This is the first part in a two part series about how to design, build, and finish a simple woodworking project.  This part focuses on the design and build of the project.
Jessica and I tend to collect a lot of books.   I mean a LOT of books.  When one of those cheap 7ft tall particle board bookcases we had finally bit the dust, and fell on me, I decided we would only get solid wood bookcases from now on.  I also decided that it was probably best that the bookcase …

Everything about the Ikea Alex made it a perfect addition to our home office – except its color. After a few coats of black spray paint, some mod podge, and damask styled scrapbooking paper, I had myself an Ikea Alex hack that looked perfect for our tastes.