Crafter Spends Just £5 Turning Cardboard Box Into Coastal-style Bathroom Caddy

• Victoria Bunn turned the beaten-up box from shabby to chic in four easy steps
• She estimates that the upcycled project cost her around half the price compared to buying new
• Says friends are “shocked” the caddy was once just a cardboard box

When you're redecorating, it’s the little touches that can make a big difference. And when you’re able to rescue a piece of rubbish, such as a humble cardboard box, and transform it into an accessory you love, the reward is even sweeter.

Victoria Bunn, 35, a full-time mum from Nottinghamshire, is no stranger to turning trash into treasure. “I’m a crafter and I love making things – especially for my house,” she told money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk. “I love the feeling of walking around my home, spotting things I’ve made and knowing it's one of a kind.”

The need for a stylish bathroom caddy was born out of an everyday frustration many of us can relate to.

“We are a big family – I have four children aged from 4 to 12 – so we get through a lot of loo roll,” she jokes. “I was getting frustrated with having to go to the cupboard all the time to restock the bathroom and wanted something on hand all of the time.”

The idea was inspired by an upcycling project Victoria spotted on Pinterest.

“I saw a similar caddy that was made out of a cardboard box,” she says. “I thought it was a fantastic idea and so cheap to make. I've seen lots of these types of caddies in the shops and they can be expensive, ranging from £10.”

Spurred on by the idea of getting a similar look for half the price, Victoria gathered her materials: an old cardboard box, half-inch thick rope, fabric, hot glue, kraft card, chalkboard paper and chalk.

“I spent £5 on the rope, fabric, and glue stick, and the other supplies I already had at home,” she says.

Here’s how she did it:

Step 1: “I chose the fabric – a piece of natural linen – and placed it inside the box so to make an inner lining. I then wrapped the fabric over the top of the box and glued it into place.”

Step 2: “I took the rope and glued one end along the top of the box – you don't need to take it all the way to the top, as it's best to leave a little space so you can see the material. Next, I started carefully wrapping the rope around the box until it reached the bottom, and glued it into place.”

Step 3: “To make the rectangular-shaped label to go on the front, I cut a slightly larger rectangle out of kraft card and then placed a smaller rectangle of chalkboard paper over the top. I then wrote a message on the front with white chalk and glued the label to the front.”

Step 4: “Lastly, I cut a couple of pieces of rope and glued them on for the handles.”

“It was so simple and easy to make,” says Victoria. “There were no tricky bits to this project at all.”

The idea is simple, but there are lots of ways you can adapt it to make it your own.

“If you can't get hold of rope, you can adapt it by using garden twine,” she suggests. “I'm so happy with the result – it looks great in my bathroom. I've had so many people compliment it and they’re often shocked that it’s made from a cardboard box.”

Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, comments: “Upcycling has become even more popular during lockdown, as people look for creative, budget-friendly ways to put the finishing touches to their home.

“Crafting your own accessories is an easy way to put your own stamp on your place. Plus, you’ll be doing your bit for the environment, by giving a new lease of life to everyday items.”

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