Story Shelf Makers
Build a beautiful bookshelf together and give it to children who need it.
About
Story Shelf Makers is a creative team bonding activity in which teams build and decorate bookshelves for a good cause. It starts with a team brainstorming session, after which roles are assigned and teams begin to design, create and build their bookcase.
Half of each team produces an elaborately themed mural that forms the backdrop of the bookshelf.
The other half turns the shelves themselves into a work of craft, first attending a decoupage workshop and then applying the techniques they have learned. Every shelf ends up with its own look and its own story.
Once the bookshelves are complete, each team gives a short presentation explaining the meaning behind its design. The shelves are then donated to a local organisation in need, and groups can also collect books so every shelf is full on the day it is handed over.
Learning outcomes
Story Shelf Makers raises awareness of how important resources are in education, and how all of us can do simple yet powerful things to help others.
Splitting each team into mural and decoupage groups calls for clear planning and communication, as both halves must come together into one finished piece. Mural painters and decoupage artists must agree on colours and themes early so the finished piece feels like one design.
The short presentations give every team a chance to share its ideas and celebrate the creativity of others, building pride and connection across the group.
Through the power of collective giving, participants leave uplifted by a creative shared experience. When groups keep collecting books after the event, the shelves stay full and the connection with the community lasts well beyond the day itself.
Program flow
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Brainstorm
Teams share ideas for their bookshelf design and agree on a theme and story.
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Assign roles
Each team splits into a mural group and a decoupage group, with clear responsibilities for both.
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Build and decorate
Teams build the bookcase while one group paints the mural and the other learns and applies decoupage.
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Presentations
Each team presents its finished bookshelf and explains the meaning behind the design.
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Donation
The bookshelves, and any books collected, are donated to a local organisation in need.
What is included
Included
- Facilitation by experienced hosts
- Bookshelf building kits and tools
- Mural and decoupage materials
- Decoupage workshop
- Coordination of the donation
Not included
- Venue rental
- Catering and refreshments
- Books for the shelves (optional, collected by your group)
- Transportation to and from the venue
- Printing of personalised materials
Frequently asked questions
How many people can take part?
Groups from 10 to 500 guests can take part, working in smaller teams.
How long does the program take?
A typical session runs for about 3 hours.
Do we need any craft or building experience?
No. Teams learn the decoupage technique on the spot, and building plans and tools are provided.
Can this be run indoors or outdoors?
Yes. It can be run indoors, outdoors or a combination of both, depending on your venue.
What happens to the finished bookshelves?
Each bookshelf is donated to a local organisation in need, and groups can collect books to fill the shelves.
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Request a quote for Story Shelf Makers
Tell us your group size, date and goals. We will reply with a tailored proposal.