Studio Project: Map Wrapped Boxes

Oh. my. word.  Have I really been working on my Studio since July?  Geez louise.  In my defense, I had to wait to get this awesome Vittsjo shelf from Ikea, did some garage organization, reorganized my pantry, reorganized my linen closet, finished a complete bathroom overhaul, and had to deal with the holidays, so at least I did manage to get some things accomplished.  But, the main reason I haven't finished the studio is because the leftover things that need to be organized is all the piddly stuff that don't have "homes".  So, this is why this last part has been a struggle.  I accomplished some things in the room last week and finally came up with a game plan, so *hopefully* that will get done very soon.  

Some of you may or may not know, but I loooooooooooove maps.  Love them.  Always have and always will.  I used to stare & study them and daydream about where I wanted to go.  And since I'm a lover of maps, I've managed to gather a good collection of them (and they were all free! You can get them from your hotels, when you get a rental car, AAA.  I just grab them when I see 'em).   Anyways, I had some old photo boxes that had a nice palm tree pattern on them.  They were still in good condition and although the palm tree pattern isn't bad, it just doesn't fit in with my decor.  So, the boxes were just sitting around, not being used to their full potential.   

So, I grabbed a couple of maps and used them to cover the photo boxes.  On one box, I used Mod Podge, which was a bit of a pain to get the air bubbles out (they never completely came out, so it's a good thing maps have lines - helps hide the bubbly bits) and the other box, I used double-stick tape and a bit of Mod Podge on the edges.  This 2nd process was much easier, by the way.  I just cut the pieces for each side (the maps weren't big enough to wrap the boxes like you would a gift - I figured that you don't ever see the bottom of the box, so I left the bottoms "as-is") and stuck the pieces on.  The boxes already had the metal plates on them, so I used an Xacto knife to cut the paper around it.  Then, I slapped on a label and called them done. 

Now I can use them for much-needed storage, all while they sit there looking pretty awesome.  I'll just have to try not to stare at them & daydream and actually get some projects done.

Originally posted by Adventures in DIY