty close to the depth I wanted each shelf to be. (it's easier to go with stock sized wood for the depth than it is to rip it down to a particular depth.   Lowes will even cut the wood to the length you want, mine doesn't even charge for the cuts.)  Here is a side view of the shelf. 

 I just put the top board on top of the back board forming an L, and screwed them together from the top.  I did sink the screw head down into the wood a little so I could fill it with filler so when painted it wouldn't be seen.  I put about 4 or 5 screws along the back edge...I did pre-drill each hole with a bit a little smaller than the screw so the wood wouldn't split.

I found the scrolled cut pieces at Lowes where you buy shelf parts, you could use any brackets as long as they fit the dimensions of your shelf.  (you could even find brackets you love and make your shelf to fit the those dimentions, if it's close to what you want) I screwed them on from the back and just put a bead of glue along the top edge. (also pre-drilling before screwing it together)  You could put a decorative trim along the front and side edges if you'd like, I just left mine plain....I thought it was fine that way.

The last step was to sand it down a bit and paint the whole thing out white....prime it first unless you use a paint that has primer in it. 

 After it was dry, I installed these cute little hooks I got from Tender Heart Treasures.  I can't seem to find them on there now, but you could use any kinds of hooks you'd like.  I attached the finished shelf to wall with screws into the studs.  We use this shelf daily, it's very useful....and super easy to build!

I'm linking up to:
Just something I whipped up Monday @ The Girl Creative
Met Monday @ BNOTP
Show off your cottage Monday @house in the roses
DIY Day @ A Soft Place to Land
Trash to Treasure Tuesday @ Reinvented
Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple
POPP @ Domestically Speaking
Get Your Craft On @ Today's Creative Blog
Favorite Things Friday @ A Few of My Favorite Things