Make your own wood magazine files with bookplates and decorative faces for $2.50 each! These quick and easy magazine files will create order and style in your home!
UPDATE: When I figured the 18 magazine files per sheet of 1/4" plywood, this was assuming a 45 degree angle on the sides. But I choose a 30 degree angle because it is easier to cut with a standard sliding 10" mitersaw. With a 30 degree angle, you will only be able to make 15 magazine files from a sheet of 1/4" plywood. If you would like to maximize the number of magazine files you can make, cut the ends at a 45 degree angle, longest point 12".

Preparation
1/4" plywood (for 9, use 1/2 sheet - for 18, use full sheet)
1x4 @ 8 feet long - 1 for 9, 2 for 18
Glue (Gorilla glue would be great here)
1 1/4" finish nails
Painter's Tape
Book Plates and fasteners
Modge Podge
Scrapbooking Paper (3 sheets for 9, 6 sheets for 18)
Per File:
2 - 10" strips @ 12" long, one end cut at 30 degrees off square, longest point measurement (see diagrams in step 2)
1 - 1x4 @ 10" (bottom)
1 - 4" strip @ 12"
1 - 4" strip @ 6 1/4"
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
Have your hardware store cut your plywood into strips as shown in the diagram. Otherwise cut your plywood with a tablesaw into strips as shown in the diagram.
By cutting into strips, you can be sure that the plywood grain is all in the right direction, and your wood pieces are consistently the same width.
Step 2
Step 3
When you are finished cutting the pieces, nail the sides to the bottom as shown above with glue and 1 1/4" nails.

Step 4
Once both sides are on, attach the front. You can only nail to the 1x bottom board. Glue the sides and tape with the painter's tape, getting the tightest possible joint.

Step 6
Step 9
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
emmarosemc
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 07:10
genius!!!!
genius!!!!
Kathy Webster-Link (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 07:44
Magazine Storage
These are beautiful! Thank you for the plans and instructions. I forsee some beautiful craft room organizing in my future.
oldpaintdesign
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 07:48
So Smart!
Wow - thanks, Ana! Gone are the days when I buy the ugly, flimsy ones from Ikea! And, I love that you used scrapbooking book plates for hardware - that is such a great money saver!
Catherine Hans… (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 07:59
Love it!
I really don't like the cardboard ones but could never justify many of the wooden ones. Fantastic that I can make them myself now!!
Guest (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 09:49
Love the Project and the Curtains too!
I love this project as a mom of a young-not-so-rolling-in-the-money family I love that this project is affordable to make and personalize and cheaper than buying! Plus I love (underlined, maybe twice) the curtains that are in the corner of the final pic. If you don't mind sharing I would love to know where you got those!
Cherie Heltne (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 09:51
So Happy!
Your office is looking beautiful! You just made my day! I have a ton of 1/4 plywood in the garage just begging to be made into these fabulous organizational tools! Can't wait to build some this afternoon!
Ana White
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 09:56
Thank you everyone, truly an
Thank you everyone, truly an easy project!
The curtains are DIY - I actually haven't quite finished them yet, but will let you know the fabric is available at Joanns and is the Modern Essentials print. Will post more details on that too!
Lori Ferris (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 10:17
Will be perfect for our Community Garden
We keep some gardening magazines in our community garden shed for reference and enjoyment. The cheap ones just don't hold up to 40 families, but these will be perfect!
Thanks Ana!
drogon (not verified)
Wed, 08/15/2012 - 06:32
Thanks for this! I really
Thanks for this! I really hate receiving all these unsolicited emails
Leah
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 10:19
magazine holder shelf
i'd drill a hole in the other side for charging cords. but look at these mounted on the wall!
http://pinterest.com/pin/183075503/
can i link pins like that? hope so!~