Sustainable Faux-Leather Storage Box
I’ve always been one of those people that saves everything and anything that remotely resembles an art or craft supply for the possibility of it being used in a future project. Some of these poor, neglected materials sometimes sit around for ages waiting for their shining moment and today, thank the stars, the “Creative Bug” strikes again!!!
What will we be doing, you ask?? We are going to control the chaos that hoarding saving all these things has created! And, if you are anything like me, you will most likely already have everything you need just laying around on one of the countless piles covering every surface in your apartment.
The idea today is simple; we’ll be transforming a plain ol’ boring shoebox (or something similar) into a fancy-pants faux-leather storage container. If you recently bought yourself a brand-spanking-new pair of vegan leather shoes and saved the box then you’re in luck. No box? No worries! I'm willing to bet you have at least one box lying around from that mega online retailer known for delivering your items in boxes three sizes too large.
Aside from that, you’ll need paper grocery bags (or kraft paper), glue, paint, and a couple of brushes (one for glue, one for paint). That’s it, it can't get any easier than that!!
In part two we'll decorate our box even further and we'll explore other materials but for now, let's get started!
Materials
Box - Shoebox or similar
Brown Paper Bags or Kraft Paper
Adhesive - You have many options here but the key is that you should be able to easily brush it on. I am using PVA glue but you can use something made specifically for decoupaging, Mod Podge, or even wood glue (keep in mind that this may not dry clear). Just don't use a glue stick, you need your glue to be wet and spreadable!!
Paint - One color is enough but if you want more dimension I'd choose one or two more in the same family. I think acrylics are a great option for this project but the idea is that you use what you have at home so don't worry too much if you don't have this type of paint. Actually, you can even use shoe polish!!
Brushes - One for painting and one for glue. I have an assorted pack that includes foam brushes, those are very inexpensive and you won't be too sad if you forget to rinse them off once finished!
Paper towels or a rag (an old cotton T-Shirt is a great alternative)
Instructions
Step 1 - Scout and Gather
Choose your box and rally your materials.
Step 2 - Prep Your Paper
A) Tear your bags or kraft paper into large-ish but manageable pieces. IMPORTANT: Make sure there are no straight edges; perfection is not invited to this party!
B) Crumple all your pieces of paper into little balls and open them back up. You want lots of creases and wrinkles so repeat this process as many times as you want until you're happy with the result; I did it twice.
Step 3 - Glue, Glue, Glue
Now comes the fun part! Apply some glue to your box, a section at a time, and adhere the paper to it. Be sure to overlap the pieces a little so every inch of your box gets covered. If you find it hard to spread the glue, you can add a little bit of water to make it runnier. IMPORTANT: Don't overdo it or it will take forever for it to dry!
Step 4 - Paint with Passion
Once the glue has dried it's time to paint! Thin down your paint with some water and apply it to your box, again, work in sections. Use your rag or paper towel to dab the excess and build up the color until you get the desired effect. You can do this with a single color of paint or, if you have more, alternate your paints to achieve a more distressed, worn out look. PRO TIP: If you find that the paint is drying too fast and you can't remove it easily, sprinkle or spray some water on your box before applying the paint.
Step 5 - Seal the Deal
Once everything is fully dry apply one final coat of glue over the entire thing and let dry again. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
And there you have it—a striking faux-leather box ready for your pens, markers, trinkets, or dreams. This isn't just about organization; it's about giving new life to the forgotten and crafting beauty with our own hands.
Why stop at one? Dive back into your collection and let the transformation continue. Before you know it, your space will not only be organized but filled with pieces that tell a story of creativity and conscious living.
Join us at Ana Fiero as we explore more ways to blend art, sustainability, and adventure into our daily lives. Because together, we're not just crafting—we're making a difference.
Don't forget, your creations are what make this community a vibrant tapestry of ideas and inspiration. Share your upcycled faux-leather box or any other sustainable art projects with us. Comment below, share your pictures on Instagram, and tell us your story. When you do, use the hashtag #AnaFieroArt so we can all marvel at your contributions. Your imaginative spark might just be the catalyst for someone else's next masterpiece!
So, get creative, share your genius, and join the movement towards a more beautiful, art-filled, and sustainable tomorrow.
Share the Love: If you enjoyed this transformation as much as we did, spread the joy by sharing this post with friends, family, and fellow eco-enthusiasts. Let's inspire an upcycling revolution, one chic storage box at a time!
