Make a super cute DIY dog toy box to match your home decor and personality!
DIY Dog Toy Box
Materials:
- Wooden Crate (affiliate link)
- Wooden dog emblem – $.79
- Wooden letters – $.99 a piece
- Paint brushes – $3-5 per pack, $.97 for the small individual
- Wood glue – $3.99
- 1 bottle of Craft Essentials 8oz acrylic paint – $2.99 (I bought two but only ended up needed one)
- 1 bottle of Craft Essentials 2oz acrylic paint – $1.49
- Dixie cups/plastic cups
- Newspaper
- Sand paper
I got all of my materials at JoAnn Fabrics but many of the items are cheaper on Amazon. The cups, newspaper and sand paper were items that I already had at home. I would bet that you can purchase a majority of these items at any major craft store.
Step 1: Prepare your area. I decided to use my kitchen counter since I was going to paint the crate with a brush rather than spray paint. I started by putting down a couple layers of newspaper on the counter.
Step 2: Next, I took my sand bar and sanded down some areas on the crate where there were loose wood pieces. It’s no fun getting splinters and it’s much easier to paint smooth surfaces.
Step 3: I poured some paint into a plastic container that I wanted to use for the main color of paint. I was able to hold the container in my hand, which made painting much more efficient. You can use a simple plastic cup for this. I painted the bottom and inside of the crate first and worked my way out.
Step 4: I only needed one coat of paint for the entire crate and I didn’t worry about the inside being painted perfectly. I did have to touch up areas here and there as the paint dried. As you’re painting the small crevices, make sure that the paint isn’t dripping on the other side. I had lots of drips that I had to smooth out. Also, I didn’t paint the bottom underside of the crate.
Step 5: Let the crate dry for at least two hours. Wipe the paint with your finger to ensure it’s completely dry before moving it or adding anything to it.
Step 6: While the crate dries, move onto the letters. I set up a separate area on my kitchen table to paint the letters. Layer the table with newspaper and layout the letters. Choose the color you’re using, and pour a small amount of paint into another cup.
Step 7: Hold each letter and paint them using vertical even strokes. When the letters dry, paint the area where you were holding it.
Step 8: Allow the letters to completely dry. Give them at least an hour.
Step 9: After everything is dry, turn the crate on its side and lay out the letters so you can decide on placement. Remember to include any other emblems or decorations in the layout. Once you are sure on placement, use some Elmer’s wood glue to attach the letters to the crate.
Step 10: Get all of your letters glued down. My brown dog emblem was uneven so I was only able to glue the head to the crate. It’s secure but I made sure not to skimp on the glue.
Step 11: Leave the crate on its side and allow everything to dry for at least another hour (the longer, the better). I planned on using some cute paw print stencils on my toy box but they ended up not working out. So to add another pop of cuteness, I tied a fabric bow to one of the crate’s handles.
Step 12: If your DIY dog toy box is all dry, fill it with toys and enjoy!
Affiliate links may be present in this post but Amanda only shares products that she uses and loves!
Dusty Desert Dogs says
Super adorable!!! I’m going to have to make one!
Amanda says
Thanks friend! I love how it turned out and it was really easy to make 🙂
Lindsay Pevny says
Awww! I’m glad you included your costs, too. We’re moving to a bigger home in July, and maybe it’s weird that one of the biggest things I’m looking forward to is having room for more dog toys and a toy box. I like how perfect this toy box would be for teaching my dogs to put their own toys away.
Amanda says
That’s how I felt when Matt and I got our house in 2013! The biggest deal was having a ton of space for (at the time) Wynston and all of his stuff. I’m very excited for you! What I love about projects like this is that for the money spent, around $25-30, I might as well make something that I LOVE instead of purchasing a pattern that may not be what I want.
Nichole says
I LOVE this DIY project! I’m going to have to do one this summer.
Amanda says
Thanks Nichole! I want to do another one!!!!
Jessica Luu says
This is such a great idea! but I was just wondering, is acrylic paint safe for dogs?
Amanda says
I’m honestly not sure. I don’t think it’s a problem unless your dog is ingesting it.
Caroline Jones says
I absolutely love this! Definitely going to make one for dogs.
Amanda says
Great! Thank you!