A little crafty project to share on a Sunday afternoon. Crafts make me happy! I made an ABC Sorting Box from materials I got at Hobby Lobby. I'm going to have the kids sort different pictures and small objects by their beginning sounds.
Here's how I did it:
I found these cardboard Advent calendars in the Christmas Craft aisle at Hobby Lobby. They are $12.99--but 40% off. Never pay full price for anything at Hobby Lobby! It will go on sale eventually.I also used some cheapie craft paint and paper scraps.
First I painted the box.
I did not paint the insides. I quickly painted along the edges. I did not worry too much about being perfect. I wanted it to have a time-worn look like kids have been playing with it for years--so the more messed up, the better!
I covered my drawers with scrapbook paper, but you could just as easily paint them. I cut my paper into 2 X 2.5" pieces (the drawers are roughly 2x2", so that gave me a little to wrap around the sides.)
I used a 1" hole punch to punch out the little notch. If you don't have one, you could use an exacto knife (but I highly recommend getting one. I use it SO much in my classroom).
I glued the paper on with my favorite glue: Scotch Quick Dry Adhesive. I trimmed up any extra paper with an exacto knife. I also used an emery board to sand them a little (a paper crafting trick but completely unnecessary!)
I used puffy letters from the scrapbook section for the drawers.
Yes...they're a little wonky! The M's barely fit and I could only fit the uppercase W. And because it's an advent calendar, there are only 25 drawers. So X and Y have to share. But it's still pretty darn cute. So, now I'm on a mission to find little trinkets. I have a few--there's a bucket, bird, bottle and balloon.
I also found some on ETSY:
Grab Bag of charms, trinkets, nic-nacs, doodads, beads (50)
I also found these on Etsy and now I want to make some of these, too!
Somebody stop me now...
OH MY GOODNESS!! These are all so ADORABLE!!! I need way more time before school starts so I can get creative!! :)
Posted by: Brandi Wolfe | 08/07/2011 at 08:31 PM
I have been looking for the hardware drawers with the right number of drawers. Now I am so glad that I didn't find them. Your version is much cuter! Off to Hobby Lobby...
Posted by: Eilis | 08/07/2011 at 10:43 PM
So very cute! You are motivating me into creative school mode!
Posted by: Amber | 08/08/2011 at 05:19 PM
I need to get to hobby lobby!! Those drawers are PERFECT and exactly what I was looking for. I have a tub full of little trinkets/toys like that. Thanks for the creativity and idea! They are super cute :)
Posted by: Judy Lau | 08/08/2011 at 11:40 PM
I just loved your ABC boxes. I wanted to buy the ABC tubs from lakeshore learning, but I love these! I actually used some of my old barbie stuff to put into the boxes. Who knew it would come in handy?! Thanks for the awesome ideas!
Posted by: Kate Merian | 08/09/2011 at 05:23 PM
I made 2 I Spy bags similar to these. I put small objects in one and letters in the other. Love your letter sorting idea!
Posted by: Diane | 08/09/2011 at 06:04 PM
Kate...I just saw your box on your blog. Very cute!!
Posted by: Kathryn | 08/09/2011 at 10:40 PM
This is SO cute! I've been thinking about making something similar for my boys (we homeschool). I have a collection of miniatures from when I was a kid that would be perfect. Also, we've made eyespy bottles with recycled pop bottles, quick and cheap. My husband just twists the cap on extra hard so it's over threaded and there is no way it's coming off. I just found you by searching for "kindergarten" on Google Reader. Love your blog!
Posted by: Gabrielle | 08/12/2011 at 11:42 AM
I love this! Thanks so much for sharing :) I featured this on my blog today, feel free to check it out & grab a button!
http://artsyfartsymama.blogspot.com/2011/09/pinterest-feature-friday.html
Posted by: Lindsay | 09/02/2011 at 02:29 AM
Love the idea! I would love to make one but don't know if it would turn out quite as cute! Even consider selling it on etsy?!?
Posted by: Erin | 09/17/2011 at 03:45 PM
i love this!
Posted by: Rebekah Begg | 01/08/2012 at 03:03 PM
This looks like such a fun idea. Its great for teaching the alphabet.
Posted by: Kaylee's Education Studio | 03/17/2012 at 03:55 PM
I love the ABC box - got to go to the craft store over spring break!
Posted by: Diane | 04/06/2012 at 07:59 AM
Brilliant ideas - please DON'T stop!
So inspired now - can't wait for Monday to put these into action.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Posted by: Tracey Lloyd | 11/10/2012 at 03:53 PM