August 30, 2010

5 Wall boxes


Nothing I am showing you here is my invention. These exact things are available from a number of online and mortar and brick shops. I have also seen them with covered backs in various blogs and magazines.

Where I took a turn in Albuquerque was in deciding I would build them myself.




These wall boxes were built with some of the leftover trim from my "closet". You remember this wood was saved from going to the garbage. I thought it was time to use it instead of just having more clutter to fight with. 

This is as easy a carpentry project as it gets. One only needs to have a basic grasp of measuring. Before anything I drew the plan for the boxes with the measurements I wanted (taking wood thickness into account). Then to the easy part:



1. First, I cut the sides.
2. Assembly time: Glue and brads is all is needed.
3. I filled the gaps with putty and sanded, sanded, sanded.
4. Then paint. 

The backs are pieces of cardboard covered with fabric and Hardcoat Mod Podge (for easy cleaning), then stapled to the box. You can use store-bought hardware for hanging. I made my own with wire, wire cutter and pliers. I also applied double-side tape to the back for extra safety.



For the boxes I used the same acrylic paint I used elsewhere in the room. I am keeping with my basic palette of blues and greens. But in the Swiss Army Room, which besides being my office during work hours, is also the guest room and my sewing/craft room, I wanted to pay homage to my favorite design element: fabric. 

I am allowing myself to go a little nuts with fabric.



Something else that is new here is the new cover for my cutting table. So long ugly vinyl!

I also painted an old magazine holder, which I am using to keep my basic sewing and crafting tools at hand when needed.


It's a very slow process these days, but I am slowly transforming my creative space. Working is a lot more pleasant when we like the environment. 

Do you work from home? What have you done to make for a more pleasant work environment?

(Shared with some of the fabulous parties linked here)

5 comments:

  1. Love the boxes and you really are one creative and handy lady.I have an old wine box in the shed I maybe just inspired to get creative now! Great post. Bet your office will be fab. Sinead
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  2. Very beautiful! I've been wondering whether you can cover fabric with something to make it easier to clean. Thanks so much for the tip! -EJ-
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  3. Love the boxes Clara, those prints are very cool with the aqua painted frames.

    Your creative space is looking good.. I am working on mine!
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  4. I just saw boxes like this in a home decor magazine! Love them :)
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  5. Very cute! I love the added color and pop on the back, it's such a fun addition!

    Great job!
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