DIY Chevron & Chalkboard Paint Organizer Baskets

If you were to walk through my apartment, you probably wouldn’t be able to guess my age. The empty keg on my balcony indicates I’m an immature 18 year old with a fake ID, but my craft room (yes, I have a room dedicated to crafting—feel free to laugh) indicates I’m either a stay-at-home mom in my mid-thirties with seven kids or, on the flip side, a kindergartener.

Regardless of what my craft room says about me and my age (“dork!”), the important thing is that it’s organized. Using woven baskets, chalkboard paint and some ribbon, I made these chevron labeled baskets, and I wanted to share the DIY project with you. It was a craft project for my craft projects, but you can use these baskets for any part of your home that needs organizing—cooking supplies, the closet, jewelry, office supplies, mail, etc.

SUPPLIES

• Basket/s (I got mine at A.C. Moore but also check out TJ Maxx, Target or Christmas Tree Shop for cheap options)
• Wooden squares (check the wood section of your local A.C. Moore or Michael’s)
• Chalkboard paint
• Acrylic paint (colors of choice)
• Small paint brush
• Wood glue
• Ribbon (color of choice)
• Painter’s tape
• Chalk
• Hot glue gun

HOW I DID IT

First, I made the wooden labels. I wanted a blue, tan and white color scheme, and since I was making six baskets, it worked out that I’d have two labels for each chevron color combination.

1. Paint the wooden squares in the lighter of the two colors to be used. Apply two coats.
2. Once dry, apply the darker of the two colors in a zigzag chevron pattern. I free-handed it, but you can use the painter’s tape to outline your pattern beforehand (this may take more extra time than it’s worth, however). Again, two coats.
3. Once dry, use the painter’s tape to outline a square in the middle of the wooden label. Apply 2-3 coats of chalkboard paint in the middle.
4. Once dry, carefully remove the tape. Use chalk to write a label on the square.

Next up, add finishing touches to the baskets.

1. Use hot glue to secure a ribbon around the rim of the basket, leaving enough slack at each end so that you can tie a bow. Secure loops of bow to the basket with a dab of hot glue.
2. Attach the wooden label to the front of the basket using wood glue. Give ample time for it to dry thoroughly before turning the basket upright.

Before I made these baskets, I had all my craft supplies spastically dumped on top of each other in anxiety-inducing bins. Now my shelves are pretty, organized and—obviously—super dorky. But I’m ok with that.