DIY Leveled Book Boxes

 Is getting more organized at the top of your resolution list?  Check out this easy way to put your leveled library in order.

Items to Gather:

 
• Cricut (I used Accent Essentials and Learning Curve cartridges for this project.)
• thermal laminator
• label maker
• paper cutter
• Ikea magazine boxes 
• card stock
• scissors
• ruler
• tape

Instructions:

1. Cut the top part off each of the magazine boxes.

2. Assemble each of the boxes.  When assembled, I found each box holds up to 9 sets of leveled reading books.

3. Next, I made dividers to separate each of the titles. I chose three different colors to make my dividers.   Cut the card stock into 8 1/2 by 10 inch sheets. Then, I used my Cricut with the Essential Accents cartridge to cut  3 1/2 inch accents. You will need one piece of card stock and one accent for each divider.

4. Position the accent on the back of the back of a piece of card stock, extending it about 1 1/4 inches above the top of the paper to make a tab.

5. Use a piece of tape to secure the tab to the sheet of card stock.  You could also use glue to attach the tab.  I found the tape didn't show once it was laminated, and the tape was easier to work with if I needed to re-position the tab.

6. I used my label maker to print the title of the book.  Then, I trimmed the label and attached it to the front of the tab. 

7. Laminate the divider and trim the top edge. 

8. Slip the dividers behind each set of books

This is two boxes of level C books, one behind the other. Now, I can see and find each title quickly and easily. 

Other Tips and Suggestions:

I used my Cricut to make labels to identify which level of books were in a box.  I used the Accent Essentials to cut a 5 inch circle out of colored card stock a 4 1/2 inch circle out white card stock.  I used the Learning Curves cartridge to cut a 3 inch letter.  Layer the circles, and glue them together.  Laminate the label, and attach it to the front of the box.  

Happy Organizing!