Upcycle project: Vintage Crate to Card Catalog

Don’t worry… it really is Monday! I know that I usually hang out here on Fridays, but we’re changing up the schedule a bit…. and I’m really happy to get to start my week off here on Mondays now!
I’ve recently started working on organizing my new studio space. Before I got my very own room (thanks to my daughter for moving out!), I had everything all stored in a great big cabinet. That cabinet won’t fit in my new workspace, so I’ve got to come up with some storage options to keep up with all the bits and bobs that I’ve accumulated.
I bought this vintage crate a few months ago at my very first antiques auction. It was a great score, full of fun stuff for about $20. I had no idea what I’d do with the crate, but knew that I loved it, so I brought it home. When I was trying to create storage, the crate started begging to be used…. so I came up with a plan.
I found some cardboard boxes that fit it perfectly at Walmart for only 48 cents each. Yep… that’s in my budget! I taped them up, measured the crate carefully, then cut down the boxes so that they would fit into the crate.
I printed off several sheets of dictionary pages, using an image from The Graphics Fairy. I trimmed them to fit on each side of the box.
  Next I sprayed them with spray adhesive, I love that it’s just quick and easy.
Then I applied them to the box, using a blending brush to help smooth them out and get them in place.
Once they were covered, it was time to add a handle. I used these Label Pulls by Tim Holz. It took 2 packs, since there was only 2 of each color, and I wanted to use the brass. I’ve still got plans for the others, though :)
I cut a template, using a scrap piece of cardboard to mark the handles so they’d all be in the proper place. I used an exacto knife to make a slit so that the brads would go through to be secured on the other side.
Then I put all 4 drawers in place, and I have a neat little organizing bin for next to nothing! I love the dictionary page drawers, they go so well with the true vintage crate.
You can find me here every Monday with a new DIY idea, but in the mean time I’d love to see you over on my blog, The Shabby Creek Cottage!

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