Yes Really, A Hexagon Shelf Made From Popsicle Sticks
I absolutely love DIY projects that transform utilitarian everyday objects into unexpected works of art. Not only do these become fantastic conversation pieces in your home, they also allow you to create super budget-friendly art that doesn’t feel too “crafty.”
(Don’t get me wrong, I love crafts. That’s why I made a whole website about them. But I especially adore DIY projects that achieve a high-end look for a fraction of the price, like this Coffee Stirrer Wall Art.)
The Inspiration
And if you’re reading this, I’m assuming you like to make stuff too, because, well, that’s what we do here. So I’m guessing that you can relate to having an idea for a project and how it can get tangled in your brain like a Bruno Mars song, refusing to dislodge until you just make the darn thing.
That’s what happened with this popsicle stick hexagon shelf idea. It came to me one night when I was pacing back and forth in our bedroom in the dark. (Comforting a baby, of course. I don’t do that otherwise. At least not often.)
I was thinking about additional three dimensional art pieces I could DIY for our bedroom gallery wall. I wanted something that would add texture, warmth and angles amoung our framed coloring pages and other DIY art. Unfortunately, most do-it-yourself geometric display shelf tutorials I’ve seen are waaay complicated.
Basic Supplies, Big Impact
So in a moment of frozen-dessert-craft-mashup inspiration, I realized I could make an awesome hexagon shelf with one of the most basic craft supplies out there–popsicle sticks.
Every night that I’ve paced back and forth since (and trust me, there have been many), I perfected my plans for this simple, mid-century-inspired hexagon shelf.
More Home Decor Crafts to Make with Popsicle Sticks
In fact, I’ve thought about it so much that I came up with an expanded hexagon shelf idea that builds on this one. It’s even more mid-century-y and popsicle stick-y.
Learn how to make these rockin’ DIY honeycomb shelves to complement your single hexagon version.
A Hexagon-Making Template
After experimenting a bit, I realized that having a template to guide my shelf angles would be super helpful. So I put one together and added it to the Make & Do Crew Vault.
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Hexagon Shelf Supplies
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• popsicle sticks (about 100)
• tacky glue (most other glue would probably work too)
• hexagon shelf template (Using the template makes getting the angles right a lot easier and elevates your shelf from 3rd grade art project to West-Elm-worthy home decor. Subscribe in the box at the bottom of the post to receive access to it instantly.)
Step-by-Step dInstructions
1. Add a drop of glue to both ends of three popsicle sticks and lay them as shown.
2. Layer three more sticks to complete the hexagon.
3. Continue glueing and layering like this until your hexagon shelf is a deep as you’d like it to be. Mine is about 16 sticks deep.
4. Allow the glue to dry. Do your best to keep your three-year-old from using your in-progress shelf as a wooden Bumbo seat for her dolls.
6. Stain your hex shelf, taking care to get stain in between all of the popsicle sticks.
7. If you’d like, glue a picture hanger to your shelf. I skipped this step because I opted to just put two nails in the wall that the shelf could hang on.
8. Find your cutest homeless home decor knick knack and place it lovingly in its new wall home. Then start planning your next popsicle stick wall art:
Honeycomb Shelves
Modern Bunny Shelf (perfect for Easter or a nursery!)
Geometric Heart DIY Wall Art
Snazzy blog photos can make it look like some people are doing it all (effortlessly!) while others of us (me!) are barely holding it together. So whenever I can, I like to introduce a little reality check in the form of a very un-Pinterest-worthy detail from my perfectly imperfect real life. My hope is that it’s a helpful reminder all of us that NO ONE is nailing it all the time.
Here’s a tip: When you’re trying to take photos of your project and decide you need to transplant a cactus mid-photoshoot, don’t do it in your bathroom sink. Instead, do it in your husband’s bathroom sink, like I did. (Shh…don’t tell him!)
Lyssy // Lyssy Creates says
I love hexagons and honeycomb patterns! I’ve been meaning to spruce up my ‘office space’ in my bedroom a little and this tutorial is perfect for it — at least once I figure out how to get nails into the wall 😉 I’m more of a paper crafts person but I’m definitely going to try this out!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Lyssy, you can add some scrapbook or wallpaper to the back of your hex shelf if it would feel more your crafting speed. 😉 Really though, this is a surprisingly easy DIY to tackle, especially with the template. I hope you enjoy it and it inspired lots of great work in your bedroom office!
Happy shelf making!
Jess
Lyssy // Lyssy Creates says
That’s a fabulous idea! I just bought two different sizes of popsicle sticks today and I think I’m going to build them in different depths — some as frames for my lettering and others as a shelf! All spray painted white. Going to do this tomorrow and I can’t wait!
trivera says
Hi, I was wondering where I can get the template for this shelf.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Trivera,
If you enter your email address in the white, green and pink box right above these comments (or the one on the right side of your screen), you will immediatly get an email with the download instructions. Let me know if you have any other questions. I’m here to help!
Jess
Annie says
I just subscribed and plan on making this tonight after work. I love my hot glue gun and am wondering if you tried using that for a popsicle stick project like this one? If not, I will pick up some tacky glue. Thanks!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Annie,
Did you give hot glue a shot? I imagine it would work okay, but I’d love to hear your conclusion if you did indeed try it. Either way, I hope you enjoyed the process of making your shelf and that you hang it with pride somewhere special. 🙂
Happy crafting!
