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Sunday, July 25, 2010

Computer Component Corral

In my nearly 22 years of living with the man, my husband and I have a major impasse:  my need for serene, wire-free surroundings, and his insistence that these ugly things must be easily accessible, and therefore in plain site. I was not in any way happy with this corner of my workspace, but stashing them on the bookcase with that tangle running out the back was not up for discussion. What to do?
Recycling to the rescue! For this project, you'll need:
1. Three or more sturdy cardboard boxes. Capris Sun cartons would work as well. I just happened to have a few days weeks worth of wine boxes on hand.
2. Hot glue
3. Spray paint
4. A straight edge
5. Marker
6. Ribbon
7. An exacto knife
First, choose a front and a back and line your boxes up.
Draw a straight line down all of the boxes about 1 inch from the sides.
Since this is my front, I also drew a line across the length of each box about 1/2 inch from the edge.
Repeat the lines on the back of the boxes 1 inch from the sides. Do not do the 1/2 inch lines.
Now, we're going to cut within the lines very carefully. Not opening up the sides completely will give your boxes stability and added strength. Think of it as load bearing cardboard.
Be as precise as possible, but don't worry about the rough edges. I have you covered there.
Stack them and check your work.
Perfect.
Grab your color choice and let's head outside.
With the backs up, give your boxes three light coats inside and out, then flip them over and do the fronts. Allow to dry completely.
Fire up the glue gun and stack your boxes, using a liberal amount of glue so they're firmly together.
I used aqua grosgrain ribbon for this in two widths. Hot glue a length of the thicker ribbon across the seams where the boxes are joined.
The thinner ribbon went across the final lip at the top.
Now wrap and glue ribbon around the stack on both sides, covering the raw ends.
And you're done!
Adequate ventilation for him, organization and hidden cords for me. Once again proving that wine solves everything.
Or in some cases, Capris Sun.
And it does look good with the mousepad and the coaster.
Visit thecsiproject.com

30 comments:

Sara @ Russet Street Reno said...

Creative! Too bad I can't make this with wine bottles, I have about 4 dozen of those laying in my basement.

The Autocrat: Haley said...

I've been following your blog for awhile now, I would have to say you drank all that wine in a few days! LOL j/k . . . What a great idea and the best part- it was free!

Amanda @ Healthy House on the Block said...

Great way to use up what you have! Very creative solution - I need a solution too (for computer messes!) Wonderful job, Sunny! :)

Judy @ In His Grip said...

This is a great fix and getting those studry boxes empty I bet was even more fun. Great idea! Thanks for stopping by "In His Grip".

Heather{Our Life In a Click} said...

I'll drink to that!

Anonymous said...

Nice! How very greeeeen of you to recycle. That looks much better than the strewn electronics I have...

Unknown said...

Love it! That looks 1000x better! And yes, wine does fix everything, lol!

~Chelsea

Mandy's Creative Corner said...

How perfect! Thanks for the inspiration, I have the EXACT problem =)

Sarah @ The Pumpkin Patch said...

What a great idea!! I can't believe you made it from cardboard boxes. I'm super impressed!

Thanks for linking to Messy Monday!!

Leanne said...

Very, very clever. I'm hosting We're Organized Wednesday this week and would love for you to join. There's a great giveaway too. Hope to see you there.

Life in Rehab said...

Girl, I NEVER miss your party! I'll be there with bells on.

Christine (iDreamofClean) said...

You are so smart! Very creative. It's funny how such a simple thing can be so good for your marriage :-)

Amy said...

Very creative!!! i love that is saves space and keeps you organized! Thanks for sharing!

Robin Ange said...

I can not believe that these are made from wine boxes! Awesome Upcycling. Thank you so much for linking up!

Life in Rehab said...

Hi Robin, glad you like them! They were a total "eureka!" moment.

Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...

Soooo clever!! Love it!

Homemade Heather said...

Love it! I too battle with wires {aka the husband} all the time!! Thanks for linking up! P.S I love your new header!!! LOL

Tru said...

Clever use of these boxes.

Staci J said...

HaHa!! love it! That's such a clever idea, and I LOVE the aqua on black!
Visiting from justsewsassy.com
Come by and check out my fun giveaway:)
http://justsewsassy.com/2010/08/03/tuesday-tutorial-anthropologie-knock-off/

Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking said...

I would have never guessed they were boxes! Great job reusing :)

Leanne said...

No one would ever know those were boxes. They look great. Thanks for joining We're Organized Wednesday. I hope to see you again. You're entered in the giveaway too.

Unknown said...

Great re-use! What a fun idea!

Thanks for linking up at www.simplydesigning.blogspot.com

Kathryn said...

Great idea!

AUDRA said...

What an great idea!
I wish EVERY thing was wireless!

Its A Blog Party said...

Such a great idea! I love it!
Thanks for linking up!
~Liz

Anonymous said...

What great idea to reuse/ recycle!!!! I love it! Such creativity!
lifeofperk.blogspot.com

Jessica @ Saving Money Living Life said...

My computer cords at my office drive me nuts- I love the idea of making a home for all of it! Great job. Thanks for stopping by our blog on Friday and linking up- we love having you participate!

Leslie said...

What a FABULOUS idea! I love it! Thanks for linking up to Hoo's got talent!

Jane @ The Borrowed Abode said...

Wine DOES solve everything. EVERYTHING! :) I was searching for this post because in tomorrow's tutorial I need to give you props for being another cardboard magician.

Monique said...

Very creative and earth friendly too.