Mod Podge Storage Box

By Noreen Doll.

Use a sturdy shoe box to make a Mod Podge storage box.

You can cover the box with wallpaper or colorful designer paper to make it look nicer on your shelf.

Shoe boxes can hold quite a lot, and their rectangular shape helps them fit on a shelf.

Materials.

1 Shoe Box with Lid

Wallpaper Sample Pages – or other Paper to Cover the Boxes

Mod Podge

Sponge Brush

Glue

Directions.

1. On the ends of the box where there are 2 layers of cardboard, gently pull the layers apart and add a thin layer of white glue between them. Let dry.

I used heavy cans to press the box layers together for 40 to 60 minutes after adding the glue. Then I removed the cans and allowed the glue to dry overnight.

Gluing the boxes like this makes them very sturdy after the wallpaper and Mod Podge have been added.

2. Cut the papers for each side of the box you want to cover, including the box lid.

I cut the pieces just a little larger than the area I’m covering so I have a little extra to work with – except for the box lid, where I cut the paper smaller than the lid.

Have ready any smaller decorative pieces you will be using.

If the paper you’re using is thin, check the tip at the end of the article.

2. Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge over the entire side you are covering.

Quickly and carefully lay the wallpaper on the wet Mod Podge and gently slide into position. I lined up the top and one side, allowing the excess paper to hang over the bottom and the other side.

Firmly brush your hand (or use a brayer) over the entire surface, working from the center to the edge, to adhere the paper and remove bubbles.

3. Once the paper is in place, and while the Mod Podge is still wet, use scissors to trim off the excess paper that hangs beyond the edge.

Wash the scissors blades while the Mod Podge is still wet. I wipe the blades with a damp paper towel and then wash

Or if I’m busy with the box, I stand the blades of the scissors in a cup of water to keep the Mod Podge from hardening on them.

4. If you are adding small decorative pieces to the surface, add them now.

Brush enough glue onto the wallpaper surface to allow the small pieces to completely adhere to the wallpaper.

I slide them around a bit to make sure they are fully glued.

5. Use the sponge brush to add a thin layer of Mod Podge over the entire top of the surface where you added the wallpaper and small decorative pieces.

Make sure all the wallpaper edges are adhered to the box. If you need to, gently lift any unattached edge of the paper and slip a bit of Mod Podge underneath.

Let dry.  I often use a small hairdryer to speed the drying process. And then let the box sit for at least 30 minutes before proceeding.

6. Cover each surface of the box in the way described above, until all surfaces have been covered.

I also brush Mod Podge into the corners of the box.

7. Repeat with the lid.

8. When all the sides of the box are completely dry, add 1 more layer of Mod Podge over the entire box where you’ve added wallpaper, covering an end and a side at one time and allowing to dry.

10. Allow the box to dry at least 48 hours.

Then take it outside and spray it with a thin coat or two of clear acrylic to seal the Mod Podge so it won’t stick to things.

Enjoy how nice your craft area looks with these decorated boxes lining the shelves!

Tips

One tip Mod Podge Rocks offers is to lightly spray both sides of the paper you are applying, with clear acrylic – letting each side dry –  before attaching it to the box.

This helps keep it from wrinkling while you are working.

Noreen Doll

Crafty Journal