Repurposed: From Spice Shelf to Mail Organizer

Recently, the Man of the House mentioned that we were in need of a mail organizer.  Something other than letting it pile up on the corner of the kitchen counter.  I looked and looked... in stores and online; but found nothing that was really doing it for me.  Then I realized the answer was right under my nose (or to be more precise - hanging right in front of it!)

I had this little shelf rack, which I used to use as a spice shelf.  But I had also recently gotten a counter top spice rack so this little gem was just begging for a new purpose.

**Cue the creative light bulb going off**

The first thing to go were the wooden pegs - those were going to have to be upgraded!

Next up - lose the light blue backing!  I painted the inside a creamy white.
*Helpful hint #1: If you have a small painting job - those sample size jars of paint at the home store are ideal!

I then cut strips of decorative ribbon the length across the front, plus a little extra for folding under

*Helpful hint #2: a flat iron is perfect for ironing ribbon!

 

Once the ribbons were ready I attached the to the front side edges of the shelf with upholstery tacks

 I used two strips along the bottom of each shelf opening to create a little "front" to the shelf

Last, I added two porcelain knobs found at World Market (for only $1.99 each!) where the wooden pegs used to live.  And....

VOILA!!  

Hang it back on the wall..  pop a little basket on top.. and it's a whole new look and use for an old item!