Use Popsicle Sticks To Turn An Old Shoe Box Into The Cutest Storage Basket

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There is so much potential in an empty shoe box. The sturdy cardboard, matching lid, compact size — it's a DIYers dream. While there are plenty of ways to use old shoe boxes as unique wall decor, this project is as functional as it is decorative. With a pack of popsicle sticks and a sheet of fabric, the box gets a facelift, turning it into a chic modern storage basket. To round out the materials list, you'll also need hot glue and a scissors or utility knife.

The great thing about this DIY shared by Instagram user @_onossoape31 is that it's customizable. Instead of the standard popsicles sticks, switch it up with jumbo or thin size versions. If you're not a fan of the raw wood look, embrace your favorite colors. You can find popsicle sticks in vibrant rainbow hues and light to dark wood shades, such as Mr. Pen Colored Popsicle Sticks. Then you can elevate the design without having to paint or stain each stick.

Just as important as the sticks is the fabric, which serves as the lining and top half of the basket design. With a wood-tone lower half, the textile could be colorful or patterned and it will complement the overall look. If you're using colorful sticks, try a fabric with a neutral shade, matching hue, or simple print to keep it cohesive. Unless, of course, maximalism is your aesthetic. Then by all means, layer on the color and prints. This is a simple yet stylish storage solution you can DIY from cardboard, and it works to organize various items.

For this creative way to repurpose shoe boxes, the first step is detaching the lid from the base with the scissors or knife. Then trim the lid's edges so it can fit snuggly inside the shoe box. Once it's the right size, cover one side with your desired fabric. Simply cut a fabric sheet roughly 1 inch bigger on each side than the lid. Place the cardboard in the center of the fabric, add hot glue along the edges of the board, and fold the fabric over to secure it in place.

For the base, hot glue the popsicle sticks vertically all around the sides. Ensure there are no gaps between the sticks and that they meet the bottom edge of the box. If you need to slice any sticks to evenly cover the sides, you'll need a straight edge and a sharp blade. Lightly mark where the cut is needed with the straight edge and repeatedly score the line with the blade until you get a clean break. This extra step requires patience so the wood doesn't crack.

After all the sticks are in place, you'll need another sheet of fabric to cover the top half of the popsicle sticks and inside the box. Place the hot glue midway on the sticks, attach the fabric, and push it inside the base. Finally, insert the fabric-covered lid. For extra pizzazz, attach handles. Recycle old cabinet handles or DIY some with braided twine, or a wooden dowel and leather end loops, like Lereati Leather Drawer Pulls. Now you have a chic storage basket to style on a shelf or tabletop.