My insane goal this past Christmas was to try to make most of my gifts. I found myself scouring crafting websites and following lots of tutorials and loading myself up on ideas. One of the things that happens to me when I'm getting so much outside inspiration is that the inspiration starts to seep in and I start getting ideas of my own! Yay!

Anyway, one of the fabulous ideas--from Cat on a Limb--was turning a beer holder into a caddy. For anything, really. Gardening, utensils, toiletries, you name it. I decided to make mine an art caddy and filled with art goodies, give it to my niece for her 5th birthday.

I have to admit: It wasn't easy. Because I wanted this to be really special, I used a variety of different coordinating papers. Each paper had to be cut specifically for its own section of the caddy, (Cat on a Limb recommends folding each piece of paper that will be put into the 'holder' sections into a triangle to insert them, and then opening them up into a square, and I definitely agree!) and I often felt like I was standing in the middle of paper scraps. The best thing I did was use a spray adhesive instead of any type of paint on glue to get the papers in place.

However, once all the papers were in place, I could see the end result coming together and got more excited. Using some decorative ribbon, I lined the sides and handle of the box, giving it a little more 'little girl' appeal. I also used scrapbooking ephemera to decorate the front of the box. After sorting out art supplies (an art kit from Ikea came with chunky pencils, a set of crayons and watercolor paints, and I supplemented with colored papers and sticker sets), the 'art caddy' was complete!

The best part? The birthday girl loved it!