Recycling for Organization

Here is a handy little tutorial to help with organization. It helps to keep all those loose magazines in order.

All you need is a box a bit wider than your magazines. I used an instant potato box.

Cereal boxes work good too. Just make sure that your box will hold your magazines. Also, when you buy your box, ask for a paper bag. You will need that for this project.

Cut the bottom off your paper bag, remove any handles and cut along the seam to open up the bag.

Now scrunch your cut up paper bag into a ball. Put the ball under running water and keep on scrunching til all the paper is wet.

Carefully unscrunch the paper and smooth out. Let dry. While your paper is drying, cut off the top of your box.

On one side of the box, measure up 3". Draw a straight line across the side of box. At the top, from the opposite side, measure in 3" on front and back of box. Mark the spot. Connect the straight line and this mark to make a diagonal line across the front and back of box. Cut along these lines.

When your paper is dry, starting at shorter side, glue paper around box leaving some at the top and bottom to fold over.

I used a bookmaking glue, but spray glue works well too. Make sure that you use it in a well ventilated area. Smooth down the paper as you go to prevent air pockets. Cut off any excess paper and glue top and bottom edges over.

Now take a bit of your excess paper and cut a piece to cover the shorter side where the edges meet. Leave a little extra on each side edge to fold over.

Mark your edge and score the line to get a crisp fold. Fold on score line and smooth edge with bone folder.

Glue in place matching up edges with front and back of box. Fold over and glue top and bottom.

Now for the embellishing! Scrunching and wetting the paper gives it a leather look. To enhance that, I used some of my distress ink.

I also used a paper stitching ruler and poked holes along the top and sides to further enhance the look.

I used a twine type of thread and a large eye needle to "sew" the edges. You can also use 6 strand embroidery floss. A pair of needle nosed pliers will help to pull the needle through.

When you are done, you have a beautiful and inexpensive holder for magazines! You can also use contact paper, fabric, burlap, etc.... The ideas are never ending to personalize your magazine holder!

Ta daaa!

Now, how do you go through enough boxes of instant potatoes for your magazine holders? Here is one quickie recipe that my family just loves! So easy to make for those days when you don't have alot of time to cook too!

Quickie Shepherd's Pie

1 lb hamburger

1 deep dish pie shell

1 can cream of mushroom soup

3-4 Tbs milk

6 servings of instant mashed potatoes (use directions on box to make)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In skillet, brown hamburger. Drain grease. Add mushroom soup and milk. Stir until meat is covered in soup mix. Add to pie shell. Make 6 servings of instant mashed potatoes. Add cheese and stir. Cover meat in pie shell with cheesy potatoes. Place in oven for 25 minutes or until potatoes are lightly brown and set. Let cool 5 minutes and serve!

I usually serve this with a salad. It makes a great meal when you are in a hurry! Sorry, no pics! It usually doesn't last long enough!

How would you embellish your magazine holder?

Posted @ Tatertots and Jello Weekend Wrap Up Party

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