10 Ways to Use Wood Shims for Amazing Crafts
We’ve got some fun and interesting ways to use wood shims for crafts in case you’ve got some left over from a project or you want to pick up a pack and see what you can make with them!
Have you ever picked up a pack of wood shims and wondered what you could create out of them?
No? Just us? Maybe we’re spending too much time wandering the aisle of the hardware store!
Have you ever used wood shims for a project and then had a bunch left over? And then you wondered what to do with them?
Well either way we’ve got a few ideas for you. Whether you’re using up some scrap wood or you’ve got a brand new package of shims check out all these fun projects that we found. Of course we added several to our list!
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What Are Wood Shims?
Wood shims are thin, tapered pieces of wood that are commonly used for installing doors, windows, and cabinets. If you’ve ever seen a wooden doorstop, it’s the same concept only a shim goes from an almost paper thin side to a bit thicker.
They are great tools for positioning when you’re installing because they make it easy to space and keep everything straight, but there are also some creative ways to use shims in DIY projects. Of course we’re always on the lookout for fun projects using unique items and we found some for you!
Here are just a few ideas and then read on to see some actual projects! Note that there are also plastic shims but our shared projects are specifically for wood ones!
- Wall art – You can use wood shims to create a unique and rustic piece of wall art. They are easy to arrange in different patterns and you can paint or stain them in different colors. This is probably one of the most popular projects you’ll find when looking!
- Picture frames – You could glue your shims together to create a rustic picture frame, and then stain or paint the frame to match your decor.
- Coasters – Try gluing several wood shims together and cutting them into circles to create coasters. Of course you can stain or paint them to match your decor.
- Plant markers – You don’t even have to cut wood shims to use them as plant markers. Just write the names of your plants on the thicker end and stick them into the soil to keep track of what you’re growing in your garden.
- Bookends -Glue shims together to create a sturdy bookend and then stain or paint them to match your bookshelf, or even contrast with your bookshelf.
- Jewelry holder – Glue wood shims together to create a jewelry holder and then add hooks or knobs to hang your jewelry on.
- Wall shelves – Glue wood shims together to create a rustic-looking wall shelf, or glue the shims onto an existing shelf to change up the look.
- Drawer dividers – Cut your shims to fit the width of your drawers and glue them together to create dividers. This is an inexpensive way to help keep your drawers organized.
- Wall hooks – Glue shims together and attach hooks to create a unique and rustic-looking wall hook.
- Wall mirror – Glue wood shims around the edge of a mirror to create a rustic-looking frame, or paint it gold for a starburst effect! Yep – we found one of these to share with you below!
Creative Ways to Use Wood Shims
This is a creative way to use wood shims and the bonus is that you can build this planter box to fit the exact size you need - make it longer or shorter according to where you're planning to display it. Inside or outside it's a pretty addition, and there's an easy to follow tutorial.
How about as an accent wall? Libbie used wood shims to create warmth and texture in this room and what better way than with an inexpensive product like shims! We love how she created this accent wall that blends in with the decor but adds an extra layer of charm to this spot.
Here's a project that similar to the headboard but a more versatile piece of art. Making these panels means they can be moved around and used in different spots in your home - and there's a great tutorial to show you how!
Here's another clever display of wall art made with wood shims. The bright colors are so much fun and then the arrangement just adds great movement to this space! This is a project that would fit just about anywhere and make a great statement!
This is such a clever way to make one of these gorgeous sunburst mirrors and save a lot of money doing it. You know spray paint will fix just about anything so we're going to make this one and put it outside on the porch! There's an easy tutorial to follow and it's at the top of our list of projects right now.
We do love love this jewelry holder made out of wood shims! It's a gorgeous piece of art with or without jewelry hanging on it and it you want to use it as art you can easily just leave the hooks off of it and use it for a fun display piece! Kathy used a stencil to get this pattern on her shims and we love how this entire project turned out - a great thrifty way to organize jewelry.
Here's a beautifully made and very unique headboard! We're impressed by the use of wood shims and glue to create a statement piece of furniture! You can switch up your stain color or even paint this piece to give a different vibe so it will match your decor!
You can use a marker to create your plant markers but here's a great tutorial on burning the plant names onto the wood and we love the clean look of these! The shims are already like ready made markers to stick down in the dirt, all you have to do is personalize them for your garden.
You might not need a photo backdrop but this tutorial is a great way to make wall art or a tray as well. Or you can use it as a backdrop just like it's shown in the tutorial, but the weathered blue color is what we love most about this project.
Be sure to check out all the great ideas here because there are different looks for holidays and parties so even though making a wreath seems like a no brainer - the inspiration alone is what is a win in our book! We especially love the pink and red style!
What creative ways have you used wood shims in the past? We’d love to hear your ideas and see your projects!
Follow us on Pinterest and on Instagram for lot’s more ideas and inspiration!
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