Card Making Supply Organizer DIY Craft Project Idea for $5

I have a friend who has a birthday coming up very soon. I wanted to make her something that was thoughtful, practical, and looked awesome! Since I know she loves to make cards, I designed and built her this card making supply organizer. It's perfect for holding card making supplies!

 

That way she can have the necessary tools easily accessible when she wants to make a card for someone. 

 

The back section is 13" wide so it is plenty large enough to hold scrapbook paper, and even a paper slicer!

The middle row has two sections for various sized envelopes. You could also use one section for envelopes and the other section for embellishments like gems, stickers, and brads. In the front, there are three sections. That way you have a place for pens/pencils/markers, a place for glue, tape, and adhesives, and a place for scissors and small punches.

I am glad I wrote down how I made it because I think I'm going to make myself one!

Ok, here are the easy to follow instructions. If you have never made anything out of wood before, I'm hoping you will be able to make this. This is totally easy enough for a beginner. Especially if you get one of the nice guys at Home Depot to cut the wood for you!

Normally I don't have them cut my wood for me but it has been in the 20s this week. I don't have a cozy warm wood shop, so I would normally drag my table saw or my miter saw into the front yard to cut/build something. I wasn't really feeling like it with all the snow and cold. Nah, I just let Home Depot cut it for me and they did a pretty good job!! And they cut it for free! SO WORTH IT!

So here is your cut list:
1x8- cut 3 pieces that are each 13" long
1x4- cut 2 pieces that are 13" long
1x4- cut 7 pieces that are 1.5" long

Other supplies you need:
sandpaper (and an orbital sander would be helpful!)
stain
drill/drill bits/philips head bit
 8- 1.25" screws
wood glue
ruler or tape measure
clamp or an extra person


Please note-
the actual size of a 1x8 is .75" x 7.25"
the actual size of a 1x4 is .75" x 3.5"
(WHY DO THEY DO THAT?)

How I figure it costs $5 to make this project:
1x4x36.5"@$2.05 for 8'= $.70
1x8x39"@$9.85 for 8' = $3.50
8 1.25" screws at $.04=$.32
sandpaper, stain, glue=$.50
Total= $5.00

So this is how the wood looks when you get it home from Home Depot. Isn't it pretty?! (not pictured- 7 1.5" 1x4s).... if you have never picked out wood before, try to pick out the wood that is the straightest and has the least amount of knots and imperfections. When you have cut out your wood, find someone who works in the lumber department and just ask them to make the cuts for you. You might want to show them your cut list. I've never had them charge me for cuts. I think technically it is posted that they charge .50 cents per cut but I think they just do that so that they can charge you if you are being a jerk or something. Also, I am pretty sure all the Home Depot's cut wood for free in Utah, but I'm not sure about other parts of the country so you could always call them and ask before you go there.

First, you need to sand your wood. Pay close attention to the ends where it was cut.

I'm using a Black and Decker orbital sander. It's really nice because it has a filter so it helps on the dust output! And, to replace the sand paper, you just cut a sheet of sandpaper (pretty much any brand!) into 4ths, so it saves you money because you won't need to buy a specific expensive shape of sand paper. I love it and have been using it for a few years with no problems.

I am a huge amazon prime fan! I signed up for their affiliate program so I will get a (very) small percentage if you shop using my links. I will only recommend items I have tested and totally love. If you are looking to get a sander please use this link for the Black and Decker orbital sander.

Next, stain the boards and let them dry. The stain I am using is Minwax Provincial.

I just checked and right now, Amazon is selling the stain cheaper than Home Depot. Here is the link. 

I am a huge Minwax fan. I love it because it colors fully using just one coat and it's super easy to apply!

Take a look at this diagram. It shows you how much space to leave between your four 13" long vertical boards. To attach them to the bottom board, use wood glue and 1.25" screws. I used 2 screws for each board. I predrilled my holes with a tiny drill bit and then used a larger bit to drill in about .25" to allow my screws to countersink. It worked well.

 Glue all the edges before screwing them together.

Don't forget to predrill your holes!

 

After you predrill your holes with a tiny drill bit, use a larger drill bit and drill over the same hole about 1/4". This will help the screws be able to countersink, or be flush with the wood. You can fill in the holes with wood puddy if you want, but because all the screws are on the bottom, I didn't. No one would see them anyway.

If you get a little glue in between two boards, wrap a wet paper towel around a ruler or butter knife.

When you are working on the smaller boards, a clamp will help hold it together while you work.

I really like my Irwin Quick Grip. A lot. I use it all the time. Well, technically it's my husbands, but I use it waaay more than him. It's awesome because you can use it with one hand! I have the 24" one, but you could probably use a 12" one for most small projects.

After you have attached your 13" boards to the bottom board, glue in the 1.5" section dividers. The glue is plenty strong enough to use without nails for this purpose.

If the section dividers are too large, try sanding them with 60 grit sandpaper! Or else cut new ones to size with a saw. Push down the dividers and then let the glue dry. 

 All done!!!

Lots of DIY love,
Jessica