DIY Tin Tier

Today, I can happily report that we are 95% done with our office.

And although it's not the world's classiest office, we are very excited about a more functional space to work!

Since I was on a pretty slim budget for my little craft/business "nook," I had to find creative (and cute) ways to organize and store my stuff. I'd seen some tin tiers around the web (like I talked about here) and wanted to make one on the cheap.

Using stuff I had mostly on hand, I whipped up this lady:

She's pretty cute, huh? Since I'm actually not too horribly blessed in the "crafty" department, it's safe to say that it was pretty easy to make. Believe me, if I can do it, you can too!

Here's what you need:

• 2 tins (one large, one small)
• 1 tall candlestick (I had a painted one on hand!). You'll need one with a flat top and bottom.
• Epoxy glue (not pictured...oops!)
• Scrapbook paper or other paper (such as dictionary pages, an old map, wallpaper, wrapping paper...etc)
• Foam brush
• Mod podge
• Scissors

Step one: Cut scrapbook paper in strips according to the size of your tin. Mine went a little over the top, but I simply trimmed it off later.

Step two: Apply a layer of mod podge to the tin. Don't cover the whole tin; work in sections.

Step three: Moving slowly, place the strip on the tin. Make sure to press it down firmly and squeeze out air bubbles. Continue this process until all strips are glued on. They will probably overlap a little--which is totally okay :)

Step four: Once glue is fully dry, apply a coat of mod podge as a top coat. Once that is dry, repeat with another one or two layers.

Step five: Once glue is dry, apply a thin layer of epoxy glue to the top of the candlestick. Take the tin you are using for the highest tier, place it upside down, and find the center. Place the candlestick on the center of the tin (it will be upside down). Carefully place something on top to apply pressure and weight. Let dry. Don't forget to get some academic reading in while you wait for it to dry!

Step six: After the glue has dried (be patient!), apply a thin (repeat: thin!) layer of epoxy to the bottom of the candlestick. Place on the center of the bottom tier (it will standing upright). Again, add some weight to the top for pressure.

Step seven: Wait for it to dry completely and enjoy!

I fear that I'm not the most skilled tutorial writer, but I hope you get the idea! If not, feel free to contact me about any questions that you have--I'd be glad to help :)

{I'm sharing at It's Overflowing, Tatertots and Jello, Whipperberry}