Got a spare bread box? Here's a few tips and instructions to help you make a desk organizer set from most any type of bread box.
Sometimes when we replace household items it's hard to figure out what to do with the old one. It could be the old one is in pretty good shape - you simply wanted a new one. Most of us hate to throw out something that still has some worth but we also hate to store it and let it accumulate along with dozens of other items. Recycling, when possible, is one solution to the problem. When it's time to buy a new bread box don't throw away the old one. Use it to make a unique desk organizer. Make room for the box on your desk and add a few things to it to make it more of an organizer. If it's the type of bread box that has a door in front it's perfect for this project.
Paint the box if it says "BREAD" on it anywhere. If the emblem is on a glass door of the box print a new sticker to affix. Or cover the window with a piece of cloth or cork. Cork comes in handy when the door is closed to pin notes and small photos. Cut pieces of cork to put on the sides of the box as well. It's your choice if you'd like to remove the door from the bread box or use it as is. Inside the bread box glue a cd holder on the bottom. The cd holder should be the type that puts the cd's in a row, one behind the other. Use this area to store cd roms, paperwork or bills. Instead of the cd holder you can make two partitions. Use sections of cardboard, pieces of wood or even styrene sheets to make the partitions. Glue the bottoms of the partitions to the bottom of the bread box for 3 separate compartments. It's not absolutely necessary to make compartments; you can use the storage area as is for paperwork.
On top of the bread box you can make room for additional storage. Make a small railing out of dowels, cardboard or pieces of wood. Glue them around the sides and back of the top of the bread box. This will prevent the items from falling off the back of the box. You can also glue a paper stacker or file holder onto the top of the bread box for storing paperwork and bills. Put a back on a cd holder using a piece of cardboard then glue the holder to the top of the bread box.
Instead of making storage room on top of the bread box simply add another bread box. Glue them together to make a double-decker set of storage boxes. Cut one piece of cork that will cover each set of sides. This will give the appearance of one storage box with two doors. The bread boxes need to be identical to complete this particular project. If the bread boxes are different they can still be attached with the smaller one on top.
For bread boxes that have a removable lid use the lid to hold business cards or cd roms and the box for index cards and small paperwork. This gives you two separate organizers. Turn the lid upside-down and glue in thin pieces of wood or cardboard for separators. Do the same for the box but it's not necessary to glue them. Simply cut them the size of the box to where they fit snugly then slide them apart when more room is needed in one particular compartment.
