 |
| I started by making a template for the dividers out of copy paper. I cut about 1-inch off the long side and then cut that in half and then cut out for my tab and finally, just because I like it that way, rounded the top corners. |
 |
| Then I made my list of what kinds of cards I am mostly likely to send and would want to keep in my new organizer. (In the end I left off Valentines Day... I may do some but they can take up space in the Other/Misc area.) And I did make the tab for Stamps/Stickers/Labels to keep a ready supply of those items and thus, hopefully, increase the chance I will actually become one of those people who are thoughtful enough to send greeting cards. |
 |
| Next, I cut the amount of tabs I needed from cardstock. This shows how I cut 2 from each sheet of paper. |
 |
| Using my handy dandy Dymo label maker, I put labels on each tab. Now you'll set these aside until you're ready to put them in the pretty new box. |
 |
| I used the box from our horrifyingly bad habit of noshing on Mrs. Freshley's Original Jumbo Honey Buns. It's approximately the size of a men's shoe box; a little shorter maybe but about the same width and depth. I used this box because it's what I had and part of the idea behind my project was to use stuff that would otherwise be thrown away to make something that's both beautiful and useful. |
 |
| I measured (mostly by laying the box on top and wrapping it around) how much contact paper I needed to cover the outside of the box and trimmed away the excess at each corner so I didn't have a lot of bulk from the unneeded extra material. I love the grid on the back to help me cut straight lines and keep the paper square to the box! |
 |
| This shows how I oriented the box on top of the ConTac paper. Then I very carefully peeled off the backing on just that little tab that's going to wrap up and cover the words "Jumbo Honey Bun." |
 |
| After that tab is finger pressed into place. From here I tore the backing off down the center and did the same to the other end. Then I worked it off the side pieces and put them in place. ConTac paper is somewhat forgiving and will allow you to move it a few times while straightening and smoothing. I just wish I'd had better color and pattern choices... not really grooving on the green. Hopefully it will blend when I get it in on that open shelf in the finished room! |
 |
| I also covered the inside of my box. Same process of measure, cut, carefully peel the backing away and work slowly so to get smooth results. |
 |
| With a little time and patience... |
 |
| Put the tabs in... and now I just need to go find all those stray cards. You know, the extras from every holiday that you save thinking you'll use them next year when that package is just 2 short and then you can't ever find them again and buy even more? I got some of those tucked away here and there. |
Now see... wasn't that just a crazy easy way to make something pretty and organized for the office/hobby room/woman cave? And since the box was destined for the recycle bin and it was just a few sheets of paper I already had on hand and some labels, also from materials on hand (you could write them, too, if you have pretty handwriting) my only cost was the $5.35 for a roll of ConTac paper. And there's plenty of it to cover several more boxes for the open shelving that I have planned for that room. How coordinated, huh? Now if I just loved the color and pattern...
You could also use this same idea in your pantry - and I have every intention of doing so - to organize those little mix packets. The ones you have for ranch dressing, taco seasoning, onion soup mix, chili seasoning, chicken gravy... yeah, that kind of stuff. I admit I have them and use them because it's something convenient and shelf stable. Right now they are scattered all over my cabinets. Wouldn't this be a better way to contain that clutter? And, hey, I might even find what I want already here and not just go mindlessly buy another one!!
No comments:
Post a Comment