I always like to have a couple books on my desk. However, books are annoying to arrange. If I lay them out horizontally, it's hard to get to the bottom book. If I set them up vertically, even with a bookend, they can still easily slide down.

So, I wanted to create a flexible bookshelf (based off another design I found online) that solved all of these problems. It would:

Prevent the books from slipping
Allow easy access to the books
Be easy to use
Be modular
Look nice!

Supplies

½ inch width micro silver binder clips
2x Clear Acrylic Sheet 8”x12”
Self-Adhesive Acrylic Panel Holders
Clear Self-Adhesive Acrylic Mini Folding Hinge 30x35 mm
Silicone Bookmark Resin Molds 4.9”x1.9”
B7000 Glue Clear with Precision Tip
(Optional) Self-adhesive decorative gems/tiles
(Optional) Leaves

Step 1: Preserve Pressed Leaves

Pick relatively flat leaves.

Sandwich the leaves between tissue paper or other flat paper that can absorb water well.

Carefully set these inside a book, between two pages. Stack other books or heavy objects on top to add weight.

Leave the leaves in the book for at least a week in a dry location (probably longer if the weather is humid).

Step 2: Set Up Shelf

Remove the protective sheets from two acrylic sheets.

Attach panel holders along the long edge of one of the acrylic sheets. Remove the protective strips from panel holders and carefully set it up on the other acrylic sheet as shown.

I used the small panel holders first, but it didn't really work well with the heavy dividers. Consider using bigger panel holders. The panel holder of size 3" L x 1.18" H was much better.

Attach folding hinges along the top edge of the acrylic sheet.

Step 3: Make Dividers

When the pressed leaves are ready, use epoxy resin to make leaf-themed dividers with a silicon bookmark mold.

First, measure the amount of total resin needed. I filled the bookmark mold with water then poured the water into a small measuring cup.

After measuring the amount of resin, mix. First lay a thin layer of resin, around 1/3 of the total amount, so that it covers the bottom of the mold. Wait a bit before putting on the leaves and adjust the layout. Pour the second 1/3 of resin evenly. Wait a bit more till the surface is tacky, then pour the final 1/3 of the resin to cover the leaves completely. This layered method prevents the leaves from floating to the top.

Since I have only one mold, this process took almost two full weeks as I could only make one divider a day.

Step 4: Assemble

First layout all the bookmarks and decide how to arrange them. I went from small leaves to bigger leaves to more leaves, more branches, blooming flowers, and withering flowers.

Use binder clips to clip on a bookmark.

Remove the protective strip from one of the hinges. Adjust the location and glue on the clip. Decorate the side with tiles/gems. Since I am going with a “green” theme, I used green glass tiles.

Repeat this for all the bookmarks.

Add a stopper tile for each bookmark as shown with B7000 glue. This helps to align the bookmarks/dividers in the right angle once stand-up.

Step 5: Stabilize

For now, the main drawback of this structure is the clip that glued on to the hinge is not stable and tends to fall off after a while. I used a flat aluminum wire to strengthen the connection. Cut a 5 cm strip, pull the strip through the hinge as shown, then through the binder clip. Next wrap around the connection as in the picture. I did this for all the hinges used.

Step 6: Finish!

Add any small decorations you would like.

Introduction: Adjustable Desktop Book Holder