Use Cardboard Scraps To DIY A Versatile Countertop Storage Solution

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Have you recently started planning an organizational project in the kitchen only to be deterred by the cost of the materials you need to pull it off? It's time to get crafty. There's one material that most of us already have in abundance or is free for the taking. In fact, it's in such plentiful supply that people often toss it in the recycling bin without a second thought. We could be talking about clever ways to repurpose plastic in the garden or turning old tuna cans into vintage-inspired countertop décor, but we're not. Instagrammer @diywithkha uses scrap cardboard to create a versatile corner kitchen countertop organizer with shelves. Bonus: you can flip it on its side and use it as a desktop file organizer.

To get started with this DIY, you'll need some thick, flat cardboard. You could upcycle a large box — perhaps the one your most recent Amazon delivery arrived in. Or you could buy some Zonon Flat Hard Corrugated Cardboard Sheets online — a 50-pack of 12-inch by 12-inch sheets costs about $25. You'll also need some sharp scissors, a hot glue gun, and a Scotch Wrinkle-Free Glue Stick. You'll cover the bare cardboard with decorative paper for protection and to add a bit of style — it pulls double duty by holding the organizer together more securely. Go cottagecore with this Gethelud Flowery Pattern Paper Pad for about $9 or choose paper in a hue that complements your existing kitchen décor. Whichever direction you go in, you'll need to get enough to cover the entire organizer.

With your supplies, gathered, you're on your way to keeping kitchen counters clutter-free with this decorative solution. Start by cutting two pieces of cardboard for the back of the organizer, making them as tall as you wish. Next, cut your four squares with one of the corners cut flat. These are your shelves. Finally, cut six risers — each should measure one-third the height of the back pieces — to slot between each of the shelves, holding them in place. You can play around with dimensions of your organizer, making it smaller or larger than the one @diywithkha created. If you decide to go bigger, it may be worth investing in some heavy-duty cardboard.

Once all your pieces are cut, assemble your shelf, securing the pieces in place with hot glue. Use the glue stick to adhere the decorative paper to the unit, cutting tabs to fold over and disguise the raw edges of the cardboard. Line the top of the shelves last. Your organizer is complete!

You can add adhesive embellishments, like this pack of assorted Shynek Pearl Stickers, to glam-up this countertop shelving unit, or line the shelves with contact paper or fabric. This MelunMer Gold Ginkgo Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper gives total art deco vibes. You could mix and match patterns or use textured paper. You could even play around with the shape of the shelves' front edges — for example, you could round them off or add a lip. This organizer isn't just useful for your kitchen countertop. Use it inside cabinets and deep drawers, or in your laundry room for detergent pods and stain sticks. Turn it on its side and pop it in the pantry for snack bars, drinks packets, and gravy mixes.