Drab to Fab: Upcycled Cereal Box

Okay, so this here is what I call a “slop craft”. I have very little patience or desire to follow patterns, measure precisely or take TOO much time. Terrible, I know! This is not to say I don’t do those things with more important projects but for those that I just want to get done, or on days I just want to “MAKE SOMETHING!” without too much concern with the end results I simply slop those projects together. Today was one of those days.

I used to think of myself as a very organized person. Most people who know me would say that I am. The cold hard truth is I’m not. Or at least not as much as I’d like to be, especially when it comes to my own space. I’m a craft supply hoarder and paper piler. My husband really dislikes this about me. =) We both got in the mood to clean and organize the house after putting all the holiday stuff away. He took one look at my messy desk area and asked me to find a hanging file folder holder to eliminate all the paperwork and stuff that collects in this space.

Okay, so that photo was taken after I had already straightened up a bit. Usually there are sticky notes, bits of paper, mail, etc. piled next to the keyboard and printer as well as on top of the printer. So this isn’t SOOO bad. But our daughter is getting taller and she’s been reaching up pulling stuff off so we definitely need to clean up this area more.

While I like the idea of having a hanging file folder holder there is no good place to put it in my little desk nook; the cupboards above are not wide enough to accommodate one, if I put on on the refrigerator to the left (probably the most handy location) it would block a cupboard door. The only real space on a wall that would be suitable is across the room behind my desk.

I did search online for some sort of filing system (and office supply shopping ranks right up there with craft supply shopping) but I didn’t want to spend $30+ on something that might or might not fill the need. Now was the perfect time to try a DIY solution! I have seen TONS of great organizing and storage ideas on Pinterest which caused me to believe I could make something myself!

Apologies ahead of time for the terrible photos…again, if you choose to attempt this “slop project” these photos are more than enough to help guide you. In fact, you don’t really need them at all…I just had an idea and went to town cutting and gluing, no real measuring and such. Although, you could totally make this a much nicer project if you want to. I just needed something quick and don’t expect anyone to look too closely at the finished piece. =)

I had a giant cereal box, the kind that held 2 bags of cereal from Sam’s Club, and cut one side off. I found some scrap fabric and Mod Podge (love this stuff!) and simply cut around the box, about 2″ extra on each side. Then, I poured handfuls of Mod Podge on the box, spread it around and hand stretched the fabric over the box tucking the extra fabric overhang inside and underneath the box. I did quickly learn after doing the first side that I needed to add an extra lining. If I wanted to get all fancy I could’ve run downstairs to get my batting but instead I grabbed some plain white paper, good enough. I didn’t line the inside of the box but if I were making a gift or wanted to make it really nice I would consider that too. Anyway, here’s a few shots of the process as well as the finished piece.

So what do you think? Not too bad for a “slop project” I think. It’s pretty AND functional, my favorite kind of craft! I like how the oversized box has room for larger files and binders. Now everything I need is within my reach, nicely organized, and out of reach of little hands (for the time being anyway!)

Are you a meticulous crafter or do you enjoy a “slop craft” every now and then?