Like many Americans, I drink too much coffee. I used to buy it all from Trader Joe’s so I had a lot of cardboard containers left over. I try to avoid throwing them away so I upcycle them. Grocery bag storage seemed like a great way to recycle.

This was my grocery bag situation:

I know, it’s rough. I’m ashamed of myself. That junk needed concealed somehow.

Enter: the Trader Joe’s coffee container.

Materials needed for homemade grocery bag storage

• pen
• scissors
• Mod Podge
• paint brush
• old container
• scrapbook paper

 

Step 1: measure and cut

Measure your container and cut your scrapbook paper to comfortably wrap around it.

 

Step 2: glue the paper to the container

Using your Mod Podge, glue your appropriately-sized paper around the container.

Tip: Don’t use too much glue or the paper will warp.

 

Step 3: create your label

Use a piece of excess scrapbook paper to make a label. Fold it in half and cut a shape similar to the one in the image above.

I freehanded mine, but you can use one of these printable label templates if you prefer.

 

Step 4: label it

Write out your label for the storage container.

 

Step 5: glue on the label

Glue your label to the container.

Tip: If you used a pen or marker to write on your label, give it a few minutes to dry or the ink might smear.

 

When you’re finished, you’ll have a much nicer storage option than I did when I started. Now that it’s not such an eyesore, I feel better about leaving the bags out in the open. It’s amazing how many grocery bags can fit in that little thing.

You can even cut a little slit in the lid (like a bank) if you want to have easy access. I’m going to stick with lid removal.

I’d love to hear what you think. What do you like about it? What would you change? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Happy crafting!