After a trip to the grocery store, my friend Holly (blogger and extraordinaire behind Coconut Head’s Survival Guide) was inspired by her purchase of clementines to challenge a couple of her blogging friends to a crate-off. The challenge was simple, transform the clementine crate into an object of your choice using whatever materials and skills you possess.
I knew from the outset that the odds were stacked against me. Although I occasionally manage to craft something successfully (check out my fleece wreaths that turned out pretty good by my standards), arts and crafts are not my strong suit. But hey, I’m a Wondermom Wannabe and the only way to get promoted to Wondermom is to put forth some effort so I enthusiastically agreed to the clementine crate makeover challenge.
Since I didn’t have a lot of confidence in my abilities, I didn’t want to spend any money on this project so I committed to working with items I already had on hand.
Easy Clementine Crate Makeover for DIY Storage
Supplies:
- Clementine crate
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- Disposable containers (mine were from the deli turkey slices we buy)
- Duct tape
- Scissors (for cutting the duct tape)
The process was pretty simple. I pretty much covered everything with duct tape. I covered all the surfaces of the crate along with the toilet paper rolls and the rims of the disposable containers. Then, I arranged the toilet paper rolls along the edge of the crate and placed the containers in the center. Finally, I placed all of my daughter’s “office” supplies in the clementine crate/desk organizer. Here’s what it looked like when I was all done:
She was so tickled about having all of her supplies so neatly organized and easy to access, that I converted another crate into a matching “inbox” for her desk too.
If you like this project, you’ll love what the other bloggers created. Check out this clementine crate converted into a comic book holder from Susan at Organized 31.
And Holly from Coconut Head’s Survival Guide blew us both away with this “clutter catcher” she created to match the a trunk she has in her home.
I hope we’ve inspired you to do something innovative with your next clementine crate rather than tossing it in the recycle bin. Be on the lookout for future craft-offs. I have a feeling this was just the beginning.
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Hannah says
I know i’m late commenting, but I absolutely love this! I am motivated to get my daughters pencils, crayons and markers etc. together. Thank you for this!
Wondermom Wannabe says
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! This was a fun project to do with the kids. My teen daughter made her own and filled the whole crate with toilet paper tubes. It reflected so much more of her personality than a plastic store-bought bin. I hope your project works out for your daughter!
Jessica Beal Harlow says
This is such a great way to organize all that weird desk clutter that accumulates! I can never find a pen, the scissors, tape, or post-it notes when I need them. And, Clementines get eaten up quickly at my house!
Jennifer Wagner says
That is amazing. And you said that you didn’t have confidence in your abilities. I love the first one. It looks professional.
Susan says
Corinne, you underestimate your crafting skills. Your crate turned out wonderfully. And your daughter’s happy reaction to her office supply organization crate is the proof. So, onto the next challenge!
Mari Corona says
Wow what a great idea!! must share and save for later use thanks 🙂
Cynthia L says
I am so in love with this crate! I bet your daughter was jumping for joy when she saw this. I love that you used duck tape, I am sure it will make the holders stay strong for a long time! Perfect! Off to see the other creative crates!
Joanne says
I love this!! We buy tons of clementines when they’re in season! As a matter of fact, I’m having one right now. Great post! Very creative!!
Lakesha Davis says
This is awesome!! I would love to have one of these for my kids playroom, but have no time to create it. I would definitely pay for something like this!!!!
Lakesha Davis says
This is awesome!! I would love to have one of these for my kids playroom, but have no time to create it. I would definitely pay for something like this!!!!
Christy Garrett @ Uplifting Families says
This is a great idea, thank you so much for sharing.