Over the span of a few months, I had somehow managed to collect oodles of pretty “scrapbooking” paper. Every time I would pop into Michael’s for some sort of supply, whether it be for knitting, painting or another project, I would pass by the racks of gorgeous papers and couldn’t help myself from picking up a sheet or two (hey, they’re only 99 cents!).
small selection of the growing paper collection
As I was sitting in our office one day, trying to think of a better way to organize all of our pens and other office supplies, I suddenly thought of all of that pretty paper I had out in the cupboard. I pulled out the paper, picked out some bright pinks, yellows and greens to use in the room, and rummaged through the recycling bin for anything that I might be able to re-cover and use as storage. I found a few old coffee/hot chocolate tins (including one HUGE coffee tin care of my co-worker) and a shoebox, and went to town.
tins ready for some DIY action
You want to first make sure to remove all labels on the tins (usually you can just peel them off, but it might require some hot water and scraping if they’re really glued on). Then, once you have chosen which papers you would like to use, you want to wrap them around the tin or box, and cut the paper down to the size. I used a spray adhesive to firmly attach the paper to the tin, but there are lots of other glue options out there. If you do decide to use spray adhesive, make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area and over a sheet or newspaper — the spray goes everywhere and it is a pain to try and remove it (I learned this the hard way… and Dan still points out the “slightly sticky” side of our coffee table..!!).
materials ready to go
Once you’ve sprayed or applied glue to the backside of the paper, you want to wrap it around the tin or onto the box and smooth it down as you go. Let dry for about 24 hours, and then ta-dah!… you’ve got yourself some very pretty storage organizers! They are so much more fun than having those run of the mill organizers from the big business box stores and you can personalize them to the colour and pattern of your room. It also helps that it’s such an easy and inexpensive project. Have fun!
final product
Tags: DIY, office spaces, paper, re-covering, storage
){kind=link}
I just laid out some cans and paper to do this for my office space too. I also need one for buttons–all those buttons you get with clothes and I never have a good spot to put them so I figured I’d just make a can for them. Great job!
Beautiful blog! Love the colors.
www.itsybitsypaperblog.com
Awesome! The button storage idea is perfect. Once I made a few of these tins I ended up making more because they were such cute storage. We use them for pens, pencils, paper clips, tacks, and “misc” (ie. junk!) office stuff.
gem
xo
These are super cute! I just love the papers you used, I need those papers!!
Thanks! They were all from Michael’s (and super cheap)!
gem
xo
This is quite interesting, looks great. I saw you at Feature Yourself Friday at Fingerprints on the Fridge.
Today is my blog’s first linky party. I would love for you to add this: http://koolbeenz-blog.blogspot.com/search/label/Funky%20Fresh%20Fridays.
Love this! Featuring you again, girl! Thanks for linking up :) xo
Thanks so much, Kate!
gem
xo
These are so functional and cute. I love pretty storage!
What a great idea and just what i need in my sewing room so thank you for that :)
Found you on Tip Junkie :D
Thanks Mayya! Yes- they are totally perfect for a sewing or craft room.
gem
xo
Just like we used to make in elementary school ~ only with WAY prettier paper!! Good job! Looks great ~