There is no law stating that organization has to be ugly or hidden. In fact, the more aesthetically pleasing your systems are the higher likelihood that you will use them. If your budget limits you from buying the Pottery Barn organizing systems of your dreams, take heart. These hanging toothbrush organizers from thrifted frames are the perfect budget solution. This month I’ve paired up again with a group of awesome and creative ladies to bring you the monthly Thrift Store Decor Upcycle Challenge. We create a new home decor piece from an item(s) we’ve found at a thrift store, yard sale, resale shop etc. There is no budget or specific theme so we are free to let our creativity run wild! 

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Amanda | The Kolb Corner      Chelc| Inside the Fox Den     
Erlene | My Pinterventures     Kim | Made in a Day     Sara | Twelve on Main    
Debra | Shoppe No. 5      Shirley | Intelligent Domestications    
Marie | DIY Adulation     Lindsay | Crazy Organized   Michelle | Our Crafty Mom    
Julie | Live From Julie’s House     Dru | Polka Dot Poplars    
Maureen | Red Cottage Chronicles     Pili | Sweet Things        
Colleen | Life on Kaydeross Creek     Ann | Duct Tape and Denim     Sherry | Savvy Apron   

You can also follow our board on Pinterest for more upcycled decor inspiration!

[bctt tweet=”Find out how to make these toothbrush organizers from thrifted frames!” username=”diyadulation”]

Materials

• 2 5×7 Wooden Thrift Store Frames
• Blue Acrylic Paint
• 2 Metal Scrollwork Votive Holders
• 1 Sheet Yellow Cardstock
• Mod Podge
• Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks (or E6000)

Step 1

First, clean and disassemble your frames. Sand them if necessary.

Note:

• I chose not to sand mine because there was no lacquer on the wood. If yours do, I recommend sanding.

Step 2

Set up a protected surface on which to work and paint your first coat of blue paint on your frames.

Step 3

Set the frames off to the side to dry. Next, clean the glass panes removed from the frames if you are using them.

Note:

• I didn’t use the glass but, in the interest of full transparency, I had originally planned to. Unfortunately, I am the clumsiest woman alive. I tripped on the extremely flat floor of my office and busted one of the panes on the back of my desk chair. Since I didn’t have a replacement, I was forced to work with what I had. I still love how these turned out despite the absence of glass.

Step 4

Trace your cardboard inserts on your yellow cardstock.

Tip:

• Trace each insert individually. Although both frames are 5×7, the fact that they are thrifted can mean size variations. Make your life easier by tracing each insert separately from the start.

Step 5

Cut your traced images out of the cardstock.

Note:

• If using the glass panes, skip to step 10 now.

Step 6

Place a coat of Mod Podge onto your cardboard insert.

Step 7

Immediately set your matching yellow cut-out on top.

Step 8

Cover the top of the paper with another coat of Mod Podge to seal it. Allow it to dry.

Step 9

Repeat steps 6 through 8 for your second cardboard insert.

Step 10

Next, put a second coat of paint on your frames. Allow the paint to dry completely.

Step 11

Once your frames (and inserts) are dry reassemble them.

Step 12

Find the seam on one votive holder and run a line of hot glue down it.

Step 13

Next, attach the votive holder to the bottom center of the inside of your frame (where the picture would be).

Tips:

• Working fast will allow you to slide the votive holder so that it is pressed against the inside bottom lip of the frame.
• If you use electric toothbrushes instead of manual, use E6000 in place of the hot glue. This will create a stronger hold, allowing it to support the extra weight. Make sure that you allow the E6000 to dry for 24 hours before using your frames.

Step 14

Repeat step 13 with your second frame. Once every element is completely dry, hang on your bathroom wall and enjoy!

If you’re still looking for bathroom organization, check out this awesome upcycled bathroom organizer. Don’t forget to check out my friends before you go.

Be sure to check out all of the other creative upcycle projects my fellow bloggers have come up with!