Dollar Tree File Folder DIY Toolbox

Okay, a little bit of storytime before I get to the details of making this easy Dollar Tree File Folder DIY Toolbox.

I like to just walk through my local Dollar Tree stores to see what they have and try and get some DIY inspiration. On my most recent trip, I literally stumbled upon these adorable file folders!

I knew INSTANTLY, that I wanted to decoupage these for a DIY project! Now, I wasn’t 100% certain how I was going to use them, just that I HAD to get them!

Watch the DIY Tutorial

I recorded the how-to steps of making this adorable Dollar Tree File Folder DIY Toolbox during a LIVE video on my Facebook page!

If you want to see the DIY process, craft along, or just join in on the fun conversations, you can watch the DIY tutorial replay!

WATCH THE DIY TUTORIAL REPLAY

For this project, I will be using these items, but you can substitute where you want.

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• Dollar Tree Tag Signs (x2)
• Dollar Tree Chalkboard Sign
• Wood Beads
• Dollar Tree Adhesive Cork Sheet
• Dollar Tree Rulers
• Apple Barrel Burnt Umber Acrylic Paint
• Apple Barrel White Acrylic Paint
• Dollar Tree Wood Dowels
• Dollar Tree File Folder
• Jute Twine
• Dollar Tree Viburnum
• Dollar Tree Metal Pencil Holders (x2)
• Mod Podge
• Finial Caps (Walmart)
• Scissors/Aviation Snips
• Hot Glue gun
• Glue Sticks

How to Make a Dollar Tree File Folder DIY Toolbox

The Dollar Tree chalkboard sign that I used for the bottom of this adorable DIY toolbox was slightly wider than the two Dollar Tree tags that I used for the side.

To make the bottom sign work, I had to trim it just a little. I marked the width of the tag sign on the chalkboard sign and used a ruler to cut a straight line with an Exacto knife.

Then, I used a pair of pliers to bend the chalkboard sign and break off the excess sign. I went back over the edge of the sign with a pair of scissors to clean it up.

I painted the edges of the chalkboard sign with brown paint, then cut the adhesive cork sheet to the same size as the chalkboard sign and stuck it on the sign.

Next, I painted the sides of each of the tag signs with Apple Barrel Burnt Umber Acrylic Paint. Trace out the size of the tag signs on the file folder and cut the shapes out.

How to Decoupage

Remove the stickers from the backs of the two tag signs and apply a coat of Mod Podge to each of them. Place the file folder cut-outs on the surfaces.

Use a rolling pin to smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles in the file folder and press the folder onto the Mod Podge evenly and firmly.

You’re going to decoupage the adorable file folder on both sides of each of the Dollar Tree tag signs. Let the Mod Podge dry, then lightly sand the sides of the Dollar Tree tag signs.

Next, I worked on the pencil holders. Lightly brush some white paint (I use Apple Barrel because it is so affordable and still great for my DIY projects) onto each metal cup and allow the paint to dry.

I used Dollar Tree rulers to make the panels for this DIY decorative toolbox, so I had to remove the color strips from them.

Then, mark the length of the bottom Dollar Tree sign on each of the four Dollar Tree rulers and trim them to the same length.

Hot glue the Dollar Tree tag signs on the short sides of the base, then stain the trimmed Dollar Tree rulers.

Bring it all together

To do that, spray the rulers with water, pour your brown paint onto the rulers, and use a wet wipe to spread the paint across the rulers.

Once the stained rulers are dry, dry brush a bit of white paint across the rulers. Let the white paint dry, then lightly sand both sides of each of the rulers.

Hot glue them across the open sides of the DIY decorative toolbox. I used sanding sponges as spacers for the rulers to make sure they were level and evenly spaced.

Poke holes through the file folders where the holes in the Dollar Tree tag signs are, then push a wooden dowel through one of the holes.

Slide the wood beads over the wood dowel, then push the end of the dowel through the second tag sign. I chose to keep the natural wood color, but you can stain or paint your beads if you want to.

The finishing touches

I wrapped jute twine around each of the metal cups, several times, and tied the twine in a little bow. You can add a dab of hot glue to the jute twine to really secure it in place.

Fill both of your metal cups with your flowers of choice. You will probably have to trim the stems of the flowers/greenery to make them fit inside the DIY decorative toolbox.

Lastly, hot glue the four finial caps to the bottom of the Dollar Tree file folder DIY toolbox, and put your painted pencil holders planters inside the toolbox!

I hope you enjoyed this Dollar Tree File Folder DIY Toolbox as much as I did and decide to make it for yourself! If you do, I would love to see how yours turns out!

You should totally join my FREE Facebook group called On A Budget Crafts! It is a judgment-free community for DIY crafters to show off their projects and ideas. 

If you loved this DIY, you might also like these DIY ideas!

• Hot Glue Mold DIY Home Decor
• Dollar Tree Trophy DIY Farmhouse Decor
• DIY Farmhouse Buffalo Check Gather Sign
• Simple Buffalo Check Farmhouse Plant Jar

Thanks for stopping by! XOXO Amber

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