Extra Space Storage Caddy

One of the newest dies designed by Eileen Hull for the latest Chapter 3 collection is one called the Card Caddy.  It is a scoreboard die that, makes it possible to create substantial holders with many purposes.  Here is a version with extra storage to be used on a desk or craft table.

View inside storage caddy 

The very first project I created was a mail caddy. It’s constructed by making three caddies and connecting them together. The design of this die is open to many combinations for books, albums and various holders.  

The project for this post uses my original idea but taken to an expanded look. 

By connecting finished caddies together, you are able to configure some lovely decorative containers for many different storage needs.  Make them to fit you color scheme for a crafting area.  The side pieces that close the caddy sides, can be used to make dividers; add one or more or none.  A handle can easily be added for carrying if desired.  

Let the making begin...

• It all starts with choosing papers for covering the mat board. 
• Cover each side of the mat board with coordinated papers of choice with double sided adhesive. (NOTE: it is possible to cover the mat board with papers or using napkins and collage medium. This process may cause the mat board to warp but it can be straightened by pressing between parchment paper and heavy books.)

• Cover 5 pieces of mat board for each of the 5 caddies. One extra piece of mat board may be needed for the side pieces for each caddy, or extra dividers if desired. 
• Die-cut the caddy shape  and sides from covered mat boards.

• Construct the caddy boxes, adding the two sides to each. (NOTE: Some of the paper layers on the tabs can be carefully removed, if desired.)

• Complete the construction of FIVE caddies. (NOTE: three for the center section, two more that will be the end caddies on each side.)

The 3 center caddies. Add one more on each side. 

Finishing the storage caddy

• (Refer to top view photo for caddy alignment and handles.)
• Add twisted wire handles, if desired.

• Add embellishments of choice, such as fibers, ribbon, trims, flowers, etc.
• Add feet to the bottom corners, if desired. 

IDEAS:

Instead of covering the mat board with decorative papers on each side, try napkin collage, old magazine page collage, painted mat boards with stencil designs, texture paint on the outside facing side, gel print the boards, fabric cover the boards boards on one side. Cover one side of mat boards with vinyl contact sheets  to give a protective surface to the inner side of the caddy boxes.  

The width of one finished caddy is slightly wider then the width of three caddies glued together. When connecting them, as in the project shown, then extra width is not really noticeable because of the embellishments wrapped around the entire piece,  if desired, trim a scant 1/8” from each side of the die-cut piece before creating the caddy box.  

Materials Used

• Mat board 
• Coordinated Decorative papers
• Double-sided adhesive sheets or roll 
• Heavy duty glue (Beacon 3-in-1)
• Extras for embellishments 
• Ink
• Wire