Mom Transforms an Old $2 Knife Block Into a Great Organizer For Her Home

Let’s be honest, the words “child” and “organization” don’t necessarily go together. I mean, is there actually a kid out there who enjoys putting away his or her stuff in the first place? Yeah, we can’t think of one either, but that’s not going to stop us from trying to get little ones interested in keeping a clean space early on. We’re simply passionate about it!

That’s why we’re showing you a kiddie organizer today that is SO COOL, they won’t be able to help themselves—they’ll just have to use it!

The lovely host of today’s DIY video, YouTuber Serena from the Thrift Diving channel, shows us how to create an art supply organizer all by upcycling a wooden knife block. We love this project because we think it’s satisfying for experienced crafters, but it’s also simple enough for beginners to take a stab at, too!

Though you don’t have to be a master woodworker to complete this DIY, you do have to gather together quite a few materials first. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Wooden knife block (she found hers at a thrift store)
  • Power drill
  • ⅜” drill bit
  • Milk paint (the color is up to you!)
  • 3 metal two-hole straps
  • Pack of wood shims
  • Wood screws (#10 x ¾″)
  • Washi tape or decorative duct tape
  • 2 small mini nails or Gorilla Glue
  • Small hammer

Here are some of the essential steps so that you can get a better idea of how to best approach this project.

The upcycled wooden knife block acts as the main storage area for your kid’s supplies. She uses the ⅜-inch drill bit to make holes that are large enough to fit about a pack of Crayola crayons.

In order to cover up those knife notches, Serena takes her decorative Washi tape and places it on the top so that it edges around the holes. This is the time when you can also go in and apply that milk paint. We like the bright blue color that she has chosen to use! Sponge on some fluffy clouds and we’d love it even more!

This art supply organizer wouldn’t be complete without an area to hold your kid’s scissors and paint brushes! To create these spaces, Serena attaches her metal two-hole straps to the sides of the upcycled knife block. Make sure to plan before you get to screwing these guys in—they will work better either vertically or horizontally depending on the size of the art supplies.

Moms, dads, aunts, uncles, teachers—all take note, this kiddie organizer makes a great gift! To see how Serena puts the finishing touches on one of these beauties, be sure to check out Thrift Diving’s video below. We still can’t believe that this organizer started off as a knife block. Talk about a serious upcycle ‘win’!

What do you think of this DIY organizer? Have you made one of these before? How do you like to organize your little one’s art supplies? Tell us all about our thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!