How to make a pretty cutlery holder

Refresh and renew kitchen storage essentials with this thrifty upcycle idea

Who says kitchen storage essentials can’t be stylish? Whether on display or tucked away in a drawer, this easy craft idea adds a fun pop of pattern to cutlery trays using wallpaper offcuts and leftover paint.

You will need:

• Wooden
  cutlery holder
• Wallpaper
  samples (ours from a selection; Cole & Son, Laura Ashley,
  Clarke
  & Clarke, Homebase)
• Sandpaper
• Eggshell
  paint
• Mod
  Podge gloss (£4, Hobbycraft)
• Scissors
• Paintbrush

Step 1 Lightly sand the wood, then wipe down to remove dust.

Step 2 Paint the holder with two coats of eggshell paint, allowing to dry between coats.

Step 3 Cut wallpaper pieces to line the carrier and paste the back with a découpage sealer, e.g. Mod Podge gloss.
Place the wallpaper in the holder and smooth over with a brush to remove air bubbles and excess glue. Finish with a coat of découpage sealer.

Happy with the result? Why stop there… smarten up pantry shelves with a lick of paint, and line drawers or cupboards with oddments of wallpaper or fabric. If you’re storing delicate china or sharp objects, place a folded layer of linen in the bottom to stop any scratches or breakages. Keep up to date with country trends by creating changeable linings – instead of découpage, simply fix the wallpaper to the sides with Blu Tack.

Liked this? Visit Country Homes & Interiors’ homepage for more inspiring ideas.