DIY Rocket Bookcase

Place the two 1-by-12-by-36-inch boards parallel to each other on a work surface, with the 1-by-36-inch edges resting flat. Orient the boards vertically, with the outside edges spaced apart 18 inches. These are the sides.

Position the 1-by-12-by-18-inch boards across the top and bottom ends of the side boards to form a rectangular assembly. These are the top and bottom boards. The 12-by-18-inch sides should rest flat against the 1-by-12-inch ends of the side boards.

Drive four evenly spaced trim head wood screws through the top and bottom boards into the ends of the sides to fasten them together.

Center the 1-by-12-by-16 1/2-inch board between the top and bottom boards inside the assembly to create a center shelf for the bookcase. The 1-by-16 1/2-inch edge should rest flat against the work surface.

Drive four evenly spaced trim head wood screws through the sides into the ends of the center shelf to fasten the shelf to the sides.

Place the plywood panel over the assembly so it is vertically oriented lengthwise. The 48-inch-long side edges should be flush with the sides of the assembly. The bottom 18-inch-wide edge of the panel should be flush with the bottom of the assembly. The panel will extend 12 inches past the top edge of the top of the assembly. This is the back of the assembly.

Drive trim head wood screws through the back into the edges of the sides, top, bottom and center shelf of the assembly every 2 to 4 inches using a screw gun.

Form a curved point on the 12-by-18-inch section of the back panel that extends past the top of the bookcase assembly using the flexible curve ruler. Trace the curved point onto the plywood with a pencil.

Cut the curved point out of the back panel using a jigsaw. Sand the cut edges with a fine-grit sanding pad until they are completely smooth.

Stand the assembly upright. Paint the bookcase using craft paints and paintbrushes to match the color scheme of the room and to add the rocket details, such as lettering, windows and flames on the bottom of the sides. Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours before using the bookcase.