Every day I pick up “bits and bobs” around the house and I am never sure where to put them. Therefore I decided to make a fun DIY storage box for this random stuff with no home, using old jeans and a cardboard box.
I actually covered two boxes in denim and made them a bit more fun, by stenciling some words onto them. Just like I did with my denim draught excluders.
I stenciled one DIY storage box with the word “BITS” and the other “BOBS”. “Bits and bobs” is a popular term for random stuff in the UK.
This was an Ikea hack, as I used two Ikea Pingla boxes for this project.
How to Make A Denim Storage Box an Ikea Pingla Hack
I could’ve used any old cardboard box, but the Ikea ones were the exact size I wanted (not too deep). They come in a pack of two. This was perfect as it ensured I had two matching storage boxes.

I got the idea from some fabric wrapped storage boxes I’d seen on Pinterest. However, I wanted to add more to my DIY storage box by lining it (like with my vintage map suitcase) and adding a fun stencil.
This is such a cheap and easy way to get some fun, handy stylish storage for your “Bits and Bobs”. It was actually featured as one of the top 100 Easy DIY Projects of 2018 on DIYIdeacenter.
This denim craft is also featured under the letter B in the list of A to Z of denim crafts.
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What you need to make a Denim DIY storage box
- Ikea Pingla Storage Box – You can use other cardboard boxes of a similar size.
- Pair of adult jeans
- Repositionable Spray Mount Adhesive
- Fabric for the lining – You can use a nice craft fabric, an old shirt or even burlap. I used a yellow patterned craft fabric.
- Bulldog clips or clothes pegs.
- Needle and thread.
- Letter Stencils
- White Acrylic Paint
- Small paintbrush

How to Make A Denim DIY Storage Box
1. Firstly, if using an Ikea Pingla box, then make it according to the instructions on the base. (Don’t bother making the lid you will need this later)
2. Next, measure the circumference of the box and the height. Then cut the legs of your jeans to fit.
I cut along the seam line of the jeans. This will give you a nice edge on the base of the DIY storage box. You want the width of your jeans to be at least an inch more than the height of the box.
One jeans leg will not be long enough to wrap around the box so you will have to sew two together.

3. Next, to make two denim handles for your DIY storage box, cut the waistband off the jeans and cut 2 pieces about 15cm (6 inches) in length.
Wrap the jeans leg around the box (don’t glue at this stage but use clips to hold in place) and mark where the handles will go. Fix the waistband handles to the leg either by using a grommet tool like a Crop-A-Dile, or stitch them on.

4. Next, you can fix the denim to the cardboard box. Spray the cardboard box with the adhesive, and wrap the jeans around the box as you go.
Making sure that the seam of the leg is flush with the bottom. Use bulldog clips or clothes pegs to hold it in place as the glue dries. Trim the overlap inside.


How to line your DIY storage box
If you want a more rustic look you could use burlap (hessian) to line your box. I have also lined a festive wicker hamper in a similar way too.
1.. First, I cut my lining fabric to the circumference and height of my box. Allowing for a seam allowance and some overlap. You may need to sew two pieces of fabric together to get one long enough.
2. Then, fold over the top edge of the fabric to make a small hem, and iron it flat. Attach the fabric to the inside of the box using the spray adhesive.

3. Next, cut the cardboard meant for the lid so that it fits just inside the base of the box. Again use the spray adhesive to cover one side of the cardboard with your lining fabric and place it inside the box.


Stenciling the denim DIY storage boxes
I love to add personality to my crafts and upcycles and one of the ways I do this is by stenciling words onto them.
As these boxes were for my “Bits and Bobs”, I stenciled BITS on one side and BOBs on the other. You can, of course, stencil what you like you may want to put “STUFF” or “THINGS” on the side of the box.
I just used individual letter stencils and white acrylic paint to stencil my words onto the box. I used a small brush with a dabbing motion.




Denim Storage Boxes

Fun upcycled denim storage boxes with stenciling
Materials
- Old Pair of Jeans
- Cardboard box (such as IKEA Pingla)
- Letter Stencil
- White Paint
- Fabric for inside
- Spray adhesive
- Cardboard for the base of box
Tools
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Clothes pegs or bulldog clips
Instructions
- Measure the sides of the boxes and cut the legs of a pair of jeans to fit with a seam allowance
- Make 2 handles out of a denim waistband and attach to the cut denim with a grommet tool.
- Using spray adhesive fix the cut jeans leg to the out side of the box.
- Measure the inside and cut lining fabric.
- Use spray adhesive to stick lining fabric. Hold in place with clips while the glue dries.
- Cover a cardboard base with lining fabric and place in the bottom of the box.
- Stencil the words "Bits & Bobs" to the outside of the boxes.

If you are wondering what to do with the leftover pockets of jeans you could save them and make my very popular Denim Pocket Organizer, or my iPhone Denim Pocket Pillow. There are also many more denim storage ideas here.
For more storage ideas, check out these upcycled old wooden crates.

Ranka Čordaš
VERY USEFUL AND EASY AND A FEW POCKET OUTSIDE WILL BE ALSO GOOD
Claire Armstrong
That is a good idea thank you.
Judy Hussey
I so love up cycling denim and these storage bins are great. I’m thinking of doing these and add a jean pocket outside or maybe inside for storage of little items as well as extra interest. What do you think?
Claire Armstrong
I think that sounds like an awesome idea. I would have the pocket on the outside.
Katy SkipTheBag
These are so cute I love the denim and the “bits and bobs”. How clever!
Posts like this would be perfect for the Waste Less Wednesday Blog Hop! One is live now: http://www.skipthebag.com/2016/11/waste-less-wednesday-blog-hop-111616.html
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, and thanks for the invite.
Sam @ Raggedy Bits
Such a clever idea!! I love how these turned out! Love how you stencilled onto the front of them too! Brilliant!!!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Sam. I can’t resist a bit of stencilling!
Helen at Pleasures of the NW
Congratulations! Your boxes are featured on this week’s DIY party!! Come by and grab a featured button tomorrow and thanks for sharing!
http://www.pleasuresofthenw.com/diy-party-30-its-a-crafty-project-round-up/
Claire Armstrong
Thank you look forward to seeing them.
Michelle
These are so cool Claire. It’s amazing how some fabric and a creative mind like yours can transform a boring cardboard box into something so functional and pretty. Beautifully done!!
Claire Armstrong
Cheers and thank you Michelle.
Kim
These boxes are so cute! I love the bits and bobs, and I should totally make these because I have a TON of bits and bob laying around with no home!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Kim ! Yeah never any shortage of BITS and BOBS in my house.
Danielle @DIYDanielle
Great boxes! Thanks for linking up at #SustainableSundays!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you !
Diane
I love how meticulous you are about the details— it really shows on all your finished products!
I have a piles of saved denim and piles of “bits and bobs” (never heard that saying before, but I like it). So this project is perfect for me with one change…labeling mine “doo” & “dads”.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Debbie. I’m English so it’s a very English expression “bits & bobs”.
Pam @Threading My Way
Awesome boxes, Claire! No one would know how they began. Featured in a roundup of denim projects…
http://www.threadingmyway.com/2016/11/12-days-of-christmas-diy-challenges_3.html
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ! Just looked at the round up, some great ideas.
Grandmas House DIY
These turned out just darling! Our To grandma’s house we go link party starts over at our place tomorrow morning, would love to see you there!
Claire Armstrong
Thanks for the invite.
wendy
Such an easy to follow tutorial, Claire!
Claire Armstrong
Thanks Wendy that’s good to know, I try to make them simple to follow.
Helen at Pleasures of the NW
What a fun idea! Thanks for sharing on Pleasures of the NW’s DIY party!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you !
Cecilia MyThriftStoreAddiction
Love these Claire! Thank you for sharing @Vintage Charm–pinned!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you glad you liked them.
creativejewishmom/sara
love it claire, fabulous! thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Sara.
Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled
Love the expression “Bits and Bobs”! I may start saying that here and totally confuse my kids. Great ideas to have a central collection box for all the random items that somehow travel from their original location to, in my case, the kitchen. I’m constantly making a pile of Legos, books, clothing to carry back to the other side of the house! Visiting from BOB Tribe.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you VIctoria, “bits and bobs” is a British expression, you can always just stencil “stuff” or “random stuff” on them.
Sharon
Hi Claire they look so stylish and very useful. Would love to spend a couple of hours making some with a few peeps if you have time xx
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Sharron, I’ll see what I can do.
Anika
Claire! This is amazing! I love how you made these and how the seams line up at the bottom… totally genius!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you very much Anika, I love to get the seam of jeans into my upcycles whenever I can.
Ivory
Beautiful ideal. I love everything you did here. Not only are they beautiful, but very nice and so much needed deep storage. Thanks for sharing.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you very much.
Toni | Small Home Soul
Those boxes turned out great, I love how you got the natural seams in the pants to line up at the bottom of the boxes. Really cute!
Claire Armstrong
Thanks Toni, I like to use the seams and waistbands of jeans in my denim projects because I think they add more interest.
Mary-the boondocks blog
Claire I love the denim look and you certainly have given a new and cool life to those old storage boxes. The yellow inside is a fun touch.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Mary, I almost went with burlap inside but then decided to go with a pop of colour.
Susie
Well, this project is adorable to the moon and back. LOVE!!! You are quite the genius. Stumbling…. XOXO Susie from Chelsea Project
Claire Armstrong
Thank you very much Susie. I think genius is stretching it a bit but love the complement.
Janine
Claire,
Such a great project! I love how it turned out!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Janine.
Anne
These are wonderful! I’ve featured your tutorial on Craft Gossip here: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-recycled-jeans-storage-boxes/2016/10/27/ –Anne
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, look forward to seeing it.
Susanne
Oh my goodness!!!! I am in love with these boxes!! What a budget friendly way to make cute storage!! Pinning and sharing 🙂
Claire Armstrong
Thank you very much ! I can’t resist a denim project.