Kids Craft Idea: Upcycled Toy Storage Containers

Toys! They are everywhere in my house! What is the perfect solution? Instead of recycling all those cat litter containers, turn them into toy storage!

During a recent bedroom remodel, as I sorted through the teeny, tiny to the large and in the way kind of toys, I knew my two daughters needed more storage space. Then I thought of the cat litter containers that I've been saving for the perfect decoupage moment and I found it.

I love to scrapbook, but I also enjoy getting messy with gooey and sticky decoupage. And better yet, I could enlist the help of my children to assist me with my latest Glue Dots project.

Supplies:

• 4 cat litter containers, clean & dry
• Glue Dots® Dot N' Go: Removable & Poster
• decoupage
• kraft paper (leftover from Christmas packages)
• scissors/paper trimmer
• tape measure/ruler
• assorted cardstock
• circle punch
• acrylic paint
• paint brushes
• markers

1. Measure containers and cut kraft paper to size.

2. Apply decoupage in small sections and adhere the kraft paper to each plastic container, smoothing the paper as you go. (I chose to keep the paper crinkled since it was faster and easier to do with children. If you prefer a smoother surface like I did on my puzzle photo blocks, see the variations at the bottom of this post.) Trim the edges as necessary and apply a top coat of decoupage, paying close attention to the edges. Let dry.

3. Paint over the kraft paper and allow drying time.

4. Punch out several circles of coordinating cardstock and adhere each circle to the containers with the Removable Glue Dots® Dot N' Go (This was a perfect task for my two-year-old). By using Removable Glue Dots®, the design can easily be changed in the future.

5. Create labels for each container or download and print the photo below. Use a paper trimmer to cut the labels and have your child use markers to color them.

Print full size on 8.5 x 11 white cardstock. Yes, you have permission to use the above labels for personal use.

6. Adhere the labels to the storage containers using Poster Glue Dots®, which can be removed for new labels as toys come and go.

And there you have it! An easy, eco-friendly craft to do with your children on a weekend that serves a mighty purpose...toy organization!

 

Variations: 

• Cut the kraft paper in small sections and use decoupage to apply each to the container, smoothing and removing bubbles before applying the next piece. Also see Thinking about life and a decoupaged door, where I show my decoupaged scrapbook storage container.
• Lightly sand, prime and paint the plastic storage containers instead of using decoupage.

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You may also be interested in:

• How to Make a Super Fast Mini Scrapbook Album 
• Wedding Favor Idea Using the Kanji Symbol for Love 
• How to Make Cupcake Toppers for a Birthday Party

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating on the Glue Dots design team.

Thinking about life and a decoupaged door

We swirl through life learning from the past, seeing a myriad of things and hearing stories that make us smile, cry or fume. Things that we once believed were true, in one single instance, can turn false and our perception of reality is forever changed. That is life. We are here to learn and that knowledge often comes from the written word.


I've always had a love affair with newspapers and don't mind when the tips of my fingers turn black. I like to tear out the articles or photos that make me think or want to learn more. Books, newspapers, magazines and now the internet is jam packed with useful information (and some complete nonsense). I can't imagine life without these four outlets of knowledge.


I had two boxes of assorted articles saved until the day I decoupaged a kitty litter storage container. I cut the articles (somewhat) neatly, painted on the adhesive and adhered each article and photos to the container. Now I have a simple container for my scrapbooking supplies that didn't cost me any money.


After this fun, little activity, an idea popped into my head to decoupage the basement door. I still had a huge assortment of articles I wanted to see and share with others. After choosing articles and photos that my family can relate to and learn from, I started adding them to the door.


Articles were adhered to border the door and then I worked toward the center, adding photos along the way. The process took a few days, about an hour or so each afternoon when my house was quiet (my alone time).


After covering the entire door, I waited 24 hours and then applied a top coat of decoupage. And then I thought about what I could decoupage next! I am pleased with the results. It's not perfect, but it's something to talk about and my seven-year-old has asked many questions about the headlines and photos, so I know the purpose of my project has been fulfilled.


Newspapers/Magazines Used: The Toledo Blade, The Cleveland Plain Dealer and Parade Magazine.