But not the box tops for education.  Instead, building tops for these $3 boxes from Target’s dollar spot.  These plain wood boxes are the perfect size for Handy Sammy’s bookshelf/nightstand storage.  But I wanted lids to hide everything inside.  So I looked in the garage and found a scrap of 1/4 inch MDF that was slightly larger than my box.  In a word, perfect.

I measured the outside of the box and the inside.

And cut four pieces.  One piece the same size as the outside, and another 1/4 inch smaller than the inside, for both boxes.  Plenty of wood glue to attach the two pieces and wait for it to dry.

Then I started painting.  I’m a rebel and skipped primer, but it would help.  And sand the boxes quickly.  I wanted something similar to these lacquer boxes, so I covered the edges with gold craft paint.

After the gold dried, I marked off 1/4 inch on all sides, then taped off the corners.

Mysterious blue paint and primer left over from the mini dresser covered nicely.

I still want to spray the boxes for a smoother, glossy finish, but I love how they look.

To make it easier on myself, I painted the inside of the boxes blue and the covers all gold.

As we tackle projects for the guest room, I’m getting more antsy to finish it.  Because I want to see everything together.  If you’ve got a tray you’d like to cover, this was as easy as two cuts.  What do you think?  Are you willing to give it a try?  Or have you done something similar?