Storage containers from yard sales :)

I just love my new storage container finds I got on my Saturday yard sale trip. In the photo below, you can see my three slender glass containers that I got for $2.00 total (2 were for $0.75 each and one for $0.50 cents!)  I put noodles, elbow macaroni and split peas in them. The other containers are what I got from previous sales. I use them for sugar, corn meal, rice and more pasta. I have one fat empty one at the back waiting for some flour :). The very first one on the back has my packets of Martha White's blueberry muffin mixes!

Glass containers from yard sales and store sales

Oh, and by the way, I recycled this used ice bucket (photo below) to put my spoons and spatulas in. I hate digging up a drawer trying to find a spoon or spatula.

Reycled ice bucket

It is so much fun to hunt for containers and other knick knacks but I have this obsession that I have to boil everything possible, so these containers had very hot,soapy baths for a few days before I decide to put my food in them.

Yardsale find and storage bench makeover

So this past Saturday,my hubby and I were just checking out a few yardsales and we came across this old bench.The top was an ugly colored vinyl and the bottom were two doors with no keys to open them.The previous owners apparently could not open the doors so they sort of ripped the top off.It was such a mess when we got it but we could not pass the deal we got because she told us that if we gave her $5,we can have it.My husband grabbed it. Originally,he was thinking of selling it over but asked me first if I wanted to keep it.I told him we can keep it so we brought it home and fixed it.We had to take off the ugly vinyl and remove the top from its hinges.Yes, you can see that stained sponge padding.We cleaned it and then I got some fabric from my stash and we recovered the top.Hubby took some Old English Leather and shined up the wood.Now, it is sitting on our front porch :). Not a bad deal for $5 ;)

Upcycled fabric covered box

I know I have not posted in a while but with Spring Cleaning and Easter break for the kids,I've been pretty busy.So to make up for this lapse,here is a tutorial I created today to show you how I recycled a mailing box.
Here is what you need:

• a sturdy box
• scissors
• fabric
• glue gun
• spray adhesive (or any fabric glue you desire)
• cardstock paper
• embellishments
• measuring tape or ruler

First cut the flaps out. Measure your box and cut your fabric for each side.Since my box was a square,I  cut 4 pieces that were 7-1/2 inches.I added an extra inch so that it can lap over. I did not use fabric for the bottom of the box.

Next, using spray adhesive, glue the fabric pieces to each side. Center the fabric so that there is a little extra on all sides.Fold over each piece to form a seam before adhering. Whenever you are folding over,make it triangled so that it looks a bit neat-sort of like when you are gift wrapping.
Note:Whenever you are using spray adhesive, do it outside or a well-ventilated area.You do not need to be breathing in any of those fumes.

Next, you fold the top excess of fabric on the inside of the box.Do the same for the bottom of the box.

Measure the bottom of the box and cut out a piece of cardstock and glue.I used hot glue because I was using paper and fabric but you can use fabric glue or the spray adhesive.

 Next, measure the inside of your box and cut 4 pieces.I measured my height and added an inch extra so that I can have a folded hem.Glue the pieces and crease the folded hem that is overlapping.Glue the hem.

After I glued the hem, I then added a piece of lace trim and rosette as embellishment.

There you have it!I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.