Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Adding Inexpensive Industrial Look

I recently purchased some metal bins,
to add a little industrial vibe to the sunroom...
and to keep schoolbooks out of sight when not in use.

The children and I love to spend time in the new sunroom, 
and rightly so, we do pretty much anything in there.
The galvanized bins are great, 
as you can't see what's inside, but 
we were having to pull out the bins to see what was inside.

So I decided to add some vinyl letters/numbers.
My approach is very simple.
Removable peel and stick vinyl squares 
(found at $1 for 5 squares at a consignment sale),
and .10c complete set of paper stencils.
(found at a garage sale)
I have used both stencils and squares for several project,
and still have plenty vinyl left.
I traced the letter K and the number 1 on the white paper backing of the vinyl.

I did trace it backwards, so it would stick on the bin the right way,
and used an xacto knife to cut the lines.

I labeled one K for Kindergarten and 1 for first grade,

so we can keep the school workbooks separated by grade.
I also added a date on the smalled galvanized bin.

Same approach.
You could totally paint the numbers on it, 
but I really wanted to be able to easily remove the vinyl when they will be no longer needed.

This was a VERY inexpensive and fun project.

Stay Frugal,
Daniela

14 comments:

Junkchiccottage said...

Good Evening Dani,
This is a great idea. I like that you can change up the bins with numbers or words. I bet that sunroom is great to be in.
Kris

NanaDiana said...

Oh-LOVE your bins. How wonderful that you are able to enjoy your sunroom now...that was a long time coming with the work you did there. Blessings- xo Diana

Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking said...

Good idea to use stickers. I really like those bins, I've never seen any like that here.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

The bins are fabulous, love the tin with black letters, just the perfect touch.

Mindi@MyLove2Create said...

Very smart and cute! I love the look of the black on the metal. I am so happy you are enjoying your sunroom!

Kelly said...

They look great! Such a great idea to label them in that fashion. Now you have something functional and stylish at the same time.

Mary Palumbo Collings said...

Daniela, Mi piace questo look… bella idea…
Un abbraccio, Mary

Revi said...

I love the look of your bins, Daniela! Once again, nice job on the lettering.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love these, too. You always come up with great ideas! Enjoy your week!

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Daniela,
Not only are they attracitive looking this way, but very practical too!
You always come up with common sense solutions that work great!
Hats off to you.
Hugs,
Mariette

Carla from The River said...

Great idea!! I always like stuff to have a home. This is great. Plan to do this too. :-)

andi filante said...

so cute! Where did you find the bins?

-andi

Libby said...

Love the look!

Anonymous said...

I love galvanized metal anything! The idea of putting the grades on the bin was brilliant.