Wall boxes

Nothing I am showing you here is my invention. These exact things are available from a number of online and mortar and brick shops. I have also seen them with covered backs in various blogs and magazines.

Where I took a turn in Albuquerque was in deciding I would build them myself.

These wall boxes were built with some of the leftover trim from my “closet“. You remember this wood was saved from going to the garbage. I thought it was time to use it instead of just having more clutter to fight with.

This is as easy a carpentry project as it gets. One only needs to have a basic grasp of measuring. Before anything I drew the plan for the boxes with the measurements I wanted (taking wood thickness into account). Then to the easy part:

1. First, I cut the sides.
2. Assembly time: Glue and brads is all is needed.
3. I filled the gaps with putty and sanded, sanded, sanded.
4. Then paint.

The backs are pieces of cardboard covered with fabric and Hardcoat Mod Podge (for easy cleaning), then stapled to the box. You can use store-bought hardware for hanging. I made my own with wire, wire cutter and pliers. I also applied double-side tape to the back for extra safety.

For the boxes I used the same acrylic paint I used elsewhere in the room. I am keeping with my basic palette of blues and greens. But in the Swiss Army Room, which besides being my office during work hours, is also the guest room and my sewing/craft room, I wanted to pay homage to my favorite design element: fabric.

I am allowing myself to go a little nuts with fabric.

Aunt Clara