Jess
Linda says
What a great idea. Liked the different shapes
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thanks, Linda! Apparently there’s no end to the shapes you can make with popsicle sticks because I’ve been dreaming up different patterns left and right–it’s so fun!
Happy crafting!
Jess
dayna says
It’s hard to tell, but did you use the jumbo Popsicle sticks instead of the regular size?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Dayna,
I can see why it’s hard to tell. I actually used the regular sized ones. I’ve seen readers’ photos who have used the bigger, like ice cream stick size though, and they look awesome too. I think it kind of depends on how big the things are that you’d like to put inside the shelves. I’d love to see your finished project if you’d like to tag me on Instagram (@makeanddocrew) 🙂
Happy shelf making!
jess
Jamie Capone says
This is adorable I can’t wait to make one for my new home! I am obsessed with DIY projects that are inexpensive but still a great quality. Awesome! Thanks for sharing
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I am too, Jamie! That intersection of affordable, stylish and well-made is pretty much my happy place. Hope you enjoy your new place!
Jess
Kirstin says
Hi,
Do you know how long it usually takes to receive the email after subscribing? I’m not getting anything but I want to make sure I’m not just be impatient! 🙂 Thank you!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Kirstin,
It should happen right away. I’m sorry that something is getting lost in the interwebs. I just emailed you 🙂
Jess
Jen says
Hi I’m not sure if you will see my message in time but was hoping to do this project with a group of 12 year old girls tomorrow but am having the same issue everyone else has had. I have the email from the make & do crew with the Password, entered it “case sensitive” and nothing happens it just has a message that the information is password protected. Anyway to email me the template for the pop cycle stick hexagon frame? I have spent most of the night getting all supplies to do a sample:)
Thanks so much!
Love your site:)
Jennifer
Jen says
Hi Please disregard my above message – I just got it!!! I figured out what the problem was…. The password is too words… but in the email only the first letter was capitalized I tried capitalizing the second word too and it worked:)
Jennifer
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
So glad you got it figured out, Jen! I was really sick this weekend and haven’t been on my computer much. How did the project with the girls go? I’d loved crafting together at that age! (And every age, let’s be honest :))
Hope you all enjoyed it!
Jess
Jackie says
I’m so excited to find this tutorial! Your boxes are amazing and I can’t wait to make my own. Just one thing – I subscribed to the blog and now it is asking me for a password to access the template. Anyway you could send it to me? Thanks so much!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Jackie!
Thanks so much! I think you’ll love to make them, too.
When you subscribed, you should have received an email asking you to confirm your subscription. Once you click that, you’ll receive another email that gives you the password to enter the Make & Do Crew Vault. (It’s the same password for everyone.)
Have you gotten that yet? If not, just check your spam folder for the confirmation email or do a search within your email for “Make and Do Crew.”
Let me know if this works for you. I’m here to help if not.
Happy crafting!
Jess
Carmen says
Hi Jess, love your creations, would like to see a little bird house made of Popsicles sticks, think you up for it? Thank you so much,
Carmen
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Carmen,
I LOVE that idea! Especially since it’s Spring and the little birdies are coming out to serenade us. Thanks for the idea! I’ll see what I can put together 🙂
Jess
Roxanne says
Hi Jess
Thank you so much for this AMAZING project!!
I have been dying to purchase hexagon shelves, but they’re so pricey 🙁
Finding your website has made my week!! I am extremely excited to get started.. off to the craft shop after work 😀
xx
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Aw, Roxanne, your comment makes MY day! I am so happy you share my enthusiasm for this project. I honestly loved making it and am so happy seeing it up on the wall everyday. I hope you feel the same way too! I’d love to see a pic when it’s finished if you’d like to send me one or tag me on Instagram! (@makeanddocrew)
Happy shelf-building!
jess
Eulisa says
I just subscribed. Tried to get the template. Took me to a page and told me to enter a password?. Sigh I wanted to get started tonight
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Eulisa,
I’m sorry you’re having trouble! I don’t want anything to stand in the way of your crafting, especially when you’re eager to get started!
When you subscribed, you should have received an email asking you to confirm your subscription. Once you click that, you’ll receive another email that gives you the password to enter the Make & Do Crew Vault. (It’s the same password for everyone.) Have you gotten that yet? If not, just check your spam folder for the confirmation email or do a search within your email for “Make and Do Crew.”
Let me know if this works for you. We’ll get you going, don’t worry!
jess
Shille says
I have tried to get the template but now it asking for a password
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Shille,
Thanks for reading Make & Do Crew! When you subscribed, you should have received an email asking you to confirm your subscription. Once you click that, you’ll receive another email that gives you the password to enter the Make & Do Crew Vault. (It’s the same password for everyone.)
Have you gotten that yet? If not, just check your spam folder for the confirmation email or do a search within your email for “Make and Do Crew.”
Let me know if this works for you. I’m here to help if not.
jess
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Shille,
When you subscribed, you should have received an email asking you to confirm your subscription. Once you click that, you’ll receive another email that gives you the password to enter the Make & Do Crew Vault. (It’s the same password for everyone.)
Have you gotten that yet? If not, just check your spam folder for the confirmation email or do a search within your email for “Make and Do Crew.”
Let me know if this works for you. I’m happy to help you further if not.
Happy shelf-making!
jess