Design Happens

If you’re anything like me, then you probably love crafting but don’t have the skills to take on those drool-worthy projects you see online. In this monthly series, I will share easy-to-do crafts that will wow your friends, get your creative juices flowing and bring out your best DIY skills without making you want to pull your own hair out.

For this month’s project, I will show you how to create a stylish, chevron-patterned magazine file. Whether you need it for your office or dorm room, these simple steps will transform your ordinary storage containers into a chic conversation piece.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• cardboard or plastic magazine files (or other storage container)
• spray paint in desired color
• measuring tape
• painter’s tape
• pencil with eraser
• foam brush
• acrylic paint in desired color

Here’s how to do it:

1. Tape off sections you don’t want to spray paint with painter’s tape.

2. Spray paint the magazine files, from left to right, until covered. Let dry.

3. Measure the height and width of your file, and lightly draw 4 equidistant columns and 6 equidistant rows to create a grid (for example, if your container is 12 x 36, you will have 3-inch columns and 6-inch rows).

4. Lightly draw a line connecting the top left corner to the bottom right corner in the first and third columns, and draw a line connecting the bottom left corner to the top right corner in the second and fourth columns, creating a zigzag pattern.

5. You can tape off every other zigzag line with painter’s tape to prevent any mistakes, but I was feeling brave and decided to freehand it. Paint every other zigzag line using the foam brush and acrylic paint in your desired color. Let dry and apply a second coat for the best results. Erase any visible pencil marks, and repeat steps for each side of the container.

Give this project a try (if I can do it, so can you!), and let us know how it turned out in the comments below.

Give These Other Easy DIY Crafts a Try:

• DIY Chalk Party Labels
• Ombre Dip-Dyed Gift Tag
• Pendant Centerpiece