Storage Bins on the Cheap

Every once in a while, there are subtle signs that your current storage solutions are somewhat inefficient and perhaps could stand a review.

Welcome to my cat bed craft cabinet.

I needed new bins, but I couldn't find any that fit the space perfectly, so let's make some, shall we?

First, I measured the shelf, which was 36 inches wide, 15 inches deep, and 17 inches high,

 

Enlist the aid of one of your willing Minions to cut scrap cardboard boxes. We're going to make three bins for that shelf, so they need to be 12 inches wide, 16 inches high, and 15 inches deep.

This translates into:

6 rectangles 16"x12"

6 rectangles 16"x15"

3 rectangles 12"x15"

Do yourself a favor and mark them.

Now, put them together to form a topless box. We used packing tape on all the seams and then did some reinforcement.

Lay them flat to get the first seams, leaving a small gap so that the corner has room to fold.

And you'll end up with three boxes...

...which your daughter will draw strange faces on for some bizarre reason.

 We're going to use a $3 Walmart twin sheet for this. But wait! This was formerly curtains in the house, so I'm calling it free.

Cut the header, that big hem at the top of the sheet, right off. Hang onto it though.

The box measures 54" around and 16" high, so we're going to cut three strips of fabric 58"x20", making sure we have a hem in one of the 20" ends.

When using sharp objects, always make sure you have proper feline supervision.

The faces, while disturbing, did add a gleefully macabre note to the next step.

Mod Podge time!

Slather that first side but good.

Start wrapping the fabric around the box, pulling tightly and smoothing as you go.

Turn the box and do the next side; repeat until your ends meet in the back.

Lap the hemmed edge over the raw one and glue it down.

Fold the excess fabric over the bottom, securing it with Mod Podge, the smear a generous coat over it to seal the raw edges.

Now coat the rest of the box with Mod Podge and let it dry.

Once that's dry, fold the excess at the top of the box in and seal it down with the MP.

That big fat hem we cut off the sheet? Turn it inside out, which will look right side out. Seriously. You'll see.

Told ya.

Using a serrated knife, cut two slits in the front of your bin for a handle 

I cut 12" lengths of the turned hem, threaded them through the slits, and knotted them on the inside of the bin.

No sew, no cost.

No kidding.

Made from left over boxes and an old sheet.

Pardon me, I have two more to finish, and then a ridiculous amount of fabric to stash.