Baby Shower Gift, Teddy Storage Box

Sunday, July 12

Oh my gosh!! Making these open ended storage boxes has become addicting.

Ideas are pouring out of my head.  Boxes for kids. Even for pets. Pack for a picnic and go. Water in top and food in bottom.

These two in light green are for babies or young children. Would make an excellent baby shower gift. The two 5″ plastic containers inserted in top and bottom can be filled with small toiletries or baby items. Lids can be left on or removed.

I am making a set in blue macrame cord and pale blue teddy bears. And will probably do one in a bright color to store crayons. I have the cutest crayon buttons I am dying to use.

Oh… and back to one for pets. I also have some cool doggy buttons which would look great sewn to one of these.

Ideas… and more ideas!! What would you put in one of these boxes? How would you decorate it?

Button Lover’s Storage Bin

Sunday, July 12

The idea for this open storage bin came to me by accident.  I had a pile of cut macrame cords. All one yard.  The project I had planned to use them for ended up requiring 2 yards.  So… what to do with the one yard cords?   Not much you can do with them. Since they yield about 7 or 8 rows of knots tops.

I decided to try making a container with an open top and bottom.  I have a box of plastic containers I bought two years ago which would fit perfectly in the opening.

Making this round box was simple. You need macrame cord and metal rings. I used 6mm braided cord and 5″ welded metal rings.

When finished, I was thinking, it would be great for storing buttons. Or.. Why not sew buttons ON IT!! Lucky me. I have lots of buttons to choose from and settled on these gold, ivory and brown ones. Buttons I have been collecting for years. Extra buttons that came with my business suits, blouses long gone, coats from late teen years.

Hand sewing buttons is tedious and boring. But I know of no other way to get them attached.  I made a game of it. Sew 10 buttons. Go for snacks. There are approximately 75 buttons on the box and lid. I took pictures as I made the lid so I will do a tutorial on how to make it.

There are two plastic containers. Top and bottom. Perfect for storing buttons, sewing supplies or other knick-knacks.