Step 1
Cut your plywood into four 15cm-wide strips. Three of the strips will be used to form the three hexagons and the remaining strip will make the shelf inserts. Cut three of the strips into six 20cm pieces, giving you 18 pieces in total. Next, you’ll need to saw the ends of each piece at a 60° angle to form the sides of your hexagons. Use the protractor to draw a 60° corner template onto your cardboard, then cut it out.
Step 2
Use the template to mark a 60° angle onto the first 20cm piece, then cut along the line using a saw. Mark off another 60° angle on the other end of the piece facing the opposite way, then cut it out. Repeat this on the remaining 20cm pieces, then sand off any rough edges so they’re ready to paint.
Step 3
Paint the shorter sides of your pieces, using a different colour for each of the three hexagons. Leave them to dry, then apply a second coat if needed. Mark out three evenly spaced points, 1cm in from the lip on the longer side your pieces. Drill holes through the marks at an angle – you’ll nail the sides together using these holes as guides.
Step 4
Apply glue to the end of a piece with pre-drilled holes. Press it against the end of a piece without holes, then tape the joint together to hold it while the glue dries. Repeat with the other four pieces to complete your hexagon, then stick tape across the hexagon to secure it. Leave it to dry, then hammer nails into the pre-drilled holes to secure the joints. Position two D-ring hooks along the top of your shelf, 2cm in from either side and screw them into place.
Step 5
To make the interior cross shelf, first measure the width and height of one of your hexagons, then cut these lengths from the remaining strip of plywood. Cut the ends of what will be the horizontal piece at 60° angles (the vertical piece’s ends will be straight). Mark a cut 1.2cm wide and 7.5cm long across the middle of each piece, then cut them out. Sand each cut, then push the two pieces together at the join to form a cross.
Step 6
Paint all eight faces of the cross the same colour as the hexagon it’s going into. Leave them to dry, applying a second coat if needed. Push the cross into place (sand the sides if it doesn’t quite fit). You may need to use a hammer – if so, place an offcut of wood on the cross and hit that to prevent damage.
Step 7
To make the single shelf, cut a 30cm length from your remaining plywood strip, then cut both ends of the shelf at a 60° angle. Paint both sides of the shelf the same colour as the hexagon it will sit inside. Hold the shelf in place inside the hexagon and mark where it will sit. Mark out three evenly spaced points just above each line, then drill holes all the way through. Apply glue to the ends of your shelf, then push in place and leave to dry. Once it’s dry, hammer nails into the pre-drilled holes to secure the shelf in place.
