DIY: Old Box into Writing Utensil Holder

Hello, my name is Tyler and I'm a pack rat.

I don't throw away many things. I can, at times, be the Queen of Clutter--a pack rat to a tee. It's a problem, I know. However, this post isn't about me overcoming my keep-everything-because-you-never-know-when-you-might-need-it tendencies. Instead it's about using my problem to help me with my problem.

WHAT?!

I love pens and pencils. Out of everything in my life these are the two items I very rarely will ever throw away. Even if they are broken or out of ink. Maybe it's because I love to write? I don't know, but  I was tired of the three plus cups that housed these writing utensils on the top of my desk.

So I decided to up cycle some cardboard from a box I used (that I didn't throw away...surprise, surprise) for moving to make a writing utensil holder!

At first I was just going to make a cube (minus the top) and be done with it. My mind changed immediately when I saw Herman Marie's Strange Plant. It is weird and charming and not perfect and I absolutely love it. Since I was working with cardboard and knew it wouldn't be a refine finished piece, I decided I wanted to make two panels into my own version of Marie's Strange Plant!

What you need
Cardboard
Scissors/box cutter/ Xacto knife
Hot glue gun/glue stick
Your own template
Pencil
Ruler

What I did

1. I wanted to make the two decorative panels first so I took one of my cups and measured how tall and wide it was. I decided that each of the panels should be 4 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall. That would be my square that I wanted to look like a pot for my plant. Then I drew out the pot and went ahead and drew what the "plant" part would look like. I love cacti but I wanted it to look sturdier (and BE sturdier since it was cardboard) so I made it blocky instead of rounded. When I was done I had my template.

2. I took my template and placed it on top of the cardboard. Using a pencil I traced out two panels.

3. I used scissors to cut each panel and then placed them next to each other to see how they measured up.

4. The bottom square came next. It was the same size as the planter's pot.

5. I went ahead and painted my design on to the face of each decorative panel and let it off to the side to dry. I did a few coats on the pot part. Now, it isn't going to look as smooth as painting on canvas, but I got it to where I was happy.

6. Using the hot glue gun I went ahead and glued both decorative panels onto each side of the base. That way you can't see the cardboard ridges from the front or back.

7. I measured and cut two more cardboard pieces that I could slide in to act as the sides. Before putting those in I put hot glue on the sides and bottom so they would stay.

8. Since I made this holder a bit bigger, I took small cardboard pieces and glue them to the inside on the bottom to make separators.



Then, if you like what you see, then you're done! I know it isn't the most beautiful desk decor but you can personalize it, make it any size, and it's basically free to do if you already have the supplies. I totally dig mine because it holds all of my writing utensils plus my clay roller (that big purple thing)! Plus, I can't help but smile when I look at it! No matter which way I have it facing!



I hope you enjoyed this pack rat's way to handle your desk clutter by using some old box!

-Tyler Anne (aka Chick Tyler)

Project 365: Day 65

It's stupid how pumped I am about this little box I made with recycled cardboard. It's only the beginnings of a set of presents for #hollicon and I just can't wait!

-Tyler Anne (aka Chick Tyler)

DIY: Box Letter (Winter Pinterest Challenge)

I'm all about odd decorations. If you read my first post of Home Details: Office then you already know of a few I've recently made and put up. I really want to put more pieces on this wall so when I came across Young House Love's recent post (Winter Pinterest Challenge), I knew exactly which Pinterest pin I wanted to make.

Spearmint Baby has a DIY for Fabric Wrapped Letter for Nursery (see here for the pin) and as soon as I saw it I knew I wanted to make my own version of it. Now, I'm not pregnant and I don't have any kids but, again, I like bold decorative pieces. So, I grabbed a box (I literally just unpacked it) and got to work.

First, I cut off two of the box flaps into the shape of a T (for my name, of course). I used regular scissors and it was a four on the pain-in-the-butt meter, but nothing like crying-in-frustration mode I get in when using an Xacto knife.

Next I used the pieces of the box flaps that were leftover and measured out how big they should be to connect the two Ts that I had already cut out. I used a hot glue gun to put these pieces together. 

I highly suggest you watch a TV show while you do this--something that you can focus on but still manage to work without burning your fingers with the lava glue. Netflix was my friend during this DIY.

After I put the T all together I went ahead and grabbed an old shirt to use as the fabric covering. I've always been a fan of the shirt's color and thought it would look really nice on the wall with the other pieces. 

I took the fabric and hot glued the ends on the back. I like the look of bundled cloth so I didn't make the fabric stretch against the cardboard. When I was satisfied with how it turned out, I glued a square piece of cardboard on the back of the T and then two Command Strips (specifically these) on that. Then I stuck that baby to the wall!

I have to say, I'm happy with the outcome! What is also cool about this DIY is that you can alter the design to your liking and use it for parties, decorations, or cute little handmade gifts!

If you haven't check out Young House Love or Spearmint Baby, then I suggest you do. Also, go ahead and participate in YHL's Winter Pinterest Challenge!

-Tyler Anne (aka Chick Tyler)

DIY: February Doorhanger + Some Love

It's February first! You know what that means!!!!!!! (My excitement level should be obvious. I mean, look at all of those exclamation marks!) Today is the beginning of one of the best months. It's a time you can tell your loved ones how much you love and appreciate them without seeming like you're a crazy! This month I will be doing a lot of DIYs to spoil your special someone(s). The first February DIY I did (here) was a month-long gift and so is this one!

All you need for this DIY:

• A paper bag (I used my leftover bag from P.F. Changs)
• Sharpie
• Scissors
• Tape (I used some of my washi that I got from Target)
• Matte Photo Paper & a Printer (optional)

What we are going to make is a little doorhanger that will hold cute, little sayings and reasons why you love someone. Each morning on the way out that person can reach into this bag/doorhanger and pick out a little slip! Hopefully that will start their morning off with a little cheer.

What I did first was cut the bag in half from the sides and then at the middle fold. This leaves the two handles and the top parts intact. Set those two pieces off to the side and use the rest of the bag to make your cute sayings. Remember to make at least 28 sayings for the 28 days of February. (I actually made 30 plus a few hearts.)

I didn't kill myself over making perfect squares or designs on each piece. I like the handmade vibe. 

After you make these you can move onto the hanger.

Take one side with the handle and flip it over. Unfold the sides and then tap the back part up. Next take the washi and seal the bottom. This will make the side into a little bag. I also used the washi and used it as a little decoration.

Next I decorated the front with some goofy things and a LOT of washi. I kind of turned into a spaz.

(That says You Are Supreme!)

When you're done put your sayings in the bag and hang it on a door! Also, don't mind my washi taping job. I got excited. But the great thing about cutting the bag in half from the beginning is that you have a handle left over to make another one if you want to!

I hope you enjoy!

-Tyler Anne (aka Chick Tyler)

Project Teaser

I am working on a post that involves living room fun, mini DIY projects, and recycling common household items! Basically, inexpensive ways to be happier with your living space.

So here's a sneak peek until tomorrow! Get excited!