Upgrading old shoe boxes

Since we have moved in into our new apartment, I am constantly collection ideas on how to improve my work room. So far I have a simple desk (even without drawers) and good old solid shelves that cover one wall. And all my supplies are lying on those shelves. Some in cute boxes I bought, some in even cuter tin boxes I got as a present, but the majority - in shoe boxes. And it's not because I am too lazy to get new craft boxes, I just believe that those shoe boxes are very useful and good quality. They are perfect size and anyway - why throwing away, when we can reuse?

But I admit, the shoe boxes do not contribute to the room decor. And so I have decided to upgrade them a bit - wrap them in paper. However, the regular gift paper is too thin and is torn easily, so what I took leftovers of wallpaper instead.

Our craftstore Kreatima sells the leftovers of fantastic designed wallpaper for super low price. And so I bought some.

 Then I took my show box, paper glue, scissors and a tape.



The first box will have the honor of being wrapped in my favorite wallpaper.

I started with cutting the wallpaper and glueing it to the bottom of the box.

Then took care of the corners - just like wrapping a gift.

Try to be accurate - you want to use those boxes for some years :)

Do the same with the locks, but don't wrap the paper on the inside of the lock, it will be too thick to easily close on the box. Try to glue and tape the paper very tight. But sometimes, when the wallpaper is of good quality and quite thick (like the one I used), it is unavoidable that the lock will be a bit too small for the box. Well, I have the cheat solution.
Cut two corners of the lock and neatly wrap them with paper and tape. It will look very neat, and your box will have a perfectly fitting lock :)

Here you go. I have done 2 boxes so far - 5 more to go.

What do I use them for?

Mainly for storing of supplies or ready made items.

And the locks are perfect to take item pictures on! Simple faded pattern is perfect for creating an atmosphere.



































And since it's not flat - it creates levels in the picture, that shows items in a more vivid and attractive way.

Nursing necklaces

Those of you, who follow me on Facebook, know that i have launched a new collection of crocheted chunky necklaces. One can call them nursoing necklaces - they are indeed a must for every breastfeeding and bottle feeding parent, but they are just a lovely exciting statement accessory.


 Latte and turquoise nursing necklace on TomBjornDesigns

These necklaces are 100% natural and ecological, they are nice to touch and a sweet to look at. Itäs completely safe for babies to touch and chew on - itäs made of ecological cotton and unfinished wooden beads. Nothing else.

I have done many of those now (preparing for the Christmas market, and I love playing with them. sometimes I take a handful of those crocheted beads and start mixing them with each other, discovering new color combinations :)

Here is the link to my new section Chunky Bubbles

New Photosession

Yesterday I decided to finally make my once favorite necklaces available in my shop again.

This design was very popular in my shop last summer, and last month I came upon small amount of similar beads - and here we are. And yes, I know, we have fall now in Sweden, but I must think about my Australian customers too :)

Still October

It's berry time!

And I am going berry-wild!

Meet my Poisonous berries necklace!

And something less poisonous. Made of vintage beads - love giving old stuff new life :)

And something really juicy indeed - new berry pendant. also from a vintage bead.

Autumn

October. Fantastic colors of the countryside. Probably my favorite color combination

More photos - on my facebook page