My kids love, love, love anything that has to do with art, coloring, drawing, etc. We have tons of coloring books, how-to-draw books, workbooks…you name it! But I get frustrated with the mess it can create…books all over the place! This isn’t even all of them!
As you can see in the photo, I have a couple of plastic file boxes. I love organizers of any kind! I am working on organizing all these books, and I want more file boxes. But I am too thrifty to just go spend $7+ dollars on several more organizers….so I am making my own! We all have empty cereal boxes around the house. Here is one way to use them.
Supplies you will need:
a large cereal box (large enough to fit the books inside)
modge podge
brush
scissors
scrapbook paper to cover the cereal box
You can see on the cereal box I took a permanent marker and drew the lines where I wanted to cut the box. I just used my current file boxes as a template. You can eyeball it with a ruler too.
Then cut your box on the lines you drew. Here is what mine looked like after I cut it:
Then you will want to take your scrapbook paper and trace to cut.
At first I was going to use a couple of different kinds of paper on the box, but then I changed my mind. Here are all the paper pieces, ready to be put on the box.
Take your modge podge and paintbrush and cover one side at a time. Line up the paper pieces that fit on that side and press firmly. Get out all the air bubbles and smooth out.
When you are all done with each side here is what it looks like. Pretty cute, huh!
After it dries for a bit, take your paintbrush and paint modge podge over the edges and corners to reinforce durability.
Now you have a cute file box! I put it in the cupboard…and it looks great! Now I need to make a few more. I will also label them with the book contents to make it easier for the kids to put things back where they belong.
I already had all my supplies on hand for this project, so I didn’t have to spend any extra money to start organizing my kids workbooks. Next time you need to do some organizing, think thrifty and pinch your pennies!
Stephanie
I have seen the file folders made from cereal boxes but I never thought about using them to organize the kids book shelves. I am going to do this! Thanks for great idea!
Sherri
What a great idea! I can imagine the kids helping to make these to keep their papers that they want to keep from school.
Boys Mom
Nice! I may have to make a few of these for my cooking magazines! Thanks for sharing!
Triny Kay
so excited to try this!!! i have some scrapbook paper that i don't really want to use for my scrapbook and this will work perfect for it. i'm always trying ot figure out what to do with magazines and what not. yay!
Kisten
My daughters Kindergarten teacher uses these. I am going to be making a bunch this summer.
Anne-Marie
So cute! I've never used Modge Podge though and don't have any on hand. Is there something else I could use instead? Is there a reason you used Modge Podge (is it better for some reason)? Thanks!
Marne
Mod Podge is a type of decoupage. Really easy to use. You can buy it at Walmart or any craft store. I buy mine usually at Joanns or Michales so I can use a 40% off or 50% off coupon on it.
Justin
Great Idea, I have been using plain ones….but yours are so much cuter!!! I guess another option if you don't have any empty cereal boxes around you can also for 3 dollars get a 5 pack of white cardboard magazine boxes to decorate. A little more money, but similar effect.
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50022354
Mod Podge Amy
Love! Great idea.
rockriverstitches
Thanks for this tutorial! Now I have a great idea on what to do with all my cooking magazines.
Tammy
FowersFive
To the person who wanted to know what else you could use instead of Modge Podge: You can add a little water to Elmers white glue and it works almost the same. For me anyway. This idea is way cute! Thanks for posting. My family fun magazines will finally be accessbile!!!