In an effort to de-clutter, organize, and basically freshen up my work area I’ve been on the prowl for projects I can do that require no money on my part because they use up the supplies I already have. Yesterday I was going through my supplies and cleaning things up after a project and found that I was out of little plastic organizers for my embroidery floss. These little guys are so helpful in keeping my floss box (as I fondly call it) neat and organized, but they cost money. Using salvaged cardboard and one of my plastic organizers as a template I created a simple and easy replacement that saved me a couple dollars, and I made it entirely with supplies I already had lying about the apartment. Not to mention they now have that ‘me‘ flare and my floss box feels more personalized.

Supplies:
1. Cardboard (the best is from soda cartons or dry food boxes)
2. Embroidery Floss
3. Rubber Cement
4. Pencil
5. Scissors
6. Scrapbook Paper Scraps
7. Floss Organizer (for template) or draw up your own design!
8. (not pictured) Hole Puncher-optional

Step 1:

Step One:

Trace your template onto your cardboard. I try to fit as many as possible onto one piece. This limits your waste and gives you the highest return on pieces. Make sure to leave a little room between them to allow for the next couple steps.

Detail:

Cut the pieces out into squares. I like to wait till later before cutting them down to their actual shape. This makes the next few steps easier.

Step 2:

Step Two:

Using your rubber cement (or any other adhesive you have lying around) afix your cutout with your tracing facing out. This helps you know where to cut. Make sure you let the glue dry fully before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3:

Step Three:

Cut out your template a second time, cutting as close to the cardboard as possible to maximize your scraps and minimize waste.

Step 4:

Step Four:

Now it is time to cut out the actual piece. Cut along the line you traced, including the hash marks where the end of the floss will go. I included the hole punch at the top because some organizers use this feature. Mine are kept in a box so optionally you could leave the hole step out and it would still look great. It all depends on the look you are going for.

Step 5: Finish!

Finish:

Once you’ve completed all the steps it is time to wind up your floss! I especially loved the paper I chose for this project because of its vintage and ephemera feel. It gave my floss box an antique look. With the vast amounts of scrapbook papers out there, there is no end to the styles you can create with this simple project.

What’s great about this idea is how it can be adapted to other uses. You can use it for loose sewing thread, or scan in your template, enlarge it, and then make ones that work for excess yarn. The supply list is cheap even if you don’t have the stuff already lying about and it is a great way to personalize your notions.

For more inspiration, DIY and fun check out thistlesandleaves.com