This project is one of my favorite types - one that re-purposes, recycles, and reuses odds and ends we have sitting around our homes taking up space in their boring original states. I tried to take what I learned at summer camp a long, long, time ago and make the basic project a bit more stylish, worthy enough to sit on my desk. I made the letter organizer by using 3 video tape sleeves and the pencil holder from, you guessed it – an orange juice can. No Popsicle sticks, crayons, or construction paper were used to complete the rest of this desk set.
If you can still find any of these video sleeves laying around your house or perhaps at your local thrift store you will need at least 3. You can use more, depending on how many sections you want your organizer to have. You want to use the same type of sleeves as they have different notches along the edge.
Gather:
Video Sleeves
Tacky Glue and sponge brush to apply it evenly
Decorative Gift-wrap
Self-laminating sheets
Ribbon, enough to weave through the top edge and to tie into a bow
4 Large beads
Hot Glue
1. Simply line up the notches on the video tape sleeves and glue them together with tacky glue. Let dry.
If you have followed my blog for awhile you know I am a big fan of clear self-laminating sheets. It not only protects the paper, but gives the project a more finished look.
2. Measure a piece of gift-wrap, wallpaper, or decorative paper large enough to wrap around the glued together video sleeves. Laminate the paper with a sheet of clear self lamination.
3. Brush tacky glue all over outside surface of the video sleeves. Wrap paper around as you would a gift. Trim along top edge.
4. Using a hole punch, punch a hole around top edge every inch. Start in the front and work to each side around to one of the back corners. This way if the holes are not evenly spaced when they meet it will be in a corner and less obvious.
5. Find the center of your length of ribbon. Starting from a back hole weave the ends around top edge in and out thorough the holes, one end going to the left the other to the right until they meet in the center front. Bring the ribbon to front through the same hole and tie ends in bow.
6. Hot glue 4 decorative beads onto the bottom.
The finished desk organizer.
For the pencil holder. Follow the above steps to cover an orange juice can. Punch the holes and weave the ribbon in the same way. If you don’t want a bow, just bring the ends into the inside of the can and tie into a knot. Cut excess.
Hot glue the beads to the bottom of the can and your done.
I am linking this project to:
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Very pretty! I need to do something for the pens, pencils and those types of things on my craft table. Right now I’m using a plastic cup! Time to check out the recycling can I think.
[Reply]
Whoa! I can’t believe that beautiful box was made from crummy old VHS boxes! I am IMPRESSED and jealous of your crafty skills! :p
[Reply]
Ooooh, almost forgot! I just found your blog and think your layout is beautiful :)
[Reply]
Diane Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Thanks – I just had it tweaked a bit. I am working on some new features and pages also.
[Reply]
Popped in from SITS! You do gorgeous work!
[Reply]
Cute set, we better be using those boxes, they are already almost vintage!
[Reply]
Diane Reply:
May 13th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
I know, when I was writing this post, that thought came into my mind. They probably are already vintage. If you don’t have any you can also try using 3 small food boxes, like dry pasta, or a box around the same size as the video sleeve. You would just have to cut off one side of each box and then glue together.
[Reply]
Love the colors! Great idea….especially with the VHS sleeves (& feet).
[Reply]
What a neat idea! Using those old cases is great!
[Reply]
Wow, I would have never thought to use VHS sleeves. Looks great, very cool!
[Reply]
Wow!!! Those are so adorable!!
Thank you for your very sweet comment and thank you for stopping by and making my SITS day so awesome! :)
[Reply]
Congratulations Diane!
You have great imagination and good taste.
It is a wonderful and original idea.
Kisses and hugs from Barcelona
[Reply]
Very creative!! I love how you reused of VHS sleeves!! Great idea!
Thanks for linking up!!
[Reply]
This is so clever and creative! Love this idea! Super cute. Thanks so much for joining the Sunday Showcase. I greatly appreciate it! Hope you are enjoying your week. ~ Stephanie Lynn
[Reply]
This is very clever. I love it! I will be featuring this in my wrap up. Thank you for sharing. See you next party!
~Gay~
itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com
[Reply]
wow..what a great idea…i have those casette thing in my parents house…have to go and get them some dy..this is very cool idea..thanks for charing..:D
Hugs,
Mirja from Finland
[Reply]