I Heart Storage Boxes

I heart storage boxes....no, I really do love them.  If it was possible I'd have a wall of them in every room of the house.  They're great for storing papers (one for incoming mail, one for outgoing, one for filing), storing toys (one for MegaBlocks, one for Playdoh, one for doll cloths), storing clothes (one for dark socks, one for light socks), you get the idea.  The problem is a) the expense and b) they don't always match what I have going on in a room.  Well, in tomorrow's episode of Home Made Simple on the Oprah Winfrey Network, I tackle both a) and b).  Here's how I do it:

MATERIALS:
- Banker boxes (the cardboard kind from the office supply store for $3.00 each). Problem a) solved!
- Fabric yardage (get something to coordinate with the room, match your sofa, drapes, favorite suit). Problem b) solved!
- Some spray adhesive, craft glue and scissors.

STEPS
- Cut the fabric in a long rectangle so that it's a few inches wider than your box and long enough to wrap around all sides.
- Spray the sides of the box with spray adhesive and wrap the fabric around the box.  Be careful to smooth out any wrinkles. You have some time and can pull the fabric off and re-apply it until you're happy.
- Run a line of craft glue on the inside edge of the box and fold the fabric over.  Repeat the same process along the bottom. Clip the fabric at the corners so it will lay flat when folded over.  Cut a line down the middle of the hole where the handles are and make a few short snips along the rounded curve so you can fold this back, revealing the handle slots.  (Or leave the handle holes covered for a very streamlined look.)  If you're feeling industrious or if the insides of the box will be seen, you can line the insides with felt that will make for a very nice finished look.  You can see me do the entire project and get details on the lining tomorrow morning on Home Made Simple on OWN, 9a/8c!Here are the finished boxes in situ as they say!  Perfect for keeping the kids toys out of the way in the TV room!