WHAT IS IT?
A set of decorative box shelves made out of different sized shoeboxes, some old fabric and/or paint.
USEFULNESS FACTOR
Most dorm rooms, apartments and houses don't have enough space to store knick-knacks, picture frames and various odds and ends you might want to display. These shoebox shelves are a perfect way to utilize useless shoeboxes to create something practical.
ITEMS NEEDED:
• An assortment of shoeboxes in different shapes and sizes. The lids aren't needed.
• Some colorful or patterned fabric, old sheets will work just fine.
• Paint
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Stapler
GET STARTED:
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1. Start by arranging the boxes in the order you want them. Don't worry about symmetry - the more random they are, the cooler they will look. Try putting about four or five together.
2. Staple them together, or use the hot glue gun for a stronger bond.
3. Paint the outsides of the shoeboxes, don't worry about painting the backs since they won't show once they are hung up - just paint all the sides that will show. Or, if you have enough fabric, cover the outsides of the boxes with it.
4. Line the insides of the boxes with fabric. Use the hot glue gun to secure the material in place, or just staple it down if you're lazy.
5. If you're not worried about putting nails into your wall, go ahead and put nails in the corners of the shoebox shelves to hang them. If you live in the dorms, the shelves can easily be hung up using heavy-duty hanging tape, which can be found at any store such as Meijer.
6. You're ready to put picture frames and various other items inside your boxes. Make sure not to put anything really heavy such as books or paperweights inside them, though, since these shoebox shelves are not too sturdy.
TOTAL COST
Absolutely free! Since we recycled shoeboxes and old fabric, this craft didn't cost us anything.
CHALLENGE LEVEL
On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the Martha Stewart challenge, this is a 1. It isn't very easy to mess up and, if somehow you do, it won't cost you anything to start again with new shoeboxes.
OUR THOUGHTS
These artsy-looking shoebox shelves will help de-clutter your room and show off all those random items and souvenirs collecting dust in your closet or drawer.
