Did you catch my tassel photo on insta last week? After making the tassels, I waited for a time when squirrelly boy was quietly playing in the play room to attach them to the boxes. You read that right. This IKEA hack drona boxes with tassels were completed in the same amount of time as a toddler’s attention span. Okay that’s not entirely true as I made the tassels all before. All in all though these took me about 10 min per box. So they can easily be started and finished while your child plays lego or on the couch while binge watching your favourite show.
I first saw the idea for using tassels as decor on kids boxes on this image right here (ack! I can’t find original source!). It’s a super easy and cute way to add colour to a plain box. One important thing to note however is that these tassels ARE NOT HANDLES. They’re simply decor, so you will have to teach your children (and yourself…) to pull the boxes out by the fabric handle already on the box.
Ready to give your drona boxes a colourful pop and flair? Let’s make ’em!
M A T E R I A L S
- IKEA Drona Boxes
- Either a regular or centring ruler
- Pencil
- Yarn
- Large eye needle
- Scissors (I use these stork embroidery scissors all da time!)
S T E P S
- Your first step is to make tassels. I didn’t photograph it because there are tutorials ALL OVER. I used this photo from La Bio Guia as a reference. Instead of cutting out cardboard, I wrapped the yarn around my phone lengthwise. I used a 1.5ft long piece of yarn to tie it up (3rd photo in tassel diy) to allow for a lot of slack for threading through the box handle.
- Use either a regular or centring ruler to determine the centre of the handle/box, then with a pencil, mark out 3 inches on either side. This is where the tassel will thread through, so to have proper handle space I wouldn’t recommend much larger/smaller than 3 inches.
- On those marks, poke holes with your needle and drive it through to get a nice sized hole. Then thread the yarn through the needle and pull it through each side to thread the tassel through. Ensure the bound up side of the tassel (5th & 6th photo in tassel DIY from step 1) is on the backside against the box so the knot isn’t visible.
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- Now, determine how high/low you want your tassels to hang. I measured the bottom of the tassel 3 inches above the bottom of the box.You decide where the tassels to sit, but like in step 2, make sure there’s clearance to put your hand through to use the box handles. Remember! The tassels are not handles.
- Now, carefully slide your finger underneath the handle and pinch the yarn where it sits against the fabric. This is where the knot needs to be. Alternatively, you could flip the handle up (making sure the tassel doesn’t shift) and mark the spot on the yarn with a sharpie.
- Pull the thread down and carefully, without moving your finger and losing that spot, tie a double knot where your finger pinches the yarn. Repeat on the other side.
- Lastly, trim the excess and you’re good to go!
I’m super happy with how these turned out. I debated also adding cascading pom poms, which I might still do down the road. For now though, the tassels suit me just fine.
I love a good IKEA hack! These turned out so cute.
Thanks Melissa! I know I love how versatile IKEA is
I have these boxes at home. I use them for the kids toys. I love the idea of adding the tassels.