How to Reuse a Diaper Box and an Old Children's Books

6 Materials
$1
Easy
When we were just starting our family, finances were very tight, so we didn't have a lot of items around the home, and were lacking something to store some toys for our young twins. So, I got a little creative and resourceful and created a fun toy box


First I made my "Modge Podge" mix by using 50/50 Elmer's Glue and Water.


Because the pages of the book I used to cover it were thin and see through, I first covered my diaper box with some thick cardstock. I applied a thin layer of the water and glue mixture under and over the paper to adhere it to the box with a big foam brush.


I also put cardstock one sheet deep on the top of the inside of the box so it looked a little nicer if it wasn't completely full of toys.


Once dry, I planned out where I wanted to put each page of the free book we got from my kids Cheerios box. However, I realized there weren't enough pages to cover the whole thing with pages, so I improvised and grabbed some green tissues paper to go with the jungle theme of the book.


Apply the book pages with a thin layer of the watery glue under and over them.


Let it dry completely, about 1-2 hours.


Then apply a layer of clear packing tape around it to protect the pages, and make the box a littler sturdier (kids are rough on stuff!).


Now put it in your playroom area and fill with small toys!
Suggested materials:
  • Glue
  • Water
  • Cardstock
See all materials
Katelyn Fagan
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  1 question
  • Morgan Morgan on Feb 01, 2017
    How sturdy is the box? How many years will it hold up?
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  • Sheila Rector Gilbert Sheila Rector Gilbert on Feb 03, 2017
    Very resourceful!
  • Ann Ann on Feb 04, 2017
    When my daughter was young and money was tight I got an orange crate from the grocer (good old days) and painted it and decoupaged storybook characters on the slats. You could use the crates they have now. But Katelyn's idea is cheaper.
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