Inside: Make your own custom storage crates using Mod Podge; perfect for playroom storage and they fit in IKEA shelving units!
September sounds like ‘organize all the things’ right? At least it does to me 🙂 So when we partnered up with the fine folks at Plaid to use one of their signature products, Mod Podge, for our September Monthly DIY Challenge, I knew I wanted to do a project that was fun, simple, and enhanced my storage and organization. I thought I’d share how to make your Custom Numbered Storage Bins with Mod Podge!
Supplies for Custom Storage Crates
*uses affiliate links
- Small wooden crates (I used four of them)
- Polka dot fabric
- Silhouette Cameo
- Fabric Blade for Silhouette Cameo
- Matte Mod Podge
- Foam Brushes
- White Acrylic Paint
- Minwax Stain Cloths in Natural Oak
Alright, let’s get down to business. I started with these super basic, shallow, wooden crates from Home Depot. I think I paid $6.50 for each one. They are from the Crates & Pallet retailer – they sell a whole whack ton of different types of crates, so you can definitely find ones to suit your space. 
My first step was to sand my crates down lightly and go at them with some Minwax Wipe-on Stain in Natural Oak on the front and back and Folk Art acrylic paint in white on the side slats.
For my custom number graphics, I used my Silhouette Cameo and some polka dot cotton fabric. I simply used my machine and my fabric blade to cut out the numbers 1 thru 4. Each was about 4″ high and 2.5″ wide or so. If you don’t have a Silhouette Cameo, you can certainly trace numbers onto fabric with some chalk and cut them out using small craft scissors.
From here, it’s fairly straight forward!
One smooth coat of Mod Podge (not too thick!) where you’d like to adhere your applique. Use a foam brush for this part to minimize your brush strokes. 
Then press your applique down with your fingers and smooth it out just right. You’ll have a bit of time to re-position it, but not too much, so try to be as accurate as possible when you first lay it down.
Now let it dry for about half an hour or so. And make sure there aren’t any bubbles or stringy bits still on your fabric. 
The final step is to seal your fabric appliques with one final coat of Mod Podge. I actually did two thin coats. If you are looking for a super hard seal, then just keep applying thin coats, but remember to let them more or less dry between applications.
And ladies and gentlemen – that’s all! It really is THAT simple. I like working with Mod Podge. It’s basically glue for adults. But it’s still non-toxic and totally safe for young crafters too. My niece loves it.
They make all sorts of finishes. I stuck with the Matte Finish for this project to keep my wood tone front and centre, but there is a Glossy Finish, Glitter Finish and there is even Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge if you’re interested in creating ceramics. I’m hoping to do some fun holiday gifts using that this year!
Alright, you totally know the drill by now. This is a Monthly DIY Challenge, so you get to hop along with all my best bloggy tribe friends to see what they were able to create with Mod Podge!
Update! These crates are SO incredible. We’ve since updated P’s nursery and moved our bright pink credenza in there and we moved the Kallax hack down to the playroom. These storage bins now live in my home office to catch my every day office items. They are honestly, the most versatile little storage bins!
Recommended Reading
- Blushing Bombshell Storage Credenza Makeover
- Ikea Kallax Hack and Review
- How to Hang a Floating Office Credenza
Here are some other posts you might like!
This post has been sponsored by Plaid and may contain affiliate links. See our full privacy and disclosure policy here.
