Memory Box Makeover

So I have a problem, I like to save things. It causes clutter and it drives my husband crazy, but there are just those things that I don’t want to get rid of- things that remind me of a great trip, a romantic dinner, a thoughtful card… you get the idea. Anyway, I had this ugly shoebox holding most of those types of random things from when my husband and I started dating– 7 years ago.

THIS IS THE UGLY SHOEBOX BEFORE:

I finally decided to do something about the ugly box when I was cleaning up the office, and I had an idea of a way to do a simple “makeover” without spending a lot of time or money. So here it is, the memory box makeover. Simple, Quick, and Cheap!

AFTER:

Here’s what you’ll need:

* Shoebox

* Roll of Contact Paper (I found mine at Home Depot, for $7)

* Scissors

* Construction paper, tape, & any type of embellishments to decorate your finished box.

Before you begin, here’s a little tip about the contact paper, it’s not super tacky which is great because you can peel it up and reapply it if you lay it down crooked, or if you see an air bubble. The most frustrating part of this project for me was the air bubbles. Just go slow when you are adhering it and make sure to smooth it down as you go to avoid air bubbles.

Step One: Measure the box base and cut the contact paper to fit. (Use the handy guides on the contact paper to make straight cuts).

Cut the contact paper to fit the size of the box from the base up to the sides.

Peel the protective paper off and pull up the sides to adhere it to the box. Be sure to smooth the paper as you apply it, otherwise you will end up with a bunch of air bubbles!

To fold the corners over, make a small cut right at the edge of the corner, then fold the contact paper to the inside of the box.

Now that the base is finished. Repeat the same steps for the top of the box.

Cover the top of the box, then cut small incisions into the corners to fold each flap in.

Close Up of Edge Cut

Fold the edges into the box top.

Your finished with covering the box. Now for the fun part, decorate it with a stamp, sticker, or any embellishments you may have lying around. I chose a MEMORIES sticker ($1) that I adhered to a piece of blue construction paper.

Memory Box Makeover Complete!

Crafty Candleholder

I was at the $1 store and found these scouring pads. I was going to use them to distress paper for another project, but realized when I opened them that they were not rough enough. The material was really soft and pliable. I started pulling at it and thought it could work as an interesting cover for something…

I found a plain clear candleholder that I already had and it worked perfectly. I ended up with this really cool candle holder.

 

Here’s how you can do it to!

Supplies:

*Candleholder

*Scouring Pad/Sponge (I used a silver one from the $1 store, but the copper kind will work too)

 *School Glue

*Paint Brush

 

Supplies

 

 

Mix the glue with a little bit of water. Paint the glue all over the vase.

 

Stretch the scouring pad out so that you can get it over the vase. Pull it over the entire vase until you are happy with how it looks. 

 

Stretch the scouring pad.

 

 

Scouring pad stretched around the candle holder.

 

 

Let the glue dry (at least 2 hours). Although it takes awhile to dry, the school glue mixed with water is the best because it will dry relatively clear and not goopy looking. Then, put a candle in it and admire your work!

 

Candle holder complete

This craft cost me $1, because I already had the candleholder, the brush and the glue!

I’d love to know what you think! Leave a comment and let me know if you liked this craft. And, if you try it, send me a picture and let me see how yours turned out!