Rain Gutter Bookshelves

Ages: 12 months and up

Toddlers need to judge a book by its cover, which makes outward-facing bookshelves, hung where your little one can reach them, ideal. So we took a classic Family Fun idea -- attaching a vinyl rain gutter to a wall for a shelf -- and made it even better for toddlers by gluing on end caps to cover the rough edges. We won't say, "Get your mind into the gutter" ... but we could!
 

Prep Time: Afternoon or Evening
What you need:
	10-foot length of vinyl gutter rail, cut into 2- to 3-foot pieces (we used a hacksaw) 2 gutter brackets for each shelf 2 gutter end caps (a left and right) for each shelf Pencil Screwdriver and mounting hardware (we used screws) Strong clear glue (we used Liquid Nails Clear Adhesive)
Seasons: Year round
Materials: vinyl gutter rail
Instructions:
1.	For each shelf, slide the brackets and then the end caps onto the rail (you'll want to slide the brackets flush against the end caps). Decide where to mount the shelf, then mark the holes on the wall with a pencil.
2.	Slide the end caps and brackets off the gutter. Mount the brackets on the wall and slide the rail into place.
3.	Following the package directions, apply the glue along the inside edge of one cap, then push it onto the end of the rail. Repeat with the other cap. Once the glue dries, fill the shelf with your tot's favorite books.

Rain Gutter bookshelves

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