Do you guys ever feel like there’s a bit of a shortage when it comes to chic office supplies? Of course, there are the classic lucite options, but if I’m going to spend eight (or nine, or ten…) hours a day at my desk, I wouldn’t mind the company of some interesting and pretty organizational accessories. Since Lisa Frank is no longer deemed stylish, I set out to fix this problem DIY style, and discovered a new appreciation for standard steel mesh office supplies. Turns out the mesh makes the perfect canvas for cross-stitching, and since these supplies are super cheap, it’s a quick and fun way to give your workspace an instant facelift. I had so much fun working on this project that I had to share the step-by-step with all of you, after the jump!
I absolutely love the color selection offered by Lily Sugar ‘n Cream yarn. I picked up five favorites at the local craft store: pink, orange, light blue, royal blue and white.
Stitching takes time. For me, this activity was perfect for relaxing on the couch and catching up on hours of HBO.
- Spray paint office supplies and allow to dry.
- Cut a 2-foot long piece of yarn.
- String through the eye of a yarn needle.
- Determine where you would like your first ‘X’ to go. Coming from behind the mesh, thread the needle all the way through the bottom-left corner of the ‘X,’ leaving a 1-inch tail in back.
- Weave over and through the top-right corner of the ‘X’ to create your first stitch.
- From behind the mesh, thread the needle through the top-left corner, and over to the bottom-right corner.
- Drop down one hole and start your next ‘X’ there, repeating steps 3 and 4.
- Repeat step 5 to create a third ‘X’.
- To angle your diagonal upward, move up two holes from your last stitch, and mark that as the top-left corner of your ‘X’. Repeat once, and then begin angling downward according to steps 3 and 4.
- Once you’ve competed one zig-zag row, snip the yarn at the end. No need to glue or not — the stitches with stay in place.
- To begin the next row down, return to your starting point and repeat, moved down one hole.
*photos by Camille
So adorable! I am definitely going to do this for my office. Definitely girly and chic, well done!!!
I love this idea!! I’ve been dying to amp up my desk space with something pretty, but didn’t want to spend money on something as simple as a pencil holder. I will definitely be trying this!
xoxo
Amanda
advicefromatwentysomething.com
SUPER cute!
Such a cute idea! Love it. I have just the basket to do this with, can’t wait!
I am OBSESSED with this DIY! A great idea that I will be tackling soon!
This is utterly brilliant! It’s so true, it’s hard to find chic office supplies and ones that are chic and affordable. I have that exact basket (which probably everyone does!). Can’t wait to give mine a makeover!
This is so adorable! I think they would make really cute gifts for teachers too. I’m pinning for the fall 🙂
Love it! That would be such a fun gift to give to girfriends or my mom. Might need to do one for myself!
Chanel, you’re a genius! I love this and am totally doing it.
Woohoo!! Thanks 🙂 Let me know how it goes!!
So cute!!! Great idea!
absolutely genius — i’m so doing this! I recently stitched a herringbone pattern in my straw fedora, and I’m obsessed with the technique now! thanks as always for sharing your talents!
This is just fantastic. I have one of these already. Time for a makeover to my office supplies.
Love this! Very chic. Can’t wait to try this.
Love this! So cute and colorful…plus I love that it can be customized to match any decor.
Brilliant! I have one of those staring at me right now and I’ve never thought of customizing it. Gracias!
Awesome, love this DIY! Would you be interested in writing about his project as a guest post over at my blog Stardust? I host a guest blogger every Friday and I’d be happy if you did. Just let me know.
Love, Olga
We love this idea! Just shared it on our facebook page too!
Hi there! I love this project–I found it via Curbly.com. Just wondering–do you have any special tips or tricks for getting your metallic spray paint so smooth? I follow the directions on the can, but it ALWAYS comes out looking gritty and terrible! Thanks and love your blog!!
I love the idea of adding a little fun to the mundane. Great work!
Gosh I did a tutorial for desk accessories embroidered with a chevron pattern so very similar to this a couple of months ago.
That is just so cute! 🙂
Doing this right now! So cute!
I’ve done a pink one! http://emusing-emma.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/letter-rack-makeover.html
I absolutely love this idea!
How would you suggest to do it if they are already painted? Mine is painted orange currently.
You could re-spray paint them a different color, or leave them orange and stitch with complementary colors!
yes it is looking too nice i will try this
This is so clever! Thanks so much!
So beautiful ! I can also decorate my chair with yarn .Thanks for your diy tutorial.