Everyday I seem to collect a load of "Bits & Bobs" lying around the house, never knowing where to put them. I decided what I needed was some lovely looking storage boxes for them.
As I love to upcycle, I covered some cardboard storage boxes I'd picked up from Ikea with denim. I also stencilled the words "BITS & BOBS" on the side, for fun and to remind me what they are for.
DIY Denim Storage Boxes for Your "Bits and Bobs"
4 materials
1 Hour
Easy
As I said I used IKEA pingla boxes which come flat packed. You can use whatever cardboard boxes you like. I used the IKEA ones as they were the right size for me and you got 2 identical ones in a pack.
Make up your box according to the instructions.
Then measure the outside circumference and height of your box. I used a pair of jeans per box.
Then measure the outside circumference and height of your box. I used a pair of jeans per box.
I cut my jeans legs so that the seam would form one edge and that they were long enough and wide enough to fit round the box with an overlap. (You may have to sew too bits together to get enough length).
I also used the jeans waistband to make handles for my boxes (more details in the blog post at the end).
I also used the jeans waistband to make handles for my boxes (more details in the blog post at the end).
Attaching the jeans leg to the box is really easy. I used a good spray adhesive (click here to see the spray adhesive), to stick my denim to the box. I used pins and bull clips to hold it in place as it dried.
I also lined my box with pretty fabric using the same method. You could line your box with burlap or paper.
To complete my storage boxes I stencilled the word BITS on one side and BOBS on the other side. I just used white acrylic paint and simple letter stencils for this. You may want to stencil something else on your boxes like "STUFF" or "THINGS".
What would you stencil on your boxes ?
If you liked this post you will love my other really popular denim storage idea, Click here to see my great denim pocket organiser.
If you liked this post you will love my other really popular denim storage idea, Click here to see my great denim pocket organiser.
Enjoyed the project?
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Questions on this post
Have a question about this project?
3 questions
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How does one do it as a "slipcover"? I need to wash it in a machine!
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Did you attach the handles with the same adhesive?
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has anyone made a planter from cardboard boxes?
Comments
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19 of 77 comments
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So cute! Labels: Keep and Give
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Thank you, and good label ideas!
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OK. The denim first, so it's shaped like a "belt" that slips down and around the box. With no lid or bottom. Right? Then another for the inside, but a tiny bit smaller? Then turn both so "right-sides" are facing? Then stitch only one edge of denim to one edge of lining. Make the raw edges - um - oh! Hem the raw edges of each type fabric "Separately" so it "slips" ^_^ over the box. The bottom of the box remains bare. Yes?
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I'm trying to get my head round it but I think that will work. Just make sure they don't shrink when you wash them. I wouldn't make the fit too tight! Give it ago anyway and let me know how you get on.
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Excellent job...thanks!
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Thank you!
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Yes I will do this project. I will be moving from Wis. back to Texas after over 20 years. This will make it more fun and keep me better organized in the process. Thanks so much. (Got my Associates Degree last Mothers Day in Interior Design)
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Thank you, and congratulations on your degree.
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Thank you!
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Bits and Bobs, Odds and Ends, Bits and Pieces, Dribs and Drabs...it doesn’t matter they all mean the same thing one way or another. Since I’ve lived in many parts of the country and there are many different saying everywhere, we all get it!
Love the denim and yellow together! I have a lot of jeans stashed for a rug project myself and can’t wait to get it started! I am sure it will be much more time consuming as it will be quite big at around 12 x 15 feet. I am hoping to have enough left over for some small denim projects such as yours. Very cute! -
I have been looking at the prices of storage boxes. You cannot go wrong with your wonderful idea. Thank you for posting.
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Been doing this for years. The heavy weight shoe boxes are great to use!
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Ha its easier
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I like the idea.i also love to upcycle the things in my store
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Thank you. Its very satisfying making things out stuff people throw away.
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Great tutorial. I am saving K- cup boxes for this. I meant the kind that have 48 or more pods. They are very sturdy and FREE.
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They sound like they would be perfect.
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You would need to measure the sides carefully, sew the denim pieces together one side at a time. Do the same with the lining and then stitch the two pieces together.