Turn Shoe Boxes into Pretty Storage

I have always stored my craft supplies in discarded boxes - shoe boxes, detergent boxes, etc. And I have tried to prettify them in various ways. I've in the past tried decoupaging them but pattern paper turns out to be quite expensive and a constant supply of a particular pattern is never assured. I wanted a uniform, clean look and painting was the answer. One might not realise this with a couple of boxes but when you have separate boxes for everything from lace,ribbons, zips and tapes to paints, label holders become indispensable. Since I could not find them I made those too.  I'm thrilled with how the boxes turned out.

 If you'd like to make similar ones here's how:

You will need:

1. Old Shoe boxes

2. All purpose primer and thinner

3. Acrylic paint ( I used Camel  Artists' acrylic colour in Cobalt Teal and Gold) and flat brushes

4. Double sided foam tape

5. Old cereal boxes and unwanted business cards.

1: If you are using a folded shoe box, you can glue the edges. I did not after reading a note on the box that said that glue hadn't been used in its making to keep it environment friendly.

2: Apply one coat of all purpose primer mixed with thinner all over the box. You can use wood primer as well, but I find that all purpose primer works better.



 3: Cover 1/2" from the edges of the lid with masking tape and apply acrylic paint on the rest of the box. I used the shade Cobalt Teal.



4: Remove the masking tape and paint the border with gold acrylic paint.





For the label holder:

From the cereal box, cut out  a rectangle (mine is 3 1/2 by 2 inches). Leaving a border of 1/2" all around, cut out (and discard) the inner rectangle. Paint the border gold (ideally the plain inner side of the cereal box since it takes paint better).



On the other side, stick foam tape on 3 sides, leaving the top open  to slide in our label. I used an 1/2" foam tape and cut it to make it 1/4" in width; I found that this makes sliding the label easier. Peel off the backing and stick onto the box, centering it properly.



Cut the unused business card to size so that it slides into the holder smoothly. Write the text on the label after sliding it in; this helps get the text in the centre. You can print your labels as well but I love writing by hand. You can apply a coat of varnish to the whole box. I did not.




And that's it! Your pretty storage box is ready. Since paint has been used here, it will give you a uniform look for any number of boxes that you may add later